Witnesses to the Risen Christ
The season of Easter begins with the joy of the resurrection, but the journey for Jesus’ disciples remains ongoing. Between the resurrection and Pentecost, they are learning what it means to live as witnesses to the risen Christ.
This week, I want us to follow how Jesus continues to prepare them, offering peace, opening their minds to the Scriptures, commissioning them for their mission, and ultimately leading them forward in faith.
I'll try to make each day’s reflection a focus on how Jesus equips His disciples—and us—to embrace the call to be His witnesses, living in the power of His resurrection.
New here? Read the scripture first in the CMC App. To get there, click the Bible icon at the bottom, then click Plan. After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion.
This week, I want us to follow how Jesus continues to prepare them, offering peace, opening their minds to the Scriptures, commissioning them for their mission, and ultimately leading them forward in faith.
I'll try to make each day’s reflection a focus on how Jesus equips His disciples—and us—to embrace the call to be His witnesses, living in the power of His resurrection.
New here? Read the scripture first in the CMC App. To get there, click the Bible icon at the bottom, then click Plan. After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion.
Day 1: Monday – Peace and Proof
Scripture: Luke 24:36-43
OT Parallel: Isaiah 53:4-5
Historical Context
The disciples were gathered in Jerusalem, likely in the upper room where they had celebrated the Last Supper (Luke 22:12). After Jesus’ crucifixion, they were living in fear of the Jewish authorities who had sought to put an end to Jesus’ movement. The doors were locked (John 20:19), and they were trying to make sense of reports that Jesus had risen from the dead.
In first-century Jewish culture, resurrection was understood as a future event when all the righteous would rise at the end of time. The idea of one man being resurrected ahead of time was unprecedented and difficult to grasp. Technically, the Pharisees believed in resurrection - but the other Jewish leaders - not so much... and they had the power.
When Jesus appeared, the disciples fear turned to terror—they thought He was a ghost. In the ancient Jewish worldview, seeing a spirit could signify judgment or an ill omen.
Jesus calmed their fears by offering peace and providing tangible proof of His resurrection: He showed them His wounds and ate in their presence. His bodily resurrection fulfilled Isaiah 53:4-5, showing that His suffering brought both healing and peace.
This is a bit short today - check back later as I will likely add to this. Need to get to bed.
Like I said in church today, Jesus meets us in our fear and doubt, wherever we are. But in this story He is offering peace and proof of His presence.
His resurrection is not just a historical event—it’s the foundation of our faith and our source of peace today. Seems like the Lord never gets tired! I might bring in some Paul on this if I expand it. If not - dig into what Paul says about all this - I will be using this .... 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.
Reflection Question: You afraid of Ghosts? I am not but I do not like evil entities - those are not ghosts in my book. With that in mind, what areas of fear or doubt do you carry with you that you can bring to Jesus this today?
Scripture: Luke 24:36-43
OT Parallel: Isaiah 53:4-5
Historical Context
The disciples were gathered in Jerusalem, likely in the upper room where they had celebrated the Last Supper (Luke 22:12). After Jesus’ crucifixion, they were living in fear of the Jewish authorities who had sought to put an end to Jesus’ movement. The doors were locked (John 20:19), and they were trying to make sense of reports that Jesus had risen from the dead.
In first-century Jewish culture, resurrection was understood as a future event when all the righteous would rise at the end of time. The idea of one man being resurrected ahead of time was unprecedented and difficult to grasp. Technically, the Pharisees believed in resurrection - but the other Jewish leaders - not so much... and they had the power.
When Jesus appeared, the disciples fear turned to terror—they thought He was a ghost. In the ancient Jewish worldview, seeing a spirit could signify judgment or an ill omen.
Jesus calmed their fears by offering peace and providing tangible proof of His resurrection: He showed them His wounds and ate in their presence. His bodily resurrection fulfilled Isaiah 53:4-5, showing that His suffering brought both healing and peace.
This is a bit short today - check back later as I will likely add to this. Need to get to bed.
Like I said in church today, Jesus meets us in our fear and doubt, wherever we are. But in this story He is offering peace and proof of His presence.
His resurrection is not just a historical event—it’s the foundation of our faith and our source of peace today. Seems like the Lord never gets tired! I might bring in some Paul on this if I expand it. If not - dig into what Paul says about all this - I will be using this .... 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.
Reflection Question: You afraid of Ghosts? I am not but I do not like evil entities - those are not ghosts in my book. With that in mind, what areas of fear or doubt do you carry with you that you can bring to Jesus this today?
Day 2: Tuesday – Scriptures Fulfilled
Scripture: Luke 24:44-45
OT Parallel: Psalm 22:27-28
Scripture: Luke 24:44-45
OT Parallel: Psalm 22:27-28
Day 3: Wednesday – Witnesses Commissioned
Scripture: Luke 24:46-48
OT Parallel: Genesis 12:
Scripture: Luke 24:46-48
OT Parallel: Genesis 12:
Day 4: Thursday – The Promise of Power
Scripture: Luke 24:49
OT Parallel: Joel 2:28-29
Scripture: Luke 24:49
OT Parallel: Joel 2:28-29
Day 5: Friday – A Blessing of Joy
Scripture: Luke 24:50-51
OT Parallel: Numbers 6:24-26
Scripture: Luke 24:50-51
OT Parallel: Numbers 6:24-26
Day 6: Saturday – Worship and Obedience
Scripture: Luke 24:52-53
OT Parallel: Psalm 95:6-7
Scripture: Luke 24:52-53
OT Parallel: Psalm 95:6-7
Day 7: Sunday – Where Do we Go From Here?
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