By Andrew Williams
Luke 24:33-34 (NLT): “And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, ‘The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.'”
Good morning fellow disciples.
These verses come from the account of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, who encountered the risen Jesus without initially recognizing Him. Once Jesus revealed Himself to them, they immediately returned to Jerusalem, filled with joy and urgency to share the news of His resurrection. When they arrived, they found the eleven disciples and others gathered together, proclaiming that Jesus had indeed risen and appeared to Peter. This moment marks a turning point for the disciples, as the truth of Jesus’ resurrection begins to sink in—transforming their grief into joy and their fear into boldness.
The declaration, “The Lord has really risen!” is the foundation of the Christian faith. It redirected the disciples’ focus from despair and doubt to celebration and mission. This encounter reminds us that the resurrection is not just a personal experience, but a truth meant to be shared with others. The disciples’ excitement and urgency to spread the good news challenge us to live out our faith with the same passion.
Peter’s encounter with the risen Jesus, mentioned here, was one of restoration and empowerment. After his denial of Jesus, Peter likely carried the weight of guilt and shame. But Jesus, in His grace, appeared to Peter personally, offering forgiveness and reinstating him as a leader among the disciples. This moment marks the beginning of Peter’s transformation into the bold preacher we see at Pentecost. The resurrection not only affirmed Peter’s faith but also empowered him to step into his calling with renewed purpose.
As disciples, Peter’s story reminds us that the resurrection is a message of hope and restoration. Even when we falter, Jesus meets us with grace, lifting us up and calling us to share His love with the world. Like Peter, we are empowered to proclaim the good news with confidence, knowing that Jesus’ victory over death is the source of our strength and purpose.
Have you shared the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with someone recently? Or has fear, doubt, or busyness kept you silent? Redirect your focus to the joy and hope of the resurrection. Like the disciples in this passage, let your heart overflow with the truth that “The Lord has really risen!” and carry that message to those around you.
This week, commit to sharing the message of the resurrection with at least one person. It could be a family member, a friend, or a coworker who needs to hear the hope of Jesus. Pray for boldness and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your words. Remember, the resurrection is not just a historical event—it’s the living hope that transforms lives today.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the gift of the resurrection, which fills my heart with hope and joy. Like the disciples, I want to live with urgency and passion to share the good news with others. Forgive me for the times I’ve stayed silent when I should have spoken. Today, I choose to redirect my focus to the truth that You are alive and victorious. Empower me, Lord, to share Your love and message boldly. May my life reflect the hope of the resurrection as I proclaim, “The Lord has really risen!” In Jesus’ name, Amen.
