After that day, everything was different. The first disciples witnessed a dead man walking. Their lives would be forever changed, defined by “life before Easter” and life “life after Easter.” On numerous occasions, Jesus showed up in resurrected form before he ascended. In the season of Easter we will examine six “after Easter” encounters with Jesus. What did he say and do? In what practical ways does resurrection change my daily life? Nothing will ever be the same.
Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation
Risen Christ, by your death and resurrection you brought dawn to darkness. You have made a new way, from death to life, cross to crown, grave to glory. We are frail creatures in a world of change and decay. Rule over us in your resurrection power. Subdue sin and evil, disease and destruction. We have nothing apart from you, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.
Confession
O Lord, I live a world of dead ends. There is always an end. An end to my energy. My time. My love. My patience. My money. My very life. I am trapped by limits. I am burdened by my frail, finite limits. I have exhausted all other options. Nothing else satisfies. You burst forth from the grave to give me life beyond the horizon. You are my singular hope, my only prayer. Risen Savior, have mercy on my dead ends.
Word
“Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures…” Luke 24:45
Meditation
Today’s meditation is by Grace Herzog.
When I first started driving, I could not park straight for the life of me. I can vividly remember my first attempt at parking a car: my mom trying to hide her stress as the front of her car scratched the curb, opening the driver’s door to realize I had parked diagonally, and forgetting to put the car in reverse when trying to back out of the parking spot.
Fortunately, for those worried that I’ll crash into their car in the Walmart parking lot, I eventually got the hang of parking, and I’d like to consider myself a good driver. Although this level of understanding came from a lot of practice, there was one piece of advice that opened my eyes and helped me park straight ever since—take a wide turn into the parking spot right after your front wheel passes the first white line. After I heard that, I never had trouble parking again. It’s like something clicked inside of my brain that made me park correctly ever since.
I can imagine something similar happening in the disciples minds as Jesus gave them discernment of the scriptures in verse 45. Just like that, their minds were opened, their confusion vanished, and suddenly they understood. It wasn’t when they touched Jesus’ hands or feet. It was when Jesus gave them understanding.
When Jesus first walks into the room, the disciples think he is a ghost. And while Jesus could have revealed himself and the scriptures right away, he waits until later to do so. By choosing to wait, Jesus shows the disciples that this insight and knowledge does not come from within themselves, but from him. He is asking them to trust in his power, not their own. Only when they achieve this trust are they able to spread the message of Jesus’ resurrection and be sent out into the world.
When I try to share the Gospel with friends, family, or strangers, it can be confusing. Where do I start? How do I say everything to make them understand? What should I even say? Will they think I’m judging them?
But instead of worrying about how to act or what their response will be, this passage in Luke has given me a new view on how to approach sharing the good news of Christ. I am not the one making the person understand. I am simply a mouthpiece that God can use. In fact, we’re all mouthpieces for the living God. Jesus will open the minds of those we witness to and we have the privilege of God using us to work his way into people’s hearts.
Trust that the Lord will give us the right words to say when speaking about him. Lean on his understanding, not our own. After all, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as I’m sent out into this week, help me trust in your understanding, not my own. Open my mind to your power and love. Amen.
Benediction
The God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (I Pet. 5:10-11)