AfterWords: "Jesus in ... Community"

 

Luke 24:36-43

Today’s reading provides Luke’s third Resurrection Story. First, the women find the empty tomb, hear the Easter declaration—Christ is Risen!, and run back to tell the others. Then, we join Cleopas and “Unknown” as they journey towards Emmaus—Jesus joins them (unrecognized), reminds them of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, and then reveals himself in the breaking of the bread during supper. Today’s third story finds all of the disciples (the Eleven and many others) gathered (probably in the Upper Room) talking about these events and Peter’s encounter with the Risen Jesus (not recorded in the Gospels).

As they discuss all of these things, Jesus suddenly appears…right there in the room with them. He challenges them to touch him, to see that he is “flesh and bone.” Then, he takes things a step further and eats some broiled fish with them. Luke wants us to know that Jesus is real—a flesh and blood human being and not merely an apparition or ghost or something.

We as 21st Century disciples need to keep an eye on the 1st Century disciples. We learn from them—in their actions and reactions. Their reactions to Jesus’ appearance are three-fold: startled, frightened and troubled, and amazed and joyful. We can understand these. Startled because they didn’t expect Jesus to suddenly appear in their midst. They probably were still ‘laying low’ after all that had happened to Jesus. Frightened and troubled…well, because they probably had not been faithful friends. If Peter was any indication to how disciples would react, we can imagine most of them stayed hidden over the last few days, and they may have even “denied” their association with the Galilean rabbi. Amazed and joyful…and that one is expected. Their master, friend, teacher who was dead is now alive…with them.

While Jesus doesn’t appear “flesh and bone” when we gather today, his Spirit is with us. Matthew relates Jesus’ words in his Gospel: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (18:20). So, when we gather, Jesus is here. And, we may respond to his presence just like the disciples in the 1st Century. We may be startled by something Jesus reveals about us or about himself to us through Scripture, song, or prayer. We may be frightened or troubled when Jesus brings to our minds something about our lives we had overlooked or ignored or tried to hide. We may find ourselves amazed or filled with joy when Jesus shows us God’s love and grace.

Likewise, today Jesus comes to us as he came to the first disciples…saying, “Peace be with you”…may all be well with you…may you know God’s rest and consolation. Today, Jesus says to us…to you, “Peace be with you.” This peace is real and sure for us because “Christ is Risen!”

Sunday, May 11, 2025
“Jesus in … Community”
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