October 20, 2010
Awkward Moments in Scripture
Luke 24:36-53
Paul Rutherford
Central Truth
God knows what He's doing, even when we don't.
Key Verse | Luke 24:41
While they still could not believe it because of their joy and amazement, He said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” (Luke 24:41)
Luke 24:36-53
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
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, 1 24:42 Some manuscripts add and some honeycomb 43 and he took it and ate before them.
44 Then he said to them, “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.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for 2 24:47 Some manuscripts and the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
The Ascension
50 And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God.
Dive Deeper | Luke 24:36-53
Have you ever felt like you and Jesus are not on the same page?
I know I certainly have—often.
I moved to Dallas about two years ago, and that's when I started coming to Watermark. In many ways, moving to Dallas felt like a retreat from a previous lifestyle in another city that was very painful and confusing. I was a believer, make no mistake, but relationships were broken, and I had no idea why God had me in the place He did. I really desired relief from the pain and hungered for meaningful relationships. Coming to Watermark and subsequent connection to my community group was the satisfaction of those desires, and I thank God often for blessing me with them.
Over these past two years, however, I've begun to wonder about God's purpose in subjecting me to those painful relationships in that previous chapter. What possible reason could God have for exposing my character flaws in such a public way and depriving me of basic social needs to belong? I didn't know.
I was reading in 2 Samuel 12 today about when David's son becomes ill. David fasts and prays for a week, but his child dies. How does he respond? He worships God. David couldn't have known what God was up to, but I'm just at a loss for such a response.
Jesus’ disciples must have felt a similar loss for words in the scene described in Luke 24:41. They have just lost their teacher and there are rumors He may be alive when suddenly Jesus shows up, surprising everyone—and probably frightening some. The disciples don't know what to say. Jesus asks, "Have you anything here to eat?" Awkward.
Jesus then begins explaining His whole plan connecting the Law, the Prophets, His crucifixion, and salvation. I'm sure their heads were spinning.
Now I look back and see that God's purpose in my last chapter was to prepare me for community. Even when I can't see it, I know He has a game plan. And that's comforting.
Discussion Questions
1. Which efforts this past week have been thwarted or desires left unmet? How did you respond?
2. What prevents your heart from responding confidently when you encounter setbacks?
3. What purpose do awkward moments serve in Scripture?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What do you think the people saw when they looked at Jesus’ hands and feet?
2. Why do you think it was hard for them to believe it was really Him? (Note: they still didn’t believe even after touching Him.)
3. What did He ask for to give them more proof that He was fully alive and fully flesh and bones? We worship a Savior who is alive and has conquered death. Pray, thanking Him for His power in your life.