Luke 24:36-43
36 Now while they were telling these things, Jesus Himself suddenly stood in their midst and *said to them, “Peace be to you.”
37 But they were startled and frightened, and thought that they were looking at a spirit.
38 And He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why are doubts arising in your hearts?
39 See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, because a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you plainly see that I have.”
40 And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.
41 While they still could not believe it because of their joy and astonishment, He said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?”
42 They served Him a piece of broiled fish;
43 and He took it and ate it in front of them.
Jesus Appearing Before the Disciples
Disciples fear
While the disciples were discussing the resurrection, Jesus Himself stood among them. To debate the resurrection in one’s mind and to actually encounter the risen Jesus are two entirely different things. Let us see how the disciples reacted. (1) They were frightened. They thought they were seeing a spirit. This is a natural human reaction when confronted with a supernatural event. (2) When they heard Jesus speak to them, they were filled with joy. (3) Yet they still could not believe because of their overwhelming joy. In the human world, people say, “Be careful of things too good to be true.” But in the world of Christian faith, it is not so. The Bible teaches, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the human heart, all that God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9). Are you the type who refuses to believe what you cannot understand with your own mind? If your heart is closed because of unbelief and fear, then invite the risen Jesus into that place. Jesus will give your heart “the peace of God (shalom).”
What is the gospel
Now let us consider what “all that God has prepared for those who love Him” means. (1) Jesus triumphed over death. His resurrection demonstrates this victory. (2) Jesus rose with a new body. He entered a room that had been shut. This new body was no longer limited by earthly space or time. Jesus said, “See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see.” We too will one day receive a resurrected body. (3) Jesus ate broiled fish in the presence of the disciples. This act reminded them of the meal of fellowship and reconciliation they had shared at the Last Supper. Through this, Jesus affirmed His love and forgiveness toward His disciples. When you become certain that resurrection after death is truly guaranteed, how do you think your way of life will change? Are you living in pursuit only of what has eternal value?
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, I am convinced that resurrection after death is surely guaranteed. I no longer fear death. Now, I welcome the risen Lord into my heart. Please let me continue to walk with You today. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.