While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood in their midst. (He said to them, “Peace
to you.”) In their panic and fright they thought they were seeing a ghost, but he said to them, “Why
are you upset, and how does such an idea cross your minds? Look at my hands and feet, and see
that it is I myself! Touch me, and see for yourselves, for a ghost has no flesh and bones as I have!”
(As he said this, he showed his hands and feet.)

Their joy was so great that they still could not believe it, as they were astonished; so he said to
them, “Have you anything to eat?” And they gave him a piece of broiled fish. He took it, and
ate it before them.

Then Jesus said to them, “Remember the words I spoke to you when I was still with you:
Everything written about me in the law of Moses, in the prophets and in the psalms must be
fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

And he said, “So it was written: the Messiah had to suffer, and on the third day rise from the dead.
Then repentance and forgiveness in his name would be proclaimed to all nations, beginning from
Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.

Reflect

Everybody loves a winner. When you have good luck in business or other aspects of life, people
you may not have heard from in years may reach out to re-connect. We want to bask in others’
success, hoping that it might rub off on us as well.

Perhaps that is why Jesus had to explain to his disciples that the Messiah had to suffer and die.
Most people were looking for a Messiah who would be powerful. His closest followers would
share in and benefit from that power. Time and again, Jesus had to explain that his mission was
one of service and sacrifice, not power and riches. By laying down his life by living with love, Jesus
did the most powerful thing imaginable: he destroyed death!

If we want to follow Jesus, we too will have to lay down our lives in service and sacrifice.
By sharing Jesus’ mission willingly and with love, we will share his victory over death
as well. What reward could be greater?

© Copyright Bible Diary 2023