April 11, 2024

Rhonda Patterson
"While the disciples 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.' When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, 'Do you have anything here to eat?' They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence."
Luke 24:36-43

The intimacy of this scene exhibits Jesus’ sensitivity to his disciples. He knew just what they needed and delivered it. Jesus’ request for food and eating before them was his powerful declaration, “See! I am alive!”. He revealed himself through word and deed. The disciples struggled to believe even as they witnessed Jesus’ return with their own eyes. Jesus told Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29 That’s us!

A question to consider today: Because Jesus showed such compassion for his followers’ struggles with doubt back then, will he not show generous grace and mercy to those who have not seen and yet believe? The truth is he does; he even called us blessed. Jesus understands our doubts and meets us right where we are. Let’s take a few moments today to reflect on an area in our life where doubt whispers and invite Jesus to show his resurrected power there. And let’s choose to believe that by the power of the Holy Spirit, in his timing, he will.