Verse
Luke 24:36–39 (ESV)
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.”
Meditation
The Risen Christ appears to His disciples, speaking peace into their fear and confusion. He shows them His hands and feet, the marks of His crucifixion, proving that His resurrection is real and bodily. Jesus is not a ghost or a figment of their imagination. His body, once broken on the cross, is now glorified but still bearing the marks of love. In the same way, our faith rests on a real, living Savior who conquered death in the flesh. His victory gives us peace in our fears, assurance against our doubts, and hope beyond the grave. Christ’s bodily resurrection secures our own resurrection on the Last Day.
Old Testament
Job 19:25–26 (ESV)
“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God.”
Collect
Almighty God, who raised Your Son Jesus Christ from the dead in His glorified body, grant us faith to trust in His resurrection. Still our fears, banish our doubts, and fill us with the peace that only He can give, that we may joyfully await the day when we too shall rise to see You face to face. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Hymn Verse
Jesus lives! And now is death
But the gate of life immortal;
This shall calm my trembling breath
When I pass its gloomy portal.
Faith shall cry, as fails each sense:
Jesus is my confidence!
— Jesus Lives! The Vict'ry's Won – LSB 490:5
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