Luke 24:36-53

content/bible_journal/luke_24:36-53.md

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+title = "Luke 24:36–53"
+date = "2023-02-26"
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+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk24.36-53)
+
+While they were talking about Jesus visiting with Simon and with Cleopas and
+the other disciple, Jesus shows up again! It seems like He just suddenly
+appears in the locked room with them all, without warning. This time He proves
+to them that He is physically there, showing them the wounds His body still
+bears, and eating some fish. I really like the phrase Luke used, "they still
+disbelieved for joy" (_v. 41_) A lot of them had seen Jesus raise other people
+from the dead, but this is the only time anyone has ever raised themselves, so
+their disbelief is understandable. But even when they can see Him there, they
+are so happy they can't really believe it.
+
+Next, Jesus lifts the veil on their minds that kept them from fully
+understanding the words He spoke about Himself concerning His death and
+resurrection. He explains to them as He did on the road to Emmaus how so many
+things in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and even the Psalms are about
+Himself. Not only passages like Genesis 3 and Isaiah 9, but like Psalm 22 and 2
+as well.
+
+Jesus commissions His disciples to be His witnesses of these things, that
+Christ has suffered and died, but rose again. Therefore, they are to call the
+people to repent and gain forgiveness of their sins in the name of Jesus. They
+are witnesses of a factual account, not a made-up story for the accolades of
+man. God has done wonderful things in their lives, and now they should tell
+everyone about them. The first place they should start is Jerusalem. Jesus
+tells them to stay there in the city until power from Heaven comes down on
+them.
+
+"Then", that is forty days later (as Luke tells us in the sequel), Jesus takes
+them a couple of miles from Jerusalem, prays over them, and ascends into
+Heaven. The disciples respond with worship and great joy.
+
+* * *
+
+Stir up our hearts and move us to respond to Your great message to the world.