Still Unsure
41 While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate in their presence. (Luke 24:41-43)
The gospel of Luke provides a slightly different, more detailed, account of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection. In this telling, Jesus first appeared to two disciples who were discussing the crucifixion they had witnessed as they walked home from Jerusalem. They did not realize that it was Jesus who was walking with them until, after accepting their invitation to join them for dinner in their home, Jesus broke the bread as he had at the Last Supper. As soon as he was recognized, Jesus immediately vanished, and the two hurried back to the other disciples in Jerusalem. As the, likely breathless, travelers were telling the others about Jesus appearing to them, Jesus showed up in the midst of the group and - to prove he was not a ghost - he ate.
We could ask why, after hearing both the account of Mary and of the two traveling disciples, the disciples would still be afraid and perplexed when Jesus showed up for them. We might be tempted to shake our heads at their needing to be convinced that Jesus wasn't an apparition. But how often do we doubt that Jesus will show up for us despite how many times we've heard the testimonies of others? Don't we look for evidence and confirmation that Jesus is really doing and being all that Jesus promised he would do and be? The miracle is that Jesus is eager to prove himself. Jesus wants us to know for ourselves that he's for real, that he will show up for us, and that we can trust his word. There is a blessing in having faith in what we haven't seen, and there is amazing peace in trusting and knowing that our faith is not in vain.
4 When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah 5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD. 6 There are many who say, "O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O LORD!" 7 You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound. 8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O LORD, make me lie down in safety. (Psalm 4:5-8)
