Listen

While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.

Luke 24:36–43

Think

In the middle of “happy” we can still feel scared. Even as we are reminded of God’s love and gifts we can feel afraid and need reassurance. Knowing Jesus is not a quick cure for all that lives in us and around us. We won’t always feel peaceful simply because Jesus offers us peace. 

Seeing Jesus did not completely free the disciples of their sadness and disbelief—they needed proof. And Jesus was willing, even though he’d shown them over and over and over again that he was the one sent to free them, to stretch out his broken  hands and feet and show them his scars. He needed them to know he was real.

What incredible patience Jesus shared with them. The one who showed them what it meant to love—that loving is both wonderful and terrifying—also showed them that love can take time to make itself known.

Gina Yeager-Buckley

Pray

Holy God, peace is what you seek for me and from me. Help me reach out to your son, who reaches for me, to see that, even in my doubt, even in my fear, I can be certain of your peace. Amen.

Go

Resurrection changes things—
Each and every day.

Believing makes all the difference.
Even when you have your doubts,
Jesus remains close by.

Now go to tell others about
The life-changing love Christ offers.