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Luke 24:36-49
Jesus Appears to His Disciples 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. Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for[b] the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” |
Joy banishing the desolation
Desolation – common just now for so many and causing much mental anguish. Life as it was is no more, liberty has been largely removed and the whole world seems to be desolate. New strategies are devised to combat Covid, and just as each looks as though it might work, another twist makes it look improbable.
This was no doubt the state of mind of the disciples when they were congregated together after the death of Jesus. They must have been desolate that so much promise had been extinguished and they did not understand why. And then Jesus came among them, and showed them His flesh and bones, and asked for food to nourish Him, and He asked them why they were troubled (v38). Then He opened their minds (v45) and after some more instruction He left them.
We are told later (v52) that they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. The joy, banishing the desolation, came from believing that all that they had been taught by Jesus had been, and was being, fulfilled. It is thrilling to think that despite all the gloom around us this Easter, the teaching and prophecy from Jesus, and the whole of the Bible, is with us, and through faith joy can banish the desolation. Is it not our duty as Christians to kindle that light of joy around us, that others may see not desolation but joy, and want some of it?
Angus R