Sunday October 31, 2021

But these things were written so that you would believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you would have life in his name. John 20. 31

The day it all opened up

Chapter 23 of the Gospel according to Luke ends with a sad twilight. We put Jesus in the tomb. There is no more hope for his disciples. But chapter 24 opens on a new day : Jesus is risen, the tomb is empty ! So everything will open up.

When Mary and other women with her arrive, the angel has already rolled away the stone : the tomb is open (v. 2).

Two disciples are on their way to Emmaus, their hearts closed with sadness. But someone starts walking with them. Through the books of Moses and the prophets, he explains to them "everything that concerned him". The true meaning of the Scriptures opens up to them (vv. 27-32).

When the disciples ask : "Stay with us, for evening is approaching, the day is at its end", the house opens and "he came in to stay with them" (v. 29). At the table he blessed the bread and gave it to them. Their eyes were opened (v. 31) and they recognized Jesus. "So he opened their minds to them that they might understand the Scriptures" (v. 45). Their hearts open and all joyful, they return to Jerusalem to tell the extraordinary news to the other disciples.

A little later, the disciples are anxious behind closed doors (John 20. 19). The Lord comes among them. Encouraged and filled with joy, they will be able to open wide the doors to speak about the resurrection of their Savior.

The forgiveness of sins is announced. Their mouths open and praise God for such a great salvation.

Jesus, before being lifted up into heaven, raises his hands on high and blesses them.

Source (The Good Seed)