Making a Difference in the Shadows, Not the SpotlightSample

Jesus also touched his followers to communicate peace, comfort, and support. When Peter, James, and John went up the mountain with Jesus, they didn’t know what was about to happen. Jesus was transfigured: “His face shone like the sun; his clothes became as white as the light” (Matt. 17:2). Moses and Elijah arrived to meet with Jesus. Then, God himself spoke from heaven: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matt. 17:5). This was too much for the disciples. They “fell facedown and were terrified” (Matt. 17:6). “Jesus came up, touched them, and said, ‘Get up; don’t be afraid’” (Matt. 17:7). When the disciples (even the leaders, in this case) were terrified, Jesus assured them with meaningful words and a comforting touch.

After his resurrection, he did a similar thing in a different context with lesser-known disciples. When Jesus’ followers saw him, they were terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost. Jesus said, “Peace to you” and then invited them to touch him. He said, “Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have” (Luke 24:36, 39b). Jesus again used meaningful words and a comforting invitation to touch him to bring calm to a stressful situation.

Shadow Christians have the same access to Jesus. When we are troubled, overwhelmed, filled with doubt, or struggling to make sense of a stressful situation, Jesus is available. He touches us with the Word of God, the presence of his Spirit, and the support of fellow believers who become the hands of Jesus. He invites you to touch him by reaching out to him through his Word, your prayers, and your Christian family of supporters. When hurting, you have an intimate companion who will meet your deepest needs. 

Questions to think about: 

1. Jesus touched people physically. He doesn’t do that in the same way with us, but he touches us through his Word, the Holy Spirit, and fellow believers. When have you felt “the touch of Jesus” through any of these means?
2. In what other ways do you sometimes experience Jesus’ presence? 

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We adapted this plan from another resource. Learn more at shadowchristians.com