Gospel of Luke: Recent Episodes
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The disciples are full of joy. The part of God’s plan to fill the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been made known. How could we not be happy? How could we not praise God for this?
The surprise continues, but fear becomes joy. It really is Him. He even eats with them.This encounter with Jesus leaves such a profound mark on those who are there that it will lead them to serve the Risen One until the day of their own death.
First of all, it is God who opens the eyes of the disciples so that they can see and understand the wonder of what is before their eyes. Jesus opened their eyes to the Scriptures. He showed them how He is revealed through the Bible. And then, He allows them to recognize Him.
When they reach the tomb, the stone that covered the entrance had been moved, and the body of the Lord was not there. What happened?
Jesus has been killed. Unjustly accused. Who would want to identify with him? Who would want to stay at His side? It is a dangerous moment and one of great uncertainty.
Jesus dies. And Luke shows us a dramatic, tense scene. The significance and greatness of this moment cannot be described with human words. The cross is God Himself giving His Son as a sacrifice for us. Meditate on this. It's amazing! We are speechless before such love, before such greatness!
The other wrongdoer rebukes him. “What are you saying? Are you not afraid of God? We are guilty, but he is innocent.” He somehow recognizes his evil and that he is next to the One who does not deserve to die. On that cross, a few minutes from his death, God is working in his heart, which makes him look at Jesus with other eyes, and ask,“Lord, remember me in your kingdom.”
Jesus has given us a wonderful example of forgiveness and love. Let us imitate Him. But above all, don’t forget to be surprised by the depth of Christ’s love for us. While He was rejected and mocked, He prayed… “Forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing
Jesus is led to the cross, to death. The Jewish leaders have fulfilled their goal. But as I read this passage I am amazed to see how Jesus affects the lives of those who share, in some way, his journey to the cross.
The two rulers who appear on the scene do not want to be responsible for the death of Jesus (his innocence and authority are evident). The truth, however, is that no one can remain indifferent to Jesus.