I Told You So!
Opening Prayer
Recall some the of ways that you have experienced God’s faithfulness recently. Then, pray and be thankful for them.
Read LUKE 24:36-53
[36] While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” [37] They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. [38] He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? [39] Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” [40] When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. [41] And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” [42] They gave him a piece of broiled fish, [43] and he took it and ate it in their presence. [44] He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” [45] Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. [46] He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, [47] and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. [48] You are witnesses of these things. [49] I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” [50] When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. [51] While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. [52] Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. [53] And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How did Jesus prove he was not a ghost, but alive?As Jesus explained his death and resurrection to the disciples and showed them the accuracy and fulfillment of Scripture, he could also have said, “I told you so!” It’s comforting to learn that his close followers still needed help putting all the pieces together. They still had doubts. He even invited them to touch him to check if he was real or a ghost (39). Would we have been any quicker to believe? Wouldn’t the miraculous events have blown our rational minds, too?
Very little information is given in the next scene, but before their eyes Jesus is taken up into heaven (50-52). Known as the “ascension,” it marks the bodily separation of Jesus from his followers, indicating that the work he was sent to accomplish on earth was finished and the next phase about to begin. Jesus stirs up anticipation when he asks them to remain in the city and wait for the power which his Father had promised. Usually, “I told you so” is spoken with scorn and arrogance, but Jesus treats his followers with unlimited love and compassion. He’s always ready to explain one more time and continually faithful in assuring them of his everlasting presence.
Apply
How can the Holy Spirit be a guide and help to you now? Ask for a sense of his presence and help.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for completing Your wonderful work here on earth and sending the Holy Spirit to remain with us.
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