When Doubts Arise
Have you ever felt like the disciples, witnessing the unthinkable and left wondering how to make sense of it all? They had seen Jesus, their spiritual leader, brutally taken away, beaten, and crucified. They stood helpless as He was laid to rest in a tomb, surrounded by Roman guards. And yet, three days later, He appears before them, asking, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?” (Luke 24:38).
A Cheeky Question
Isn’t it astonishing that Jesus would ask such a question, considering what they had just gone through? It’s as if He’s saying, “What’s wrong, guys? Didn’t I tell you this would happen?” The disciples must have thought, “You were just murdered, and now You’re standing in front of us, asking why we’re troubled?” It’s a question that seems almost flippant, given the circumstances.
A Calming Presence
But Jesus isn’t being flippant; He’s being compassionate. He knows their fears, their doubts, and their uncertainty. So, He takes the time to calm them, to convince them that it’s really Him, standing before them in the flesh. He eats with them, lets them touch Him, and opens their minds to understand the Scriptures in a new way (Luke 24:46). He’s saying, “I’m the Messiah, and this is all part of the plan.”
A Longing for Assurance
I must admit, I often wish I could have Jesus walk me through the Bible, explaining every detail, every prophecy. I wish I could hug Him like the disciples did, feeling His comforting presence. But that’s not our reality. Instead, we walk by faith, trusting that God’s presence is real, calming, and convincing.
Two Things We Can Count On
We may not have the same tangible experience as the disciples, but we share two essential truths with them: we know God can be trusted, and Jesus rose from the dead. These two certainties give me peace and strength every day.
A Prayer for Faith
God, help my unbelief. Direct me to the testimony of Your presence and the promises of Your Word, that I may be calmed and convinced once again. Amen.
Leave a Reply