“Then [Jesus] opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45)

Bible Reading: Luke 24:36-49

As they were talking about these things, Jesus Himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Touch Me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, He said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave Him a piece of broiled fish, and He took it and ate before them. Then He said to them, “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.

Devotion:

Our senses are very powerful instruments that help our brain process information. Sensing the world around us helps us live life to the fullest. Our senses can help us determine what we can rely on.

The disciples needed further proof that Christ had risen from the dead. Jesus stood among them and they could hear His greeting of peace. Jesus invited the disciples to touch the visible scars of His crucifixion. The smell of the broiled fish Jesus tasted gave testimony to the fact that He was living flesh and bone.

After filling their senses with the evidence of His resurrection, Jesus then appealed to the disciples’ knowledge. Jesus opened their minds to understand how the Old Testament pointed to His death and resurrection. He fulfilled the demands of the law and paid the penalty for our sin. Christ makes it possible for us to be forgiven and He clothes us with power from God.

We have the same opportunity to open our senses to the trustworthy promises of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Each time we read the inspired words in the Bible, and hear the proclamation of God’s Word, feel the refreshing waters of Baptism, and taste the bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper, the Holy Spirit calls us and preserves us in faith. Our brains register all that God has done and how He continues to help us have life in abundance.

Discussion: How do your senses help you?

Prayer: O Founder and Protector of my faith, thank You for opening up my senses to the truth of Your Word and how it points me to Jesus. In His name I pray, Amen.