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 Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and 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.”
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.
Reflection:
While listening to the two men telling what they just experienced, Jesus stands among them and greets them! They were so amazed and filled with joy, they couldn’t understand what Jesus was saying. However, Jesus brings them back to reality by asking for some food and they see that it is really Jesus who is among them. He teaches them how all the things that occurred had to happen to fulfill the Scriptures, and then tells them to stay until what the Father has promised has come and they have been clothed with power from above. So that’s what they did, they stayed worshipping and praising God.
Response:
It’s so exciting and wonderful to be in Christ. It’s amazing how He came and rescued us and how He wants us to tell others of His Good News. Let’s continue to worship God together in our communities, campuses and missional groups and may our worship and praise grow stronger and louder. Let’s also pray that He will clothe our communities, our campus ministries and our churches with His power that He will fill and empower us with the Holy Spirit so that we may go and preach the Good News to those around us.
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