Believing the Resurrection

And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them, and greeted them. But the whole group was terribly frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! 
Luke 24:36-37

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This incident happened shortly after Jesus was raised from the grave. I can't feel too critical toward these guys. After all, in their minds, a dead guy just walked in. Still, why was the resurrection such a surprise to them that they were filled with fear?

It's not like they were never told...

Clearly, Jesus was curious as well. He said, “Why are you frightened? Why do you doubt that it is really I? Look at my hands! Look at my feet! You can see that it is I, myself! Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost! For ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do!” 

Well, actually...sometimes seeing is NOT believing...

Then, Jesus made His point. “When I was with you before, don’t you remember my telling you that everything written about me by Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must all come true?” 

In fact, if they had been listening for the past three years this should not have surprised them. It had been written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day. Even so, some truths are difficult to absorb. I once had to fire an employee. I had taken great pains to document everything, counseled with her several times and clearly warned her. Yet, she was entirely surprised when it happened.

Some people simply don't listen...

So, we're told that Jesus "opened their minds to understand at last these many Scriptures!" And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem filled with mighty joy, and were continually in the Temple, praising God.

An important truth contained in this passage is the fact that we often hear things but don't understand them. I might be riding in the car with Mali and she suddenly asks "so, what did he say then"

Huh? I heard the words but they didn't compute. She's continuing a conversation from a couple of hours ago. After sounding quite dull, she helps me make the connection and...I comfortably join the conversation.

This is what Jesus is willing to do for us...connect the dots. It's not necessarily our fault that we have trouble understanding. It is our fault that we refuse to ask for clarification. I believe many people would be willing to follow Christ if they could just figure Him out. Yet, they never ask for help.

Their fault...

Jesus said "seek me and I will be found...if you seek me with your whole heart". If we haven't found Him, maybe we should ask for a little help. I still ask...all the time.

Live boldly out there today...