Luke 24:36b-48 (NRSV)
Read Luke 24:36b-48 on biblegateway.com
Verse 36While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." Verse 37They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Verse 38He said to them, "Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Verse 39Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." Verse 40And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. Verse 41While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" Verse 42They gave him a piece of broiled fish, Verse 43and he took it and ate in their presence. Verse 44Then 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, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled." Verse 45Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, Verse 46and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, Verse 47and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Verse 48You are witnesses of these things.
Devotion
The Emmaus story (which comes earlier in Luke 24) has become recently beloved. When I served in the Oregon Synod this was a special story, because we resonated with its themes of accompaniment, hospitality and knowing Christ "in the breaking of bread." I think it was through hearing this story that I found the courage to help initiate emergency food programs in my community. It was a challenge and a joy.
This little episode in today's reading immediately follows, when the Emmaus disciples run back to Jerusalem to announce that Jesus is raised. When Jesus announced "peace," his followers were jarred from the ordinary to the extraordinary and they didn't know how to deal with it. Jesus led them through a multi-sensory experience, proving he was alive and real. Then in words that are Luke's version of the Great Commission, Jesus deciphers scripture's great purpose, imparts knowledge and then entrusts it to them and us. "You are witnesses of these things."
Prayer
Resurrected Christ, be apparent to us in the breaking of bread, and in the words of purpose, knowledge and mission which you give us to speak. Amen.