Year of the Bible: Part Nine of TwelveSample

Trust from a God-Opened Mind

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to several people, and they encountered Him in unique ways. In the final chapter of Luke’s gospel, he recounted Jesus’ last meal on earth. Jesus appeared to the disciples, and they saw His wounds. His humanity was still evident, but He had come through death in a way the disciples had never encountered. Imagine their joy: the one they believed to be the Messiah had died but was now alive and in their midst! Their relief must have been immense. All of their expectations of Him had been shattered, but they were probably writing new stories in their heads of how Jesus’ Kingdom would play out post-resurrection. The wheels of their minds were undoubtedly whirring, and then Jesus pulled out another surprise.

Jesus opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and they saw how He had fulfilled them. Jesus then promised to send them a helper—the Holy Spirit. The disciples understood that the Holy Spirit would give them the power and comfort to share all the good news Jesus had brought.

After Jesus took the disciples out near Bethany and blessed them, He went up to Heaven, and scripture tells us they worshipped and returned to Jerusalem with joy. Opening their minds to understand suspended any doubt they may have had regarding the “why” of Him going away. We see them walking securely in the knowledge that Jesus had completed His role and was sending a Helper for their next steps.

Question: Do you trust God as the disciples did in today’s passage?

Prayer: Father, thank you that Jesus fulfilled all that was written about Him before He came to earth. Thank you for conquering death through Jesus and providing salvation for us. Please open my mind so I can understand the scriptures and trust that every move You make on my behalf is for my good. Help me to trust and wait for the promises You have given. Help me to walk in the power of the Spirit that You have poured out to do all that You have called me to do and be all that You have called me to be. I trust in You today!