Monday April 6th, 2015 Luke 24:13-49
While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." (verse 36)
The disciples had locked themselves away in the Upper Room, gripped by fear of the authorities and the hostile world outside. Unexpectedly, someone came through the locked door and stood amongst them-not by force, as they were all terrified was going to happen, but through a power of love and forgiveness that is so great that it can conquer death. Christ is risen! Hallelujah!
Almost all of Jesus’ disciples betrayed or abandoned him prior to his crucifixion, but the risen Christ’s first words were reassurance that any brokenness that existed between them had already been mended: “Peace be with you.” (verse 36)
Jesus reminds his disciples of the promise of the coming Holy Spirit. They won’t be able to remain locked in that small room any longer once they are “clothed with power from on high.” (verse 49) Faced with the call to be Jesus’ witnesses in all nations, they will encounter trouble, but they will have God’s Spirit to guide their path and Jesus’ promised peace to comfort them and renew their hope. Jesus blesses us with that same promise.
Merciful God, fill our hearts with your peace and empower us to be your witnesses. Amen. — KLS
Contributed by Peace Be With You
The disciples had locked themselves away in the Upper Room, gripped by fear of the authorities and the hostile world outside. Unexpectedly, someone came through the locked door and stood amongst them-not by force, as they were all terrified was going to happen, but through a power of love and forgiveness that is so great that it can conquer death. Christ is risen! Hallelujah!
Almost all of Jesus' disciples betrayed or abandoned him prior to his crucifixion, but the risen Christ's first words were reassurance that any brokenness that existed between them had already been mended: "Peace be with you." (verse 36)
Jesus reminds his disciples of the promise of the coming Holy Spirit. They won't be able to remain locked in that small room any longer once they are "clothed with power from on high." (verse 49) Faced with the call to be Jesus' witnesses in all nations, they will encounter trouble, but they will have God's Spirit to guide their path and Jesus' promised peace to comfort them and renew their hope. Jesus blesses us with that same promise.
