Jesus appears to His disciples image

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

Jesus Appears to His Disciples image
Luke 24:36‭-‬49 Click to read the text.

Five times Christ was seen the same day that he rose: by Mary Magdalene alone in the garden (John 20:14), by the women as they were going to tell the disciples (Matt. 28:9), by Peter alone, by the two disciples going to Emmaus, and now at night by the eleven.
It was a great surprise to the Apostles when Jesus just appeared out of the blue, because the doors were locked while notes were compared by the Apostles concerning Jesus’ resurrection. 
Upon Jesus’ appearance, He put all their questions and concerns to rest.
When Jesus spoke and said, “Peace be with you.” He was comforting them. To put any doubts to rest. It was a visit of love and friendship. It was also a way for Jesus to show them that He forgave them for how they treated Him and that they were reconciled to Him.
The Apostles were first frightened thinking they saw a spirit, because Jesus just appeared. He didn’t walk through the door. Jesus gave the Apostles great satisfaction to realize and know that He was for real, in a human body; not a spirit.

The proof he gave them of his resurrection, both for the silencing of their fears by convincing them that he was not a spirit, and for the strengthening of their faith in that doctrine which they were to preach to the world by giving them full satisfaction concerning his resurrection. Two proofs he gives them:

  1. He shows them his body, particularly his hands and his feet.
  2. He eats with them, to show that he had a real and true body and that he was willing to converse freely and very informally with his disciples, as one friend with another. Peter lays a great stress upon this (Acts 10:41):
    1. We did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead. 
  3. The insight He gave them into the word of God, which they had heard and read, by which faith in the resurrection of Christ is molded into them and all the disputes are cleared away.

They were still unbelieving, so Jesus further showed them proof by asking for food to eat. So, He ate some fish they served him.

“What is God’s word saying today?”

  • I can trust Him. So can everyone else.
  • The proof is right in front of me and you.
    It’s God’s very own word and the miracles performed.
  •  Don’t believe the lies of Satan.

How can I apply this to my life?

  • I think of instances when I’m frightened and unbelieving. 
  • I will trust Jesus and not be frightened and unbelieving.
  • Be bold in sharing His Good News of the Gospel.

Do I need to make changes? If so, what?

  • There is always room for improvement. Nobody is perfect.
  • Human nature has a bent toward negative choices and sinful ways.
    Is there any action that I need to take?
    • In knowing this, I’ll make better and more positive choices and fight against my sinful nature.
  • That being said, it’s important to stay in the word of God and listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Prayer: Dear Father God, I thank You for this lesson today. I pray for the readers to also be thankful and for their hearts to soften if they’re hardened and Father God, use me how You will for Your purpose and plan. Comfort my soul when I’m unbelieving and show me Your way. In Jesus’ name, amen.