(With Danish Resume)

Visual imagination 1 When Jesus first met the disciples in the upper chamber, Thomas was not with them.

Biblical evidence

John 20:24 24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.

In imagination behold the scene

When Jesus first met the disciples in the upper chamber, Thomas was not with them. He heard the reports of the others, and received abundant proof that Jesus had risen; but gloom and unbelief filled his heart for two reasons:

1) First as he heard the disciples tell of the wonderful manifestations of the risen Saviour, it only plunged him in deeper despair.

• If Jesus had really risen from the dead, there could be no further hope of a literal earthly kingdom.

2) Second it wounded his vanity to think that his Master should reveal Himself to all the disciples except him.

So Thomas was determined not to believe, and for a whole week he brooded over his wretchedness, which seemed all the darker in contrast with the hope and faith of his brethren.

Visual imagination2 Thomas would not see through the eyes of his brethren, or exercise faith which was dependent upon their testimony.

Biblical evidence

John 20:25-26 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” 26 And after eight days…

In imagination behold the scene

During this time Thomas repeatedly declared:

• “Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

So Thomas would not see through the eyes of his brethren, or exercise faith which was dependent upon their testimony. He ardently loved his Lord, but he had allowed jealousy and unbelief to take possession of his mind and heart.

visual imagination 3 A number of the disciples now made the familiar upper chamber their temporary home, and at evening all except Thomas gathered here. One evening Thomas determined to meet with the others.

Biblical evidence

John 20:26-28 26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

In imagination behold the scene

A number of the disciples now made the familiar upper chamber their temporary home, and at evening all except Thomas gathered here. One evening Thomas determined to meet with the others.

• Notwithstanding his unbelief, Thomas had a faint hope that the good news was true.

While the disciples were taking their evening meal, they talked of the evidences which Christ had given them in the prophecies:

• “Then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.”

Turning to Thomas Jesus said:

• “Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing.”

These words showed that Jesus was acquainted with the thoughts and words of Thomas.

• The doubting disciple knew that none of his companions had seen Jesus for a week.
• His companions could not have told the Master of his unbelief.

Therefore Thomas recognized the One before him as his Lord. He had no desire for further proof. His heart leaped for joy, and he cast himself at the feet of Jesus crying…

• “My Lord and my God.”

Jesus accepted his acknowledgment, but gently reproved his unbelief:

• “Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

The faith of Thomas would have been more pleasing to Christ…

• if Thomas had been willing to believe upon the testimony of his brethren.

What if…

Should the world now follow the example of Thomas

Then…

No one would believe unto salvation; for all who receive Christ must do so through the testimony of others.

The deeper lesson from “Peace Be Unto You” 1 Many who are given to doubt excuse themselves by saying that if they had the evidence which Thomas had from his companions, they would believe.

Biblical evidence

John 20:25 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

Practical application for 2009

Many who are given to doubt excuse themselves by saying that…

• if they had the evidence which Thomas had from his companions, they would believe.

They who are given to doubt do not realize…

• that they have that evidence
• that they have even much more evidence

Many who, like Thomas, wait for all cause of doubt to be removed, will never realize their desire. They gradually become confirmed in unbelief.

• Those who educate themselves to look on the dark side, and murmur and complain, know not what they do.
• They are sowing the seeds of doubt, and they will have a harvest of doubt to reap.

So at a time when faith and confidence are most essential, many will thus find themselves powerless to hope and believe.

The deeper lesson from “Peace Be Unto You” 2 In His treatment of Thomas, Jesus gave a lesson for His followers.

Biblical evidence

John 20:27-29 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Practical application for 2009

In His treatment of Thomas, Jesus gave a lesson for His followers. His example shows how we should treat those…

• Those whose faith is weak
• Those who make their doubts prominent.

Jesus did not…

• Jesus did not overwhelm Thomas with reproach.
• Jesus did not enter into controversy with Thomas.

Instead Jesus revealed Himself to the doubting one. Thomas had been most unreasonable in dictating the conditions of his faith, but Jesus, by His generous love and consideration, broke down all the barriers. Unbelief is seldom overcome by controversy for two reasons:

• Unbelief is rather put upon self-defense
• Unbelief finds new support and excuse.

But let Jesus, in His love and mercy, be revealed…

• as the crucified Saviour

Then from many once unwilling lips will be heard the acknowledgment of Thomas:

• “My Lord and my God.”

(Source: Desire of Ages by Ellen G. White p.807-808)

With Danish Resume/ Med dansk resume.

