ENCOUNTERING THE RISEN CHRIST
Read Luke 24:13-35.
Shortly after Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to two men on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. As Jesus joined their conversation, He found them discussing the events of the weekend, namely the crucifixion of Jesus. What struck me in this passage is how the disciples responded to Jesus question, “What are you talking about?” (my paraphrase). The passage says, “And they stood still, looking sad.” (v. 17)
As mentioned in yesterday’s devotional, one can understand their sadness. For the next several verses, the disciples go on to explain the reason for their sadness (vv. 18-21). But here’s the thing, based on the verses that follow, it seems clear that these disciples were present when the women returned from Jesus’ empty tomb saying an angel had told them that Jesus was alive. But it seems their testimonies were not enough. And so these disciples left presumably to return to Emmaus sadly believing Jesus was dead and gone.
They are not alone in that story. Mark’s account in Mark 16 reveals that the Eleven disciples also did not believe the women. Mark says, “…they refused to believe.” (Mk 16:11) It is not until these disciples encounter the risen Christ face to face that their unbelief turns to belief. For many people, a personal encounter with Christ is needed to turn doubt and skeptism into belief and worship. Is that true of you? Was there a time when you encountered Christ in such a way that your doubts began to dissolve, and your belief and trust in Him began to solidify?
When we come across those who struggle to believe and trust in Christ, remember that for some, they need a personal encounter with the risen Christ. Who knows what that might look like, but we wait patiently for God to open their eyes just as He did those two disciples on the road. For now, thank God that He opened your eyes and met you face to face in your life, because that’s the kind of God we worship – One who desires to make Himself known to us personally.
