Christ’s Appearance and Instructions
Acts 3:13–15, 17–19; Psalm 4; 1 John 2:1–5; Luke 24:35–48
The gospel reading today presents us with Jesus appearance to his disciples. Recall that after his resurrection, Jesus appeared several times to his disciples. Strictly speaking, the Gospels record that Jesus appeared 10 times to his disciples. In the past few days, we have read some of these instances, and we will still come across more. His appearance in today’s gospel is recorded by St. Luke as the last before his ascension. Thus, being his last appearance, Jesus did not only show his marks to the disciples; he also left them with instructions. So, we shall be looking at Christ’s appearance and instructions.
A. Why the appearance?
Jesus appeared to his disciples to strengthen and instruct them, to send them out as witnesses, to inform them about the coming of the Holy Spirit, as a fulfillment of the promises of old, and lastly, as a confirmation that he is a true Messiah. Hence, Jesus showed his wounds to them so that the glorious story of the resurrection would not be separated from the shameful death on the cross. Today, Christians say so much about Christ’s resurrection but find the cross awkward to teach and preach (1 Cor. 1:23; 18).
What is the nature of Christ at his appearance?
Christ’s nature, at his appearance, is both physical and spiritual. Physically, Jesus appeared in bodily form, as evidenced by his interaction with his disciples, where they could see him, touch him, and even eat with him. He showed them his hands and feet, bearing the wounds of his crucifixion, emphasizing the reality of his resurrection and the continuity of his identity (Luke 24:40–43). Spiritually, Jesus expressed divine attributes, such as appearing suddenly in a locked room and restoring peace to troubled hearts. These features do not amount to a ghost. Jesus says, “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have” (Luke 24:39). Today, many people are quick to relate that Jesus Christ appeared to them, and their experience simply captures the notion of a ghost. A ghost lacks physicality. Hence, rather than searching for a ghost, it is important to note that Christ appears to us in his word and in the Eucharist (Luke 24:30–31).
B. The Last Instructions
The second theme in our gospel reading today is Christ’s Last Instructions. The instructions are: repentance, forgiveness, witnessing, and the promise of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:46–48). Repentance and forgiveness are penitential themes. In the first reading, Peter equally emphasized repentance and forgiveness. He said to them, Repent and turn to God (Acts 3:19). Repentance was the message of all the prophets of old; it was the message of John the Baptist (Luke 3:3); Jesus continued the same message, saying, “Repent and believe in the good news” (Mark 1:15). Therefore, repentance is the supreme message of every Christian. It’s sad that repentance is almost not preached in many churches today. We spend so much time trying to change things around us that we refuse to change our hearts.
Secondly, Jesus also rightly instructs us to forgive. Forgiveness is something everyone is eager to receive but finds difficult to give. Forgiveness is the fastest way a Christian can bear witness. For every Christian, forgiveness is our primary business. If we cannot forgive, we betray the love of Christ. Forgiveness is closely tied to witnessing; in the Lord’s prayer, we say, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” So forgiveness is a business of outreach.
Thirdly, Jesus says, “You are witnesses to these things” (Luke 24:48). Jesus appeared to them so that they would bear witness to him. Anyone who has encountered Christ is mandated by that very encounter to witness to him (the Samaritan woman in John 4:29; Mary Madalene in John 20:18). Witnessing is an essential dimension of our faith. Let’s express Christ sincerely.
Lastly, there is the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to empower his disciples for their mission, ensuring they would have the guidance and strength to fulfill their calling. Without the Holy Spirit, a Christian is like a flat tyre—no movement, no balance. No progress, no relevance. May the Holy Spirit help us. Amen.
Let us pray
May your people exult for ever, O God, in renewed youthfulness of spirit, so that, rejoicing now in the restored glory of our adoption, we may look forward in confident hope to the rejoicing of the day of resurrection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
