[36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
(These were the disciples who were in a room, hiding from the leaders of the day afraid they would be crucified too because they knew Jesus.)
37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.
38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?
39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.
41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”
42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.
44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,
47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 You are witnesses of these things.
49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”]
HE startled them. Can you imagine all of a sudden he is in the room? He appeared out of nowhere.
Wow I cannot imagine that moment when they looked and realized it was HIM the Messiah.
So exciting and yet so necessary for them to see him and keep his truth in their hearts.
[50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.
51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.
52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.]
He was taken up into heaven. I wonder how that looked? we cannot imagine it.
WE cannot see it for ourselves and even the most creative writer couldn’t put into words the powerful moment that must have been for them to be a part of as he was lifted up into heaven.
Resurrection and life. Jesus was alive and the rest of the story is here with us to this day until he returns again. Many scriptures tell us about that time and the events that might take place.
It is all recorded and written and only in God’s perfect timing will it take place.
Just like the birth Jesus at Christmas time, orchestrated by God, the death was the same and the resurrection and someday the return of Jesus. It is all in God’s perfect timing.
