Devotion • July 10
Today’s Scripture Reading
Luke 24:36–53
While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look 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.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence. 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, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God. (NRSV)
Reflection
Just before this passage, the disciples had encountered Jesus on the road, though they did not recognize him. But when they invited the man (still thinking he was a stranger) to join them for a meal, their eyes quickly opened as Jesus broke the bread and blessed the meal.
It seems both surprising and completely predictable that the disciples were in a state of disbelief: Was this really Jesus? Despite the fact that they’d loved him and followed him loyally, they were still deeply unsettled and caught completely off guard by the sudden appearance of their teacher. After all — much like us today — they are only human, fallible, and oh-so-quick to doubt.
And true to his starring role in the unfolding drama, Jesus is quick to reassure: “Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
According to one analysis, this Gospel passage has three movements, like a three-act play.
First, Jesus reminds his friends of the lessons he’s already taught: “Everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.”
Second, Jesus calls the disciples his “witnesses,” but the noun carries a richer, more profound meaning than is usually implied. By “witnessing,” the disciples — and by extension, all who profess to love and follow Jesus — must be ready to act out our love “to the ends of the earth.” We’re not just here to watch.
Third (drumroll please), Jesus ascends, blessing his disciples with his final words.
The blessing is a crescendo, as the disciples — whose eyes are now both literally and physically open — embrace the command to spread the message of Christianity far and wide, blessing and celebrating God’s love as they depart.
Prayer
Creator God, help my unbelief. I so want to believe, always and actively, in everything you are and everything you teach. I do believe fiercely, but as with all of us, my faith sometimes flies out the window before I can snatch it back. Forgive and heal my weakness, Lord. Help me to remember that even when I can’t see them, your footsteps are always beside me, carrying me when I have wandered. Amen.
Written by Betsy Storm, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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