Listen

Jesus said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law from Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. He said to them, “This is what is written: the Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and a change of heart and life for the forgiveness of sins must be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”

Luke 24:44-48

Think

Upon his return, Jesus reminds his friends what he taught them when they were traveling together. During the course of his ministry, Jesus offered many teachings, stories, and warnings, but most of them were not understood by those around him. Now that he has returned, he brings attention and focus back to his teachings. Reminding his disciples of his lessons, Jesus shares words of wisdom and commands them to share the good news with others.

Something is different this time, though. Jesus’ words have not changed. His lessons of hope and warning are the same as when he walked with his disciples before, but now their “minds are opened” and they understand what they previously did not. Jesus has stayed the same, but we — his followers — are changed through our relationship with him. This change both allows us to understand things we could not before as well as compels us to teach and share with others the things we have learned.

Paris Ball

Question to Ponder:

When is a time you had to return to a lesson in order to really understand it?

Pray

Lord Jesus, sometimes I need your words repeated over and over. Please do not become impatient with me but draw me closer and closer to you. I know that even my understanding of your message is a gift from you, and I thank you for your willingness to return again and again to teach me.

These days I’m struggling to learn _________. Help me learn and grow to be like you.

Amen.

Go

May God’s comfort and peace surround, enfold, and protect you

Remaining with you from this day and forevermore.

Amen.