What Jesus Did! 'Not a Ghost!' — Luke 24:36-43

Saturday, December 30, 2023

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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And just as [the two men from Emmaus] were telling [other disciples in Jerusalem about their encounter with Jesus], 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.

— Luke 24:36-43 NLT

Key Thought

Sometimes things are just too good to be true. In fact, we are told that one way to sniff out a scam is by the principle of "If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is!" The disciples had trouble believing in Jesus' resurrection because it just seemed too good to be true. In this case, however, it was true. So Jesus went to great lengths to help them understand that he was not a ghost or a figment of their imaginations. He had them touch him and see his scars. He ate fish in their presence. Jesus' resurrection was too good to be true ... but it was true, and because of his resurrection, everything is possible for his disciples!

Today's Prayer

Father, give me the eyes to see and the ears to hear the great news you have given me in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. I know this news is "too good to be true," but I believe that it is true and want to live out my life based on that faith. Strengthen that faith through your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 1:19-21
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
  • Colossians 3:1-4

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 24:36-43 NLT — "Do you have anything here to eat?"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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