Scripture: Luke 24:35-48

35 Then they told what had happened on the road and how they came to know Him when He broke the bread.

36 As they talked, Jesus Himself stood among them. He said, "May you have peace." 37 But they were afraid and full of fear. They thought they saw a spirit. 38 Jesus said to them, "Why are you afraid? Why do you have doubts in your hearts? 39 Look at My hands and My feet. See! It is I, Myself! Touch Me and see for yourself. A spirit does not have flesh and bones as I have." 40 When Jesus had said this, He showed them His hands and feet.

 41 They still wondered. It was hard for them to believe it and yet it made them happy. Then He said to them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42 They gave Jesus a piece of fish that had been cooked and some honey. 43 He took it and ate it in front of them.

44 Jesus said to them, "These are the things I told you while I was yet with you. All things written about Me in the Law of Moses and in the Books of the early preachers and in the Psalms must happen as they said they would happen." 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Holy Writings. 46 He said to them, "It is written that Christ should suffer and be raised from the dead after three days. 47 It must be preached that men must be sorry for their sins and turn from them. Then they will be forgiven. This must be preached in His name to all nations beginning in Jerusalem. 48 You are to tell what you have seen.

Meditation: The centrality of the gospel is the cross; but fortunately it does not stop there. Through the cross Jesus defeated our enemies – death and Satan and won pardon for our sins. His cross is the door to heaven and the key to paradise. The way to glory is through the cross. When the disciples saw the risen Lord they disbelieved for joy! How can death lead to life, the cross to victory? Jesus shows us the way and he gives us the power to overcome sin and despair, and everything else that would stand in the way of his love and truth. Just as the first disciples were commissioned to bring the good news of salvation to all the nations, so, we, too, are called to be witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to all who live on the face of the earth. Do you witness the joy of the gospel to those around you?

Prayer: "Lord Jesus, open our minds to understand the scriptures that we may fully comprehend the truth of your word. Anoint us with your power and give us boldness to proclaim the gospel in word and deed."

Psalm 8:2, 5, 9

2 Out of the mouth of children and babies, You have built up strength because of those who hate You, and to quiet those who fight against You.

5 You made him a little less than the angels and gave him a crown of greatness and honor.

9 O Lord, our Lord, how great is Your name in all the earth!