Day 319 – Luke 24, John 20-21

Talking Points

• As the gospel accounts conclude, we catch a glimpse of the truly radical nature of the resurrection. Even though it was foretold by Jesus, and even with the eyewitness testimony of their trusted friends, the news of the resurrection seemed so absurd, the disciples had a hard time believing it. I wonder if we’ve heard the story so much, we have lost our astonishment with the radical reality of the resurrection and its supernatural standing.
• In a wonderful account, we find Jesus, post-resurrection, walking with two men and using Scripture to explain the events of the week. The men would later comment, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32). Once again, we see all Scripture is telling the story of God’s salvation for sinners — Jesus!
• In His first appearances to His disciples after His resurrection, Jesus finds His friends in anxiety, dismay, guilt, and doubt (and justifiably so). It is just like Him to start by calming their fears, settling their most urgent issue: the need for peace. “Peace be with you” (John 20:19).
• John reveals the purpose for the writing of his gospel. It’s the purpose behind all the gospel accounts, and, in fact, for every word of Scripture — “…but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” (20:31). Praise the Lord! God wants us to believe!

Thoughts

The gospel of Luke wraps up by reporting, “And they, after worshiping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising God” (Luke 24:52-53). Those are literally the last words of the book of Luke. The disciples are found in continual praise of God.

Can you imagine their joy? Their Savior was alive! Their hope stood! Victory marked the day! And, amazingly, they had witnessed it all. They knew Jesus! Can you imagine the smiles on their faces, the happiness in their voices, the joy in their hearts? Their response was to — every second — praise God.

I wonder when it began to slow down. When did the joyful crowd began to shrink? Was it a couple of weeks? A few months? When did the noise of the world begin to push its way back in? We know tremendous persecution would rage against them. Was that enough to overshadow their joy?

What about us, today? Should we not also be filled with joy? Our Savior is alive! Our hope stands! We know Jesus! May our praise likewise be continual. May we not taper or wane in our worship, distracted by the pull of the world. Christ is alive, and He is worthy! Praise the Lord!