Have you ever been scared out of your wits? Have you been terrified? What caused you to be scared to death? What caused your heart to race and you to hold your breath? Was it something unexpected? Have you ever thought you had seen a ghost?
The apostles were sitting in a locked room. They were afraid they were next. They thought the Jewish leadership and Roman soldiers would soon come calling and haul them off to be crucified just like Jesus. However, the Jewish leadership and Romans had no interest in them.
But there was One who did. Jesus wanted to see them and show them He had risen from the grave just as He had told them He would. Jesus knew where they were and their fears. He had already seen a handful of people, but He wanted to see the apostles. So, during the late afternoon or early evening, He suddenly shows up in the room with them.
Put yourself in their shoes (or sandals). They are frightened. They are feeding on one another’s fear. They have barred the door. Then suddenly Jesus appears. He didn’t come through the door. He didn’t even knock on the door. They were discussing their options and perhaps arguing when suddenly Jesus is there.
They had seen Him die on the cross. They knew where He was buried. They may have even witnessed His burial from a distance. Now He is in their midst. How does that happen?! Where did He come from?! Their minds instantly jump to the conclusion He is a ghost. It is a mass hallucination. But they were wrong. It was Jesus who has risen from the grave. What an amazing surprise for them!
I pray we all know that Jesus rose from the grave. I pray we truly believe it. I pray each one of us realize the amazing power of God as exemplified in the raising of Jesus from the grave on the third day. Jesus rose from the grave. God’s power resurrected Him. Be amazed.
Luke 24:36-67 While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost.
Marty Pressey 