Luke 24:36-49
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.
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 and 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.”
Reflection
Jesus’ disciples had every reason to be frightened and troubled. Their hopes for Jesus’ promised kingdom seemed to have been dashed when he was crucified. His body had disappeared, and many of them had doubted his resurrection (Luke 24:11) and even denied him (22:54–62). And now, suddenly, he appeared before them —or at least what seemed to be his ghost (24:37). We too would be frightened, especially in light of such guilt on our part. We might expect Jesus to take this opportunity to condemn their faithlessness, but instead he spoke these good news words: “Peace to you!” (v. 36).
We have in this story and these words a picture of the gospel of God’s grace. He knows our weaknesses and that we are made of powerless dust (Ps. 103:14), yet he joyfully invites us to be his children. Even more, he sends us with the gospel to be his witnesses and representatives throughout the world (Luke 24:48). It is our Spirit-given understanding of God’s love and grace that empowers and motivates us to proclaim his grace to others (v. 49).
2 Timothy 2:1-7
2: You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
Reflection
As Paul continues to call Timothy to endure, he tells him to utilize the power of Christ’s grace: “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:1).
Just like all true Christians, Timothy had already experienced God’s grace, but he was still a work in progress. Grace was a continual source of Timothy’s (and our) power for Christian living. As John put it, “from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16). As James remarked, “he gives more grace” (James 4:6). More grace was always there for Timothy, and it is there for all believers. We are not only converted but also strengthened by the grace of the gospel. Knowing that our God loves us, forgives us, purifies us, helps us, comforts us, enables us, and secures us —all because of his mercy rather than our merit —encourages and strengthens us for the calling he gives us.
Psalm 86:16
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant.
We cannot fix our sin by wallowing in self-pity, thinking that we must punish ourselves to pay for what we have done. Christ has already paid for our sin, so there is no need to beat yourself up. The only way forward in the battle against your sin is to receive Christ’s grace and start again.