How they knew WHAT to quote!
by Pastor Stephen Abraham
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Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45).
Read Luke 24:44–53
When I was 14 and in high school, I knew my vision wasn’t very clear. For years, I couldn’t read the whiteboard in class, and peering forward while squinting hard in the front row to try and make out the letters was giving me headaches. Mum took me to the optometrist, and yes, I needed glasses for distance vision. A week later, we picked up my glasses. While driving home to our farm, I was simply overcome: ‘Mum, I can see trees at the top of that hill! Mum, I can see sheep in that paddock! Mum, I can see! I can see!’
The risen Lord Jesus is standing before his disciples, not only as their resurrected friend and teacher, but also as the fulfilment of everything written in the law, the prophets and the psalms. It’s a profound moment. Jesus doesn’t simply show them his hands and feet. He opens their minds, enabling them to truly understand the Scriptures about his coming, life, death and resurrection.
I imagine the experience was like me suddenly seeing the world clearly for the first time – overpowering, profound joy. A massive ‘ah ha’ moment. Is it any wonder that verses like Psalm 110:1 from yesterday are quoted throughout the New Testament record? The apostles finally saw things clearly!
Jesus goes on to explain that his suffering, death and resurrection were not tragic accidents but part of a divine plan. And with this revelation, he gives his followers a mission: preach repentance and forgiveness of sins in his name to all nations. He doesn’t leave them to do this alone. He promises ‘power from on high’ to equip and embolden them to be his witnesses.
Lord Jesus, open our minds to understand your word. Fill us with your Spirit and send us out with joy to be witnesses of your resurrection. Amen.
Stephen Abraham is a retired Lutheran pastor and musician who served as a school pastor and church planter in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Having to retire due to a spinal injury that leaves him largely housebound with chronic pain, Stephen still preaches, takes chapel and serves his local church and school. He also writes and records personal songs, worship songs and Christian meditations, which he shares on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/StephenAbrahamMusic
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