April 16, 2020
In this passage we see Jesus appear to the disciples that were gathered together. John’s account of this event informs us that the disciples were in a room with the doors locked because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders.
Just days before, the disciples had shamefully forsaken Jesus and fled whenever their Master was crucified. They allowed their disbelief in Jesus’ words and their fear to take precedent over their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
However, when Jesus appears to these disciples He does not utter one word of rebuke or impart shame on their fear and lack of faith. Calmly and quietly He appears in the midst of them and the first words He speaks to these followers are, “Peace to you!”
The disciples were most likely filled with fear and experiencing shame, abandonment, and confusion. Whenever Jesus appeared it is possible that they were immediately anticipating some form of rebuke from their Master, yet the Risen Savior sought to calm them and bring them peace.
Luke 24:36-49
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them.
44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Are you currently experiencing any of the emotions that the disciples were after Jesus was crucified? Fear? Shame? Abandonment? Confusion?
In what area of your life do you need the calming presence of Jesus and the “peace that surpasses all understanding”? (Phil. 4:7).
Jesus desires for you to cast all of your anxieties on Him (1 Pet. 5:7). Are you willing to surrender all that you are and everything you are experiencing into the faithful hands of Jesus? To the One who has authority over all things, and the One that is for you and “with you to the end of the age”? (Matt. 28:20).
I tend to worry about the future and when I have to make a hard decision. God though intercedes in my time of worry and I will read verses like these and know that I do not have to worry.
Lord, replace my fear and confusion with your peace. I trust that you will provide what I need today, give me direction, and the power to follow you because you know what is best for me and you are with me.
A great reminder of John 10:10. I have never felt rebuked by my Lord & Savior, but I have been woefully ashamed knowing my Lord & Savior witnessed my sin, and fully aware of his mercy, as my sin could have resulted in for worse results. But though his mercy benefits me, I’m more aware that all things work for the Glory of God. Just like the disciples, things could have turned out much worse, Jesus had every reason to rebuke them, but God…
Yes, Sheri. Thank you for sharing that. I felt as if you were speaking from my heart. Amen and thank you Lord for the “but God”
Yes, a bit confused about what’s happening in our society right now. I feel like our nation has been in great sin and God is punishing us for our sins. I feel like I’m not doing enough to help people understand that this is time to get on your knees and ask for forgiveness. I worry about my children I pray for guidance & favor in their life. I’m not stressing but trying to take opportunities to share whenever I see an open door. I give him praise & glory everyday.
The biggest anxiety I have right now is distance learning. I personally do not like using the computer for much except basics like checking emails, glancing at news, etc. All the logins, passwords, websites, etc. are messing with my mind. LOL! But then I think about the parents with several kids distance learning at the same time and that makes me feel ashamed and embarrassed that I’m having a hard time with this. BUT then I am reminded that Jesus wants us to bring all of our trials to Him, not just the ones we deem are big or really serious, but rather all of our needs big and small. They are all important to Him, and give me yet another opportunity to draw closer to Him.
No worries! God’s got this!
I love this part. What a beautiful picture of God’s patience. He explains and gives his peace and understanding. He does not shame or rebuke. He does not give us a reason to wall up behind our pride. He does not reject us. He loves us, connects with us, and prepares us for what will come…He even makes us wait when it is not the right time❤