Reappearance and Broiled Fish

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Sometimes…ok, most of the time, when I read an account in the Bible, my mind likes to insert it’s own imagery.  I don’t think that’s a bad thing.  In fact, often I remember more when that happens.

Well, it happened again tonight.  I was reading Luke 24 about Jesus appearing to the disciples on the road to Emmaus.  It was already quite humorous in the fact that it took so long for the disciples to realize who it was that was walking with them and joining them for evening.  Jesus was going right along, knowing they had no clue.

I wonder if he was just waiting for that Aha! moment?  I would have liked to have seen the looks in their eyes when they “were opened and they recognized him.”  I’m guessing it was a big relief for Jesus to see that.   Doesn’t say how it affected Jesus, but being as loving as he is, I almost have to believe that.

Then he again appears to them.  I’ll include the text for your convenience.

³⁶While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”³⁷They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. ³⁸He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? ³⁹Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

⁴⁰When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. ⁴¹And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” ⁴²They gave him a piece of broiled fish, ⁴³and he took it and ate it in their presence.

⁴⁴He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

Starting in verse 37 is when my noggin went bonkers.  Jesus just pops in on them again and says “Peace be with you.” and this scared the disciples.  The way it’s worded, I picture them like Shaggy and Scooby, jumping in each others arms, knees knocking, voices quivering.  Just a funny scene to me.

Of course, had I been there, I’m fairly sure I would have been right there in the middle of them.  Even though Jesus had told them about what all was going to happen, when it happened they were still shocked.  The disciples, I gather, even though they were his followers, had a hard time understanding what all was going on.

There are too many accounts to mention here, but I think of Jesus calming the storm and the disciples reaction…fear.  They didn’t get it even after the water to wine, driving out demons, healing many, bringing the dead back to life.  They still didn’t get it that He was coming back.

Eventually in the account they did get it It took a piece of broiled fish for it to really sink in that he was real, flesh and bone.

Again, I put myself back there and wonder what would it take for me?  Then there are times, here and now, when those brief moments of doubt rumble by.   It makes me wonder if he came back today, riding on the cloud, would I believe it was him?

I really like to think that I would.  I’m going with that anyway.  There are times though that I think I might want to have a piece of broiled fish around, just in case.

Don’t harass me too much about the post.  Just some thoughts I had while reading it.  I am interested in yours as well.  Share.

Because of HIM

SC