May 7, 2000

Luke 24:36b-46 (CEV)

Jesus appeared and greeted [the disciples]. They were frightened and terrified because they thought they were seeing a ghost.

But Jesus said, "Why are you so frightened? Why do you doubt? Look at my hands and my feet and see who I am! touch me and find out for yourselves. Ghosts don't have flesh and bones as you see I have."

After Jesus said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. The disciples were so glad and amazed that they could not believe it. Jesus then asked them, "Do you have something to eat?" They gave him a piece of baked fish. He took it and ate it as they watched.

Jesus said to them, "While I was still with you, I told you that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, and the Books of the Prophets, and in the Psalms had to happen."

Then he helped them understand the Scriptures. He told them: "The Scriptures say that the Messiah must suffer, then three days later he will rise from death. They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to turn to God, in order to be forgiven. So beginning in Jerusalem, you must tell everything that has happened. I will send you the one my Father has promised, but you must stay in the city until you are given power from heaven."

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1. The disciples didn't believe the report of the women at the first part of this chapter. They were still trying to digest the word from the two reporting from Emmaus. Then comes Jesus to them and they are reported to be frightened.

2. We all have enough information to smooth our life, but we keep getting frightened.

3. An Easter or revival question is, "Who have you not paid enough attention to who has been trying to teach you about the meaning of life and you can't believe that GOD would send the Holy Spirit to you in their guise?" Which untouchable, less important than yourself, might be your teacher? Isn't it time to figure that out and listen well so you won't continue to live from fright?

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