Tag: Luke 24:35-48

3rd Sunday of Easter – 15 Apr – Luke 24:35-48 ~ disbelief, joy and wonder

The Third Sunday of Easter

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Prayer

God of life, in your risen Son you reveal your abiding presence among us and summon us to lives of worship and service. Fill us with thanksgiving and praise as we approach you in prayer. Grant us courage and joy in bearing witness before the world to your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you now and always in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Open Up the Heavens” – Meredith Andrews


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Gospel Reading: Luke 24:35-48 (NLT)

Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!

“Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.

Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched.

Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ You are witnesses of all these things.
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Prayers of Intercession:

God our Savior: Rescue us from all our distress; we ask especially –

+ That believers everywhere who suffer for their faith may have courage and perseverance…. Lord, hear us.
+ That missionaries everywhere may have the conviction and enthusiasm of the early disciples…. Lord, hear us.
+ That fishermen and all who work on the sea may receive your protection…. Lord, hear us.
+ That farmers may receive just reward for their investment of time and energy…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those who prepare and serve food may themselves receive your sustenance…. Lord, hear us.
+ That the vision of heaven given in the Scriptures may inspire the sick and comfort the dying…. Lord, hear us.
+ That those who have died in Christ may join those gathered around the heavenly throne…. Lord, hear us.

Gracious God: Have mercy on your people and guide us all the days of our life, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“All Things New” – Elevation Worship


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Blessing – Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT)

“Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Thursday of Easter Week, 20 Apr – Luke 24:35-48 ~ dumbfounded disciples

Thursday of Easter Week

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Prayer

Almighty God and Father, Jesus died for us on the cross and you raised him from the dead.

I have not seen the marks of the nails in his hands nor touched the wound in his side, but I believe that he is alive and present here among us. Open my heart to his word and let me touch him in the bread of the Eucharist, that he may raise me above my sins and change me into his likeness. May I thus bear witness to your risen Son, Jesus Christ my Lord.
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Reading: Luke 24:35-48 (NLT)

Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!

“Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.

Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched.

Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ You are witnesses of all these things.
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Reflection & Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Thank you for this season of Easter; the more I reflect on the appearances of Jesus to his disciples, the more I understand their “disbelief, filled with joy and wonder.”

+ Open my heart and mind that I might understand the startling reality they confronted – Jesus of Nazareth is the Risen Christ.
+ Fill me anew with the joy and wonder of it all – Jesus has triumphed over sin and death and is present now with me as I live and breathe.
+ Jesus – I receive your reconciling love and forgiveness through repentance of my sins and belief in your name – you are my Savior and Lord.
+ Jesus – you alone can make the world right with God through the forgiveness of sins; you alone can bring peace to the nations.

Holy Spirit: Strengthen my faith, keep my eyes focused on the Risen Christ, and give me the boldness and courage to bring to others the Good News of peace.

Soli Deo gloria!
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“Who Am I” – Casting Crowns


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Concluding Prayer

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? – Psalm 8:3-4 (NLT)

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!