Luke 24:36-43 When the risen Christ suddenly stood among his disciples, they were terrified. Though the doors were shut, Jesus appeared in their midst by a miracle. How he entered we are not told—but this much is clear: The risen Lord came with sovereign power and living reality. Their fear reminds us how unprepared fallen … Continue reading When Jesus Stands Among the Afraid
Easter Sunday
Peace After Failure
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
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”
Give Us Hearts that Burn O Lord
William Cowper says in one of his letters that he once was friends with a man of fine taste who confessed to him that although he could not subscribe to the truth of Christianity, he could never read this passage in Luke's Gospel (the Emmaus Walk - Luke 24) without being deeply affected by it, … Continue reading Give Us Hearts that Burn O Lord
Worship Reflections for Resurrection Sunday
To a Christian, Easter Sunday means everything, when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. — Bernhard Langer The enemies of our joy are banished by our Savior’s resurrection: The finality of death, the fatality of sin, and the seeming futility of life. “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised … Continue reading Worship Reflections for Resurrection Sunday