Visuel Mental Billede 1 Da Jesus første gang mødtes med disciplene i salen ovenpå, var Tomas ikke sammen med dem.

Visual Mental Billede 2 Thomas ville ikke se med sine brødres øjne eller have en tro, der var afhængig af deres vidnesbyrd.

Visual Mental Billede 3 En del af disciplene gjorde nu den velkendte sal ovenpå til deres midlertidige hjem, og om aftenen var alle med undtagelse af Tomas forsamlede dér. En enkelt aften besluttede Tomas sig til at mødes med de andre.

Den dybere lektie fra “Peace Be Unto You” 1 Mange, der er henfaldene til tvivl, undskylder sig med, at hvis de havde fået det vidnesbyrd, som Tomas fik af sine venner, ville de tro. Men de ved ikke hvad de gør eller konsekvenserne af deres handling.

Den dybere lektie fra “Peace Be Unto You” 2 Ved sin handlemåde over for Tomas gav Jesus sine disciple en lære. Hans eksempel viser os, hvordan vi bør handle over for dem, hvis tro er svag, og som hæger om deres tvivl.  

(With Danish Translation)

Visual Imagination 1 The Holy Spirit was not yet fully manifested; for Christ had not yet been glorified. The more abundant impartation of the Spirit did not take place till after Christ’s ascension.

Biblical evidence

Luke 24:47 47 “and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

John 20:22-23 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

In imagination behold the scene

Picture: The breath apparatus. It is interesting to notice that “the breath of spiritual life” is a central theme in many different religions.

The Holy Spirit was not yet fully manifested; for Christ had not yet been glorified.

• The more abundant impartation of the Spirit did not take place till after Christ’s ascension.
• Not until this was received could the disciples fulfill the commission to preach the gospel to the world.

But the Spirit was now given for a special purpose. Before the disciples could fulfill their official duties in connection with the church, Christ breathed His Spirit upon them for two reasons:

• He was committing to them a most sacred trust.
• He desired to impress them with the fact that without the Holy Spirit this work could not be accomplished.

The deeper lesson from “Peace Be Onto You” 1 The Holy Spirit is the breath of spiritual life in the soul.

Biblical evidence

John 20:22 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

Practical application for 2009

The Holy Spirit is the breath of spiritual life in the soul. The impartation of the Spirit is the impartation of the life of Christ. It imbues the receiver with the attributes of Christ. Only those who are thus taught of God are to stand as representative men, to minister in behalf of the church…

• Only those who possess the inward working of the Spirit
• Only those in whose life the Christ-life is manifested

The deeper lesson from “Peace Be Unto You” 2 Christ gives no liberty for any man to pass judgment upon others.

Biblical evidence

John 20:23 23 “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Practical application for 2009

Although Christ said: “Whosesoever sins ye remit,” said Christ, “they are remitted; . . . and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.” Christ here gives no liberty for any man to pass judgment upon others.

• In the Sermon on the Mount He forbade any man to pass judgment upon others (see Matt 7:1-2)
• It is the prerogative of God to pass judgment upon others.

WARNING

(The darker side of the picture)

A lighter side follows later

But on the church in its organized capacity He places a responsibility for the individual members:

1) Toward those who fall into sin, the church in its organized capacity has a duty, to warn, to instruct, and if possible to restore:

• “Reprove, rebuke, exhort,” the Lord says, “with all long-suffering and doctrine.” 2 Tim. 4:2.

2) The church in its organized capacity has a duty to deal faithfully with wrongdoing.

3) The church in its organized capacity has a duty to warn every soul that is in danger.

4) The church in its organized capacity has a duty to Leave none to deceive themselves.

5) The church in its organized capacity has a duty to call sin by its right name.

6) The church in its organized capacity has a duty to declare what God has said in regard to lying, Sabbathbreaking, stealing, idolatry, and every other evil:

• “They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Gal. 5:21.

What if…

If those who fall into sin persist in sin

Then…

Then the judgment you (you means the church in its organized capacity) have declared from God’s word is pronounced upon them in heaven. In choosing to sin, those who persist in sin disown Christ; the church must…

• The Church must show that she does not sanction their deeds, or she herself dishonors her Lord.
• The Church must say about sin what God says about it.
• The Church must deal with it as God directs, and her action is ratified in heaven.

He who despises the authority of the church despises the authority of Christ Himself.

The deeper lesson from “Peace Be Unto You” 3 But there is a brighter side to the picture.

