The Judean Ministry at Various Cities (18.1-24.53), 24.34-53

Early morning After Jesus’ surprise in Emmaus, Cleopas and the unnamed disciple left at that late hour to return to Jerusalem and tell the other disciples what they had just seen. This was news that couldn’t wait, despite the dangers of nighttime travel. After relating the experience Jesus appeared before them all, “Shalom!” he said. “Pease be with you” instead of “Surprise!” which might have been more appropriate since surprised they were, startled and terrified at his sudden appearance. Luke tells us they thought they had seen a ghost! Even after all Jesus had told them and the events they had witnessed they still didn’t get it.

As a side note, I must say that I am a little concerned that the disciples believed in ghosts. The Bible is clear that the when one dies the spirit is immediately transferred to a holding place awaiting judgment. Some have argued that the disciples really thought they saw Jesus’ spirit and that this does not express a belief in ghosts generally, but that isn’t true. The Greek language is very precise, the word for “spirit” is pneumatos and is not the word used here. The word in this context is phantasm, so the Bible translators did the right thing translating it as “ghost”.

Jesus takes the time to overcome their fears by proving that he is not a ghost, but their resurrected Messiah. He does not take the time to rebuke their belief in ghosts. After revealing to them the wounds of the cross and touching them with a physical body they began to believe. He asked them for something to eat, which may have been another proof of his physical reality, for ghost’s would have no need of food. After dinner Jesus gives the disciples their final commission.

“These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it stands written that the Christ would suffer and would rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. But stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

This is one of my favorite passages in all of Scripture. I especially like the phrase used to describe what Jesus did for the disciples, he “opened their minds”. For decades the world has tried to characterize Christians as “close-minded”, since we describe so much of their behavior as sinful. Being open to truth, however, isn’t close-minded it is understanding in a way that leads to love rather than disdain or judgment. Jesus loved the disciples, despite all their flaws, and they came to love Jesus back. The best way to overcome the world’s judgment against us is to behave with understanding and love.

As Christmas approaches, there is no better time to reveal the truth about Jesus through understanding and loving others. Even those who are most difficult to love. Jesus took those whom he loved to Bethany and blessed them one by one before departing. They’re response was one of joy and worship, just what this season calls for. Since you know the truth and understand it, share your joy in both open worship and open hearts. In doing so maybe we’ll find open minds, willing to hear the truth about the Messiah, Jesus, who is the rightful Savior and King of humanity.