I had to think
about this passage a while before it began to make sense. Perhaps it is because I was resisting the
tenor of the text. At first reading I
was left wondering how the disciples could have spent three years with Jesus
and not believe “the words of Scripture and the words of Jesus”? They didn’t believe Scripture until they
remembered these words? They didn’t
believe Jesus through all the time they were together until after the
resurrection? That couldn’t be right!
Then it struck
me, after coming to my senses, of course they believed Jesus. Of course they believed Scripture. The three and half years they spent together
listening to his teaching and seeing the power that emanated from him cemented
their faith in him They walked and
talked with the Man for all those months—it certainly rubbed off. Think about what it must have been to spend
every moment of every day with the Messiah!
It would have been impossible not to be changed forever….and yet.
In the midst of
the chaotic events in that final visit to Jerusalem, his disciples scatter, deny,
hide, and return to old ways. Read the
story. They returned to their fishing,
and that was even after they saw him appear mysteriously among them while they
were in hiding. These strong men—strong
men of faith, were totally devastated.
Their faith dissipated like so much rising steam after a desert
storm. They were adrift as if they had
never known the Master. They lost
confidence in Scripture and shelved the words of their best Friend who now
rested in a tomb. Who could blame
them? Am I not shaken occasionally by
tragedy, failure, and crises? But you
know what? Jesus does not “blame me.” He simply reminds me, “Peace be with you”
(John 20:26). Then I, as they, remember
His words. “I am with you always.” “I
will rise again.” He is with me…always, even in the moments I deny him, or lose
confidence in his promises. Thank God
for second chances.
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