April 10, 2012
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

The Eighth Day Dawns

Please see the links to our EXTRA Bible Study notes at the bottom of the page.

Opening Prayer

Living Lord, above all else, I want to know You, love You, and obey You. Speak to me from Your Word now.

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

“After the resurrection, Jesus no longer belonged to this narrow, material world, with its time and space restrictions: he belonged to that ample, higher world of spirit which alone is real and eternal” (James S. Stewart).

Doubt continues to linger in the disciples’ hearts, despite the testimony of the angels, of the women, of Peter, and of the Emmaus travelers. For the great majority, these testimonies are mere hearsay. Now, the last vestiges of despair are dispelled as the risen Jesus suddenly appears in person to the assembled disciples (36). Jesus first convinces them of his identity, and then of the reality of his body. Jesus’ resurrection body is transformed and possesses new powers, such as the ability to pass through locked doors. The physical body of Jesus buried in the tomb was raised “a spiritual body” (1 Cor. 15:44). Nevertheless, it retains its physical nature, also; it can be seen and touched as well as having the ability to eat and digest common food (42,43). The disciples are so overjoyed that the pain and anguish of “Holy Saturday” are forgotten. This joy remains even after Jesus leaves them to ascend to heaven (52,53).

Jesus’ ministry during the 40 days between his resurrection and ascension fulfills two objectives. One is to present convincing proof that he is, indeed, alive. The other is to ensure that the disciples are fully aware of the master plan in which his death and resurrection are pivotal. That plan is found in the Old Testament (44-47) and contains four parts. First, the Messiah must suffer and rise again. Second, all nations must be told in Christ’s name to turn to God and be forgiven. Third, the disciples must tell everything that has happened. Fourth, they must wait until the Spirit is given.

The first and fourth parts have been completed. The Messiah has come. The Spirit has been given. It’s now up to us to carry out parts two and three! Will you treat your part as a “must do” activity?

Apply

How are you carrying out your part of the master plan? Rely on the presence of Jesus and the power of the Spirit.

Closing prayer

Sovereign Lord, renew my heart for world evangelization. May my heart beat with Your heart for the nations.

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