Transforming Encounters: The 40-Day Challenge (Luke)Näide

The risen Jesus comes among the disciples who have followed him for years, and know him well. Yet, they are confused, frightened, and think they are seeing a ghost. The Jesus they encounter here goes beyond their experience, knowledge of him, and understanding of reality.

Jesus brings peace to their confusion. He reveals himself to them, eats in front of them, wants them to touch him and understand what was incomprehensible to them until then – that he has truly conquered death and brought the forgiveness of sins. He repeats what he has already told them, and enlightens their minds so that they understand the Scriptures and himself. He gives them a message of hope for all people and makes them aware that they are witnesses who will pass this on to others. He does not leave them alone, but blesses them and promises them power and the filling of the Holy Spirit.

This is the encounter between the risen Jesus and his closest disciples – a unique moment in history. My acquaintance with Jesus, acceptance of his death, resurrection and forgiveness of my sins took place in a different way. Is there any point in looking for connections?

When Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus, he prays very similarly: he reminds them of the grace and forgiveness of sins they have received, he blesses them, he prays for peace, that God would open their eyes to know him fully and to understand how greathis poweris in them and that they would be filled with all the fullness that comes from God. He encourages them to be witnesses…

Aware of the grace and forgiveness of sins that I have in him, I pray for more peace, knowledge, blessings, the power of the Holy Spirit, testimony, joy and praise in my life.

Allow the risen Jesus to reveal himself to you and bring you peace. Allow the Risen One to open your eyes so that you may know Him fully and understand the power of His resurrection. Allow the Risen One to fill you with His Holy Spirit and make you a witness.

Transforming Encounters, Even Today

Over the past 40 days, we have met different people in different life circumstances who have brought their needs, their questions, their doubts, their objections or even their offers to Jesus. At the center of each of these encounters is Jesus, who readily takes time for each of them and approaches them in a completely personal way. Through his Word in recent days, Jesus has also wanted to meet each of us personally. Let’s ask ourselves…

• Do I recognize in Jesus Christ God, who wants to meet me personally?
• Do I recognize in Jesus Christ God, who wants to continue to meet me every day?
• What is stopping me from opening myself up to the possibility of meeting Jesus for the first time?
• What are my needs, my questions, my doubts, my objections, or offers that I want to bring to Jesus?
• Do I truly want to allow Jesus to shape and change me?

Perhaps these days you have recognized for the first time that Jesus wants to meet you personally. Perhaps this realization has already changed you, or you feel it changing you. Perhaps it has opened up some new questions that you want to talk about with someone. Feel free to contact us at info@bczagreb.hr

Perhaps after a long time you have thought more seriously about your personal encounter with Jesus, and what it means for your life. Perhaps you see room for change and want to allow Jesus to do so. If you need to talk, feel free to contact us at info@bczagreb.hr

Perhaps you’re enjoying the knowledge that Jesus has changed your life, and praise God for it. Share your story of how Jesus met you personally with us. Write to us at izazov40@bczagreb.hr