The Risen Christ Dissipates Our Fears And Doubts (Luke 24:36-43)
Rev. Breno Macedo, January 8, 2023Part of the Morning Worship at North Greenville Church series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
Fear is behind our pride, doubt and anxiety. Jesus pronounced to us peace and patience; thus, we should not fear or be troubled. Our risen savior bestows upon us peace as the answer to fear, and patience in the face of our sin. The resurrected Jesus revealed himself to the apostles and as with them, He is merciful to take care of our souls. Jesus pronounced to them a special greeting, "Peace be upon you," which mirrors the Aaronic blessing of the Old Testament. The disciples were apparently frightened, perhaps from guilty consciences. Jesus responds by proclaiming peace instead of scolding them. He says the same to us, so there is no room for fear in us. Isaiah in Chapter 9 proclaims that in Christ, the gloom is over. Available to us is peace with God and with our consciences. We should have no doubts about our salvation or our reconciliation, including situations such as illness, family destruction, occupational destruction or marriage fracture. Jesus can fix all these. He has ripped up our bill of debt and bestowed peace upon us. We should likewise delight in bestowing peace upon others in the Church and in the home. Do we tend to dredge up grudges? Extend peace. To the apostles, Jesus extend a mild rebuke for unbelief--there is no room for this. We must realize that the faith that extends peace and patience is never against reason. Scoffers never apply reason, and there is no room for irrationality in Christ. We must look to the patient Christ and cast all our fears at His feet.
| Earlier: | Same day: | Later: |
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| « Return To Me, Then Rebuild | None | A Vision Of A Horseman » |
Luke 24:36–43 (Listen)
36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, 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 before them.
(ESV)