LET HIM IN
Opening Prayer
Jesus, I lay down my fears before You, may Your peace visit me.
Read Luke 24:36–53
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
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 Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the 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.”
The Ascension of Jesus
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.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
“Peace be with You” (36). Do you have peace today?Can you imagine the excitement back in Jerusalem as they meet the others; the sort of meeting where you can hardly get a word in edgeways? But they are still not thinking straight and are suddenly overwhelmed by an “apparition” (36, 37). There is a comic aspect to the scene; the disciples are all over the place. Is this a real person or a ghost? They are filled with delight and doubt. Their joy mingles with unbelief. Such conflicting emotions.
Could it be that you are “all over the place” right now? First Jesus wants you to know that he is not a ghost (39). He rose bodily from the dead. If the resurrection was not a physical event, the Christian faith unravels (1 Corinthians 15:17).
Then he offers his peace, which envelops us and makes us secure. Not necessarily safe, but always secure (36). Next he will sit with us and open the Scriptures: some Bible study (45)! Allow your mind to be opened to the big story of redemption (45). It is so invigorating. Finally, a task, and with it the power to tell what we know to all who will listen. Jesus says, “You are my witnesses. I will send the Holy Spirit if you will wait” (Acts 1:8).
Apply
The risen Christ longs to mend us and make us whole. Can we have the courage to let Him? Hand over your broken pieces to Christ and give Him permission to do what it takes to make you whole.
Closing prayer
My Friend, I am poor and weak and broken. I need You every day – every moment. Fill me, mold me, rebuild me as only You can.
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