LUKE 24:36–43 Our Lord appeared among his disciples with remarkably gracious words: “Peace to you” (v. 36). This greeting is all the more striking when we consider to whom it was spoken. Only days earlier, these men had forsaken him and fled. Their bold promises had collapsed into fear. One had denied him three times, … Continue reading Peace After Failure
Holy Week
The Road Where Scripture Finds Its Blazing Center
LUKE 24:13–28 The Emmaus disciples believed some of what the prophets taught, but not all. They embraced the promises of the Messiah’s glory while stumbling over the necessity of His sufferings (v. 25). Many still make the same mistake—receiving parts of Scripture while resisting the whole counsel of God. The Walk to Emmaus - Rembrandt … Continue reading The Road Where Scripture Finds Its Blazing Center
When Forgetful Hearts Hear the Risen Christ
LUKE 24:1–8 The angels at the empty tomb brought a message of comfort and courage. Matthew highlights their words: “Do not be afraid” (Matt. 28:5). Because Christ is risen, believers in every age have no reason to fear—not the last day, not judgment, not death itself. When Christ appears in glory and the world is … Continue reading When Forgetful Hearts Hear the Risen Christ
“The Day Man Tried to Stop God”
MATTHEW 27:62–66 Even while Jesus was in the grave, His enemies could not rest. The chief priests and Pharisees remembered His promise to rise, and in their fear they tried to make His resurrection impossible. They secured Pilate’s approval, stationed Roman soldiers, sealed the stone, and did everything humanly possible to keep Jesus in the … Continue reading “The Day Man Tried to Stop God”
The Risen Christ in Our Midst
John 20:19–23 When Jesus appeared to His fearful disciples, He lovingly gave them visible, tangible proof of His resurrection. He showed them His hands and His side—real wounds in a real, risen body. He wanted them to know beyond question: the crucified Lord is now the living Lord. Even in glory, Jesus is the Lamb … Continue reading The Risen Christ in Our Midst
“When the Risen Christ Speaks Peace”
John 20:19–23 When the risen Jesus first appeared to His disciples, His opening words were: “Peace be with you.” This was no empty greeting. After their failure, fear, and confusion, Jesus did not meet them with blame or rebuke. His first word from beyond the tomb was peace—peace grounded in His finished work, His shed … Continue reading “When the Risen Christ Speaks Peace”
The Loud Cry That Silenced Death
Matthew 27:45–49; Luke 23:46 “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” … “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” At the ninth hour, darkness covered the land and Jesus cried out, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” These words were not the groan of a mere martyr crushed by physical pain. No. In that … Continue reading The Loud Cry That Silenced Death
The Grace That Saves to the Uttermost
LUKE 23:39–43 Few scenes in Scripture show Christ’s saving power more vividly than the conversion of the dying thief. At the very moment of Jesus’ greatest weakness, He was hanging in agony on the cross. He still had divine power to hear a sinner’s cry. He grants saving mercy. The thief had nothing to offer. … Continue reading The Grace That Saves to the Uttermost
The Marks of Real Repentance
LUKE 23:39–43 — The Cross and the Two Thieves Two criminals hung beside Jesus—equally near to Christ, equally guilty, equally dying. Yet their responses could not be more different. One hardened his heart to the end. The other turned in repentance and faith. He was saved by the Savior hanging beside him. This contrast humbles … Continue reading The Marks of Real Repentance
Three Ways People Relate to the Cross
“As they led him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene… and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.” — Luke 23:26 Jesus was exhausted—beaten, tried, mocked, and now forced to carry the heavy crossbeam toward Golgotha. At some point, His strength gave way. The soldiers grabbed a passerby, Simon of … Continue reading Three Ways People Relate to the Cross
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