Sunday April 19th, 2015 3rd Sunday of Easter Luke 24:36-48
While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." (verse 36)
The followers of Jesus were busy. They had heard about the risen Jesus revealing himself to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Now they were trying to understand what it all meant. Suddenly, Jesus stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” If we were standing there, good Lutherans that we are, we would likely immediately reply, “And also with you,” then reach out to shake the Messiah’s hand or give him a hug.
Or would we? Wouldn’t we instead be like those disciples, startled, terrified, believing they were seeing a ghost? I believe it would take another miracle for Jesus to revive me after I fainted!
We won’t see Jesus like this, at least in this age. However, Jesus told those disciples and us that there is another way the Saviour is revealed-through the word. Further, we who hear it receive a task-to take it into our hearts and share it with the world. In this way, we will share both the mystery and the continuing power of the cross, until the day when all know God’s peace.
God, in Christ you offer us peace, forgiveness and life. Help us to witness to this wherever we are, that one day all might see you and give thanks. Amen. — MHD
Contributed by What Happens Next
The followers of Jesus were busy. They had heard about the risen Jesus revealing himself to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Now they were trying to understand what it all meant. Suddenly, Jesus stood among them, and said, "Peace be with you." If we were standing there, good Lutherans that we are, we would likely immediately reply, "And also with you," then reach out to shake the Messiah's hand or give him a hug.
Or would we? Wouldn't we instead be like those disciples, startled, terrified, believing they were seeing a ghost? I believe it would take another miracle for Jesus to revive me after I fainted!
We won't see Jesus like this, at least in this age. However, Jesus told those disciples and us that there is another way the Saviour is revealed-through the word. Further, we who hear it receive a task-to take it into our hearts and share it with the world. In this way, we will share both the mystery and the continuing power of the cross, until the day when all know God's peace.
