Your Daily Devotional for May 31, 2007

 

May 31,  2007

 

 

Christ's Appearances

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

"Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen."

 

Mark 16:9-14

 

 

Over the past few days, we have focused on Jesus' resurrection. We have seen that Mary Magdalene stayed faithful to Jesus even during His death. We have also seen that we are forgiven because of His righteousness. And, yesterday, we saw the hope we can have because He is alive!

 

As we conclude our look at Christ's resurrection, notice what Jesus did after His resurrection. Jesus had already taught the people for several years and could have ascended directly back to Heaven, yet He spent time ministering before He left.

 

The first person Jesus appeared to after His resurrection was Mary Magdalene. As we saw before, Mary remained faithful to Christ and followed Him even after His death. When Mary had come to His tomb and had heard the news of His resurrection, she wept, not believing this news.  Jesus appeared to her in a nearby garden and reassured her that there was hope because He was alive.

 

Another appearance Christ made after His resurrection was to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. He walked with them to their house and fellowshipped with them. Only after He left did they realize that He was Jesus! He had been in their midst, and they had not even realized it!

 

Christ also appeared to the disciples when they were gathered together. After He had appeared to Mary, she went and told the disciples, but they did not believe her. When Christ appeared unto them, He rebuked them for not believing Mary, and He showed them His nail-scarred hands. Jesus gave them hope as He proved that He had risen!

 

Not only did Jesus appear to these people after His resurrection, but He appears to us today. He does not appear to us physically, but He shows Himself to us through His Word. Just as the disciples and Mary Magdalene gained hope from Christ's reassurance, we can gain hope today as we spend time in His Word.

 

Are you spending time each day in God's Word? Christ can give us hope each day through His Word! Spend time in His Word today. Let Him fill your heart with hope and joy as you seek to live for Him.

 

 

 

Daily Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 13-14 • John 12:1-26

 

---

================================================
THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE PLEASE DO NOT REPLY
================================================
Manage your online subscriptions at
http://www.dailyintheword.org/email/user-login.aspx

To Unsubscribe from this list please follow this link
http://www.dailyintheword.org/email/user-unsubscribe.aspx?s=4159&l=1