“As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, ‘Peace to you!’ But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, ‘Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?’” Luke 24:36-38
When the disciples first encountered Jesus after His resurrection, they were startled, frighted, even disbelieving out of joy. They simply did not know what to make of this incredible sight. Jesus assured them that it was indeed Him, that He was real–that He was raised, flesh and bone. He showed them His hands and feet. He ate fish in front of them. They began to believe but were still greatly perplexed.
What changed their demeanor from fear to faith?
It was when Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. It was when He demonstrated to them that His resurrection was no novel occurrence but rather all the Scriptures, the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms, all pointed to this event. Only when they understood the Scripture were they were settled. The disciples may have been startled by the resurrection, but the Scriptures weren’t. The resurrection was according to plan.
The Word of God should ground all our hopes and expectations. The events of our lives often surprise and startle us. But if we remember what the Word of God says we need not be so disturbed. When the Word informs our view of reality, when we understand its explanation for our lives, its statement of our purpose–it puts us on solid ground. When the Scripture is our foundation the twists and turns of life are not so disturbing. We know that all our days are in His hands and that He works all things according to the purpose of His will.
The death and resurrection of Christ–while perplexing to the disciples, was right in line with all that God had planned. The Scriptures anticipated it and they explain it. If we understand the Scriptures we will be settled in life. If we don’t we will frequently be startled and perplexed.
Lord help me to know your Word, to be informed by your Word, to understand everything that happens in my life through the filter of your Word. May Your Word be the bedrock under my feet, and the foundation that under-girds my life. Thank you for making your Word known to me through Christ. Amen.
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