April 22 | Luke 24:36-49

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DAILY READING

Luke 24:36-49

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REFLECTION

For All Nations

By Pam Mann

The disciples are stunned. The two, just in from Emmaus, have now explained their encounter with Jesus. He’s alive! This report is a repeat of what the women said coming back from the tomb. Even Peter and John insist the tomb is empty.

Can it be? After the horrific agony of his cross, can Jesus be alive? Is there still hope, against all odds, that Jesus is the Messiah, their hope to redeem the nation?

“Peace be with you,” says the familiar voice in the midst of their sleep-deprived angst. Sweet Jesus. He’s here. A ghost? No. At his urging, they touch his wounded limbs. He is solid flesh. They see him eat. He is alive.

At first, they think all hope for the nation is not lost. Then, they finally hear and comprehend something bigger than a single nation’s political security. At last, they consider the vastness of Christ’s mission because he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Jesus explains to them what is written about him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.

The law of Moses requires a lamb without defect. Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God. Only the blood of the lamb can protect God’s people from death’s visitation. Perhaps Jesus mentions Isaiah 53 or Psalm 22. There are many Scriptures that tell of his life and death.

As Jesus speaks, clearly explaining, the light dawns on them. From this moment, they will know what we know: Christ has come for all nations.

What the disciples have experienced for the past three years is not a Jewish revival movement. Christ has come for all nations. He is the Savior of the world.

This changes everything.

Jesus opens their minds so that they can understand the Scriptures which told of this watershed event in human history. He says to them the words that pull us into the drama. Jesus says that repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations.

They can let go of all ideas about a Messiah who will usher in a new golden age of power for his birth nation. Forget defeating Rome and being free of its clutches. Jesus has defeated sin, death, and the power of the devil. Forget national pride. This is the Savior of the world. All nations are included in his plan. You and I are in his plan.

Do we stay huddled together in fear, or do we go with Jesus to the nations?

PRAYER

Thank You, Jesus, for Your obedience to the Scriptures in every detail that we might be saved. We worship You, the precious Lamb of God, the covering for our sin, the Victor over death, the Hope for all nations. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PAM MANN

I first joined UALC when my husband (then my fiancé) and I were college students involved in youth ministry. God has used UALC to nurture our family’s faith, even in our years outside the U.S. I’ve participated in UALC ministries with kids, art, prayer, exercise, ESL, and Bible teaching. I do all the fun church things.

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