“And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you”, he said.
Luke 24:36
We left off yesterday with the disciples thinking the women had flipped their lid with the story that “He is alive.” Now they are hearing the same story from the two men from Emmaus when Jesus proves them right. In verse 36 we are told:
“And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them.
“Peace be with you”, he said.
Now, I’m sorry gals, but there is a part of this story that if it wasn’t so serious – it would be funny. Bear with me a moment…… Jesus does have a sense of humor – he displayed it more than once during his three years with the disciples. I believe He probably had a little fun with this.
Get the picture: since back in verse 11 when the women first told them of Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples have finally started to believe the story really is true, Jesus has risen. But the story still seems too good to be true. He had been with them – alive and powerful – for three solid years. Then in three short days everything had changed to doom and gloom. Their emotions had been going up and down like a yoyo. He is alive – he is dead – He is ALIVE…. They couldn’t comprehend – “grasp” it all. How can a dead man come back to life? If this were us – right now – this day – we’d be scared silly – excited, but still scared silly – just like they were.
Then suddenly– wa-la – there Jesus is, standing in the midst of them. Real. Alive. They were stunned. The yoyo goes up again……is it possible? How is it possible? They didn’t say a word – just stood there wide-eyed and scared to death. He must be a ghost.
v.37: “But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost.“ NLT
I can relate. When Tom & I were dating in high school we went to his house one day for lunch. We walked in and didn’t hear his mom anywhere and the house was eerily quiet. Suddenly I heard a strange noise and spouted out without thinking, “I think I heard a ghost!” Well, can I say Tom was laughing so hard he literally fell on the floor, doubled over – for 15 minutes no less! To this day I don’t dare remind him of it, and if he thinks of it – well, it just starts another 15 minute fit of laughter. I promise I won’t be showing him this Daily Dose.
Now, back to verse 37 – here stands Jesus in the flesh – and their first thought was they were seeing a ghost. Jesus sure is more merciful than my boyfriend was – now my husband —-IS! Jesus didn’t fall over in laughter – (I wonder if that was hard for him?) – he just asked them why they were afraid.
Isn’t it amazing – Jesus – God himself – didn’t laugh – but offered something they could wrap their minds around. He offered them hope and proof.
He offers it to us too………..
Until tomorrow,
Your traveling partner,
Brenda
photo credit: https://www.freeimages.com/photographer/Mr_Ristoo-35608