Easter 3: Gospel, Luke 24:36-49                                            

Luke 24:36-49

The resurrection is a thing of the past. Very recent past. In fact, when we find ourselves in the midst of Luke 24, we have listened in on a wonderful stroll of Jesus and two of his own on the way to Emmaus. Jerusalem was abuzz with the resurrection of the Carpenter from Nazareth. At least some sectors were abuzz. And the Emmaus disciples have made their way back to Jerusalem to spill the beans to the other disciples on their encounter with Jesus.

Yes, they make their way back to the city in the conventional way. Jesus shows up as well, but by simply appearing standing in their midst. You would have thought that would have been enough to convince them that the words of their companions were legit, but after Jesus’ greeting them with his “Peace,” he immediately addresses the doubts they carry on the inside. Doubts that only he can see. Doubts that ultimately only he can quell.

He gives them a brief refresher that all the things which He had endured were indeed the fixed testimony of their holy book. And that the suspected “end” they had encountered just a few days before was indeed just the beginning of a worldwide mission. Think of how little they truly knew, or even thought they knew.

But Jesus points out that, while they had already begun their task as His witnesses, the brakes were to stay engaged until the Father makes His children ready. “And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). Jesus had spent quite a bit of time teaching his emissaries about the Spirit that they would receive and it was just this empowerment that they still lacked. But not for long. In just a matter of days, the Father would gather these fearful, doubting children and empower them to change the world in a way that would never be equalled. The change is still in process.

Think of it this way. It’s time to go to school. It’s time to get prepared to take your place in the world. And you want to do the best you can for dad. Dad just needs to make sure you’re ready for what’s ahead. “Thanks, Dad.”