[:en]SCRIPTURE: LUKE 24
Bible Verses:
“In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” (Luke 24:5-7)
“He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. 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.” (Luke 24:46-49)
THE RESURRECTION (vs. 1-12)
Early in the morning, the woman took spices and went to the tomb. The stone was rolled away and the body of Jesus was gone. The women were perplexed and two men in clothes told them that Jesus had risen. So, the women went to tell the 11 disciples but they did not believe.
ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS (vs. 13-35)
Two men were walking to Emmaus and discussing about what had happened to Jesus. Then Jesus walked along with them and taught them scriptures. He stayed with them at the table, took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to them. Then, they recognized Jesus and he disappeared from their sight. When they returned to Jerusalem, they told the 11 what had happened on the way.
JESUS APPEARS TO THE DISCIPLES (vs. 36-49)
Jesus suddenly stood among them and said: “Peace be with you” (v. 36). They were startled and frightened thinking that it was a ghost. Jesus told them to look at this hand and feet and touch him. Then he asked something to eat. They gave him a piece of broiled fish. He took and ate it and explained to them the fulfillment of the prophecy about his death and resurrection written in the Law of Moses and Psalms. He told them to be the witness and to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins with the power from on high.
THE ASCENSION (vs. 50-53)
Jesus led them out of the vicinity of Bethany, lifted up his hands and blessed them. Then he was taken up into heaven. The disciples worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
THOUGHTS:
- The women were the first to know that Jesus had risen because they ere faithful followers of Christ.,
- The two men were discussing about what had happened and were very discouraged. But Jesus unlocked the prophetic scriptures by walking and talking with them on the road. He opened their eyes and hearts to understand that the Messiah must suffer and die before He could enter His glory. When Jesus revealed himself to them personally, they became enthusiastic witness for Christ. May the Holy Spirit teach us to learn His Word and share the good news to others.
- Jesus appeared to the disciples in the Upper Room and showed them his wounds on his hands ands feet. He ate with them to show them that his resurrected body had flesh and bones and could appear and vanish. He gave them the assurance of His peace and presence. Let us accept the confirmation of His peace and presence.
- Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he left them with the commission to be preachers and witnesses of His works and words. Let us share the message of redemption to the whole world.
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