SEEING IS BELIEVING

Cleopas and his companion had the sudden realization that the stranger who had conversed with them, eaten their food and expounded on the prophets and the sayings of Moses was truly the risen Messiah. They had actually broken bread with the risen Lord!

Luke says their eyes were opened while he was at the table with them. (24:31). He might have said the traditional Hebrew blessing “Blessed are you Oh, Lord, King of the Universe who brings forth our bread from the earth.” He related the promises of Scripture that actually revealed himself to be the risen Messiah. They knew the prophecies, they knew about the coming of the Promised One, but now every word fell into place.  The writings were true!  God’s words suddenly became alive and “burned” within them.   They had a spiritual awakening!

Although the sun had already set and the hour was late…….they could contain themselves no longer. They had to return to Jerusalem and tell Peter and the others that they too had been with the Lord and actually eaten a meal with him.

They did not reach the city until well after dark. It was evening on that day (John 20:19). The second day of the week and the second day of the counting of the omer had commenced (49 more days to Pentecost or Shauvot).  The two disciples had returned to the “safe” house in Jerusalem. The doors were shut where the disciples had hidden for fear of the authorities.  Perhaps they too could be convicted as being part of the conspiracy to cause rebellion.  Isn’t that how they “framed” Jesus?

They pounded on the door…”Let us in. We have seen the Risen Lord. He is alive!!!”  (my words)

Mark tells us that some of the disciples voiced their skepticism. “They did not believe them either”…. concerning the report of the Lord’s resurrection.  (16; 13)

Luke tells us that as they were talking about these things, the Lord miraculously appears. He said to them “Peace be to you. “ In Hebrew He would be saying “Shalom Aleichem.”  The word Shalom is actually a wonderful word and means much more than simply peace.  The word encompasses physical well being, prosperity, and spiritual health.  It’s a wonderful word and the Lord used it here.   He knew the indwelling of the Holy Spirit would fall on them shortly at Pentecost.

He also showed them his hands and feet………He wasn’t a spirit, even though he could miraculously appear. He was truly flesh and blood!  He chided them for thinking him to be only a ghost or a heavenly spirit.  He was actually hungry, asking them for food.  Can you picture the looks on their faces while they watched him eat?  They stared in absolute astonishment.  I also imagine they wanted to ask him all sorts of questions about death and life beyond.  However, He only told them about things they already knew but failed to realize.  He indeed had come to fulfill the promises of God.  Again he mentions, the Prophets, Moses, and the Psalms (Luke 24:44) He opened their minds to the real meaning of the Scriptures and His fulfillment as God’s Anointed One.  He was the great Redeemer of Israel and the world.

However, one of the apostles was not with them. Poor Thomas!  He wanted to believe but lacked the faith of others.  Surely it was only His spirit.  Dead men don’t rise……Do they???  But in the book of John we are told that Jesus did appear to all of them again…this time Thomas was there.  The Lord told Thomas to touch his hands and feet…..”See, it’s really me!” Thomas, falling down before him, made one of the most profound statements of faith in all of Scripture. “My Lord and My God!”

Seeing is believing ……..that is true. However, the Master said to us…….”Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”