"That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection...." Philippians 3:10
After His resurrection, Jesus visited His disciples various times in various places. He just showed up!..There He was, His dear familiar self.
Familiar, yet unfamiliar. The Twelve knew how He had died, had been placed in a tomb that was sealed. Yet He had suddenly appeared alive before them; a reality that made Him strangely unfamiliar. Everything was different. The disciples had no prior experience with a resurrected Master. Before the cross, He had been one of them. Now, He was Another, different, yet the same. How should they relate with a Teacher risen from the dead? They fumbled, awkward in their reactions.
Jesus understood. So He appeared in familiar places in familiar ways. He shared bread with them, talked to them, touched them, taught them. He eased them into an expanded knowledge of Himself.
When He finally had to leave them and go to His Father, He offered them a Tutor, someone who knew Him intimately. The Blessed Holy Spirit would take over. He would continue to teach them. They would learn more about Jesus and the power of His resurrection.
Reach Beyond: As 21st century followers of Christ we go beyond the open tomb to discover more about our risen Lord. He lingers to share bread with us, talk to us about an intimate relationship with the dear Holy Spirit, the Father's Gift to all who love His Son.
Prayer: Father God, I thank you for the cross where Jesus died. Your power raised Him from the dead.That same power quickens and fills my life today. Holy Spirit, teach me. I want to know more about Jesus than I have ever known before. Amen