JESUS HELPS US BELIEVE by Gail Kittleson

A Picture of Resurrection

While they were saying all this, Jesus appeared to them and said, “Peace be with you.” They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death. [Luke 24:36, MSG]

It’s impossible to focus on a single verse today: we need the context. What we see in this passage is the aftermath of Jesus’ suffering and death: we see resurrection. At first the disciples thought they were seeing a ghost–and why not? They had never understood Jesus’ references to his death and resurrection.

Is this so different for us? Don’t we sometimes have a hard time having faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection?

Jesus’ words should have tipped them off: “Peace be with you.” For isn’t peace what we turn to Jesus for? Don’t we ask him to bring peace to our broken hearts, to our broken relationships and to our broken world?

God’s Desire for Us to Believe

He continued with them, “Don’t be upset, and don’t let all these doubting questions take over. Look at my hands; look at my feet—it’s really me. Touch me. Look me over from head to toe. A ghost doesn’t have muscle and bone like this.”  [Luke 24:38-39]

Along with that picture of the Risen Christ bringing us peace, we see God’s desire for God’s children to believe. Notice the many ways Jesus opened himself up to the disciples. First he appealed to their senses: “Look…touch…look me over…” Then he appealed to their logic: “a ghost doesn’t have muscle and bone like this.” Next, he gave them the proof of his hands and feet. Still they doubted.

As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. They still couldn’t believe what they were seeing. It was too much; it seemed too good to be true. [Luke: 24:37-40]

A Final Example

A little later, Jesus asks if they have any food and eats some leftover fish. A ghost certainly can’t eat. What more proof can they need?

He asked, “Do you have any food here?” They gave him a piece of leftover fish they had cooked. He took it and ate it right before their eyes. [Luke 24:41-43]

It’s as if Jesus can’t do enough to help his disciples believe. We’re the same way today, aren’t we? When I think of all the times I’ve tried so hard to believe, but still doubted, I don’t think I ever saw Jesus as trying to help me believe. In this passage Jesus acts as instructor and cheerleader. He knows it’s tough for his friends to embrace what’s happened, but he’s determined to bring them the peace believing brings.

A Friend on Our Side

As we go through our trials in life, we need to remember Jesus is on our side, always assessing every angle of each situation, always guiding us to the kind of help we need. Jesus is not our enemy demanding faith we can’t deliver. He’s our friend–standing right beside us–helping us as we struggle toward faith.

Prayer

Help us Lord, to realize you’re on our side, helping us to believe.