Scripture: Luke 24:36-39
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
Observations:
The resurrected Jesus appears among the disciples in the upper room. They were startled and afraid by His presence because of their doubts. He offers them comfort and encouragement.
Application:
Jesus shows up in the upper room and says to the disciples, “Peace be with you.” It reminds me of a phrase used on the popular 90’s TV show Seinfeld. When someone shows up at their door unexpectedly, they referred to it as a “pop in.” The most dramatic “pop in” on Seinfeld was when George’s girlfriend escaped from prison and showed up unannounced at his apartment. Jerry called it, “the break out, pop in.” I would say that Jesus has her beat in terms of a dramatic pop in, “the resurrection, pop in.” The problem is that the disciples should not have been surprised to see Him. He promised that He would rise from the dead and even told them when, three days later. So Jesus popped in and blessed them with His peace.
Have you ever experienced a time when God’s presence in your life was a surprise? Because of our own doubts, we are startled when Jesus pops in and blesses us. We have doubts that He will show up even though He tells us that He will always be near. We should expect that Jesus will be present in our lives. His peace is always available to us.
Prayer:
Lord God, Thank You for being present in our lives, help us to never doubt Your presence and always receive Your peace, amen.