As they were talking
about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to
you!” But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And
he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?
See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit
does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said
this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved
for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They
gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them (Luke 24:36-43).
The disciples were gathered together and
digesting the amazing report of a Jesus sighting by two brothers. Luke does not
give us a clear glimpse into their hearts, but we might imagine this room was
filled with a wide range of emotions. Suddenly, Jesus showed up, and His
greeting shows us that He knew their hearts were filled with trouble
and doubts. He set about immediately to address the dreadful
condition of their hearts with both words and actions that were intended to
give them peace, increase their faith, and show them His love. Here and down
through the ages, Jesus Christ has always blessed troubled disciples with the
appearances that assure us.
Our peace manifests when we sense
Jesus in the midst of our struggle. Jesus’ first response was to restore
His disciples’ peace. Let’s face it, when we’re going through a difficult
trial, our primary need is peace. Troubles capture our attention and force us
to focus on temporary and terrible things. They make us forget the final
promise of Jesus to His disciples… “Behold, I am with you always, to the
end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). I like that He said “behold”
because it reminds me to readjust my focus from temporary trouble to the
permanent presence of the Lord whenever I am tested, and when I do, I remember
His assuring words… “I have said these things to you, that in me you may
have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have
overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Our love magnifies when we share
with Jesus in His suffering. Jesus showed His disciples the marks of His
suffering. There is nothing we can experience in this life that Jesus is not
aware of and acquainted with… “He was despised and rejected by men; a man
of sorrows, and acquainted with grief… Surely he has borne our griefs and
carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:3-4). Maturing love is growing beyond a
desire to know the power of Christ. It is a hunger to know and identify with
the suffering of Christ as expressed by the Holy Spirit inspired words of Paul…
“that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his
sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10). The compelling
reminder of Christ’s suffering is reflected to every age to at the Lord’s
Table, and will forever be revealed in heaven… “And between the throne
and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as
though it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6). True disciples are assured
and compelled by Christ’s love to share His suffering and reflect His
compassion to our hurting world today… “For the love of Christ controls
us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all
have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for
themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2
Corinthians 5:14-15).
Our faith matures when we see
that Jesus is acquainted with our sorrow. Jesus’ final action was to eat
some broiled fish to confirm that He was truly raised from the dead in body as
well as spirit. I believe this was to confirm His humanity to the disciples, to
remind them that in every way, He was just like us… “For we do not have a
high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in
every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15), and
to assure us that we have the certainty of being raised just as Christ was… “in
fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have
fallen asleep… For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made
alive” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
As we grow up into Christ, our faith matures and our witness is empowered by…
The Appearances that Assure Us.
No comments:
Post a Comment