Biblical evidence

John 20:23 23 “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them;

Practical application for 2009

Picture: A shepherd

(The brighter side to the picture)

But there is a brighter side to the picture. “Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted.” Let this thought be kept uppermost. In labor for the erring…

1) let every eye be directed to Christ.

2) Let the shepherds have a tender care for the flock of the Lord’s pasture.

3) Let the shepherds speak to the erring of the forgiving mercy of the Saviour.

4) Let the shepherds encourage the sinner to repent, and believe in Him who can pardon.

5) Let the shepherds declare, on the authority of God’s word:

• “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

All who repent have the assurance:

• “He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19.

Therefore let the repented sinner be accepted by the church with grateful hearts (see Luke 15:1-2, 6, 9-10, 22,32)

• Let the repentance of the sinner be accepted by the church with grateful hearts.
• Let the repenting one be led out from the darkness of unbelief into the light of faith and righteousness.
• Let his trembling hand be placed in the loving hand of Jesus.

Such a remission is ratified in heaven:

• John 20:23 23 “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them (in heaven).

Picture: A shepherd

Conclusion:

Only in this sense has the church power to absolve the sinner. Remission of sins can be obtained only through the merits of Christ:

• To no man, to no body of men, is given power to free the soul from guilt.

Although Christ charged His disciples to preach the remission of sins in His name among all nations, His disciples themselves were not empowered to remove one stain of sin for one reason:

• The name of Jesus is the ONLY “name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

(Source: Desire of Ages by Ellen G.White p. 805)

Danish Translation / Dansk Oversættelse

Visuel Mental Billede 1 Helligånden var ikke endnu helt og fuldt åbenbaret; thi Kristus var endnu ikke blevet herliggjort. Den mere overvældende store tildeling af Ånden fandt ikke sted før efter Kristi himmelfart.

Bibelsk Bevis

Se John 20.22-23

Med forestillingsevnen se scenen

Helligånden var ikke endnu helt og fuldt åbenbaret; thi Kristus var endnu ikke blevet herliggjort.

• Den mere overvældende store tildeling af Ånden fandt ikke sted før efter Kristi himmelfart.
• Ikke før denne var modtaget, kunne disciplene efterkomme befalingen om at prædike evangeliet for verden.

Men nu blev Ånden tildelt dem med et særligt formål.Før disciplene kunne opfylde deres embedes pligter over for menigheden, gav Kristus dem Helligånden ved at ånde på dem:

• Han overgav dem et meget helligt hverv
• Han ønskede at lade dem forstå, at uden Helligånden kunne denne gerning ikke lykkes.

Det dybere lektie fra “Peace Be Unto You” 1 Helligånden er det åndelige livs åndedræt i sjælen.

Bibelsk Bevis

Se John 20:22

Praktisk anvendelse i 2009

Helligånden er det åndelige livs åndedræt i sjælen.. Tildeling af Ånden er tildeling af livet i Kristus. Den besjæler (literally imbues which translates gennemtrænge med) den, som modtager den, med Kristi egenskaber. Kun de, der således er oplært af Gud bør stå som de repræsentanter, der kan tjene til gavn for menigheden:

• Kun de, som er i besiddelse af Åndens virken i deres indre.
• Kun de i hvis liv det Kristuslignende liv åbenbarer sig, bør stå som de repræsentanter, der kan tjene til gavn for menigheden

Den dybere lektie fra “Peace Be Unto You” 2 Her giver Kristus ikke noget menneske frihed til at fælde dom aver andre.

Bibelsk bevis

Se Joh. 20:22-23

Praktisk anvendelse i 2009

Her giver Kristus ikke noget menneske frihed til at fælde dom aver andre af to grunde:

• I bjergprædikenen forbød han dette.
• Det tilkommer kun Gud.

Men inden for menigheden som en organiseret institution lægger han et ansvar på hvert enkelt af dens medlemmer.

Menigheden har en forpligtelse til at advare, til at belære og om muligt til at hjælpe dem, der falder i synd.

1) Overbevis, tugt, forman, siger Herren, med al langmodighed og belæring. 2Tim. 4,2.

2) I skal handle med troskab over for enhver overtrædelse.

3) Advar enhver sjæl, som er i fare. Lad ingen få lov til at narre sig selv.

4) Nævn synden ved dens rette navn.

5) Forkynd, hvad Gud har sagt med hensyn til at lyve, at bryde sabbatten, at stjæle, at dyrke afguder og enhver anden form for synd.

• De, der øver sådanne ting, skal ikke arve Guds rige. Gal. 5,21.

Hvad nu hvis…

• Hvis de der øver sådanne ting holder fast ved synden,

Derefter…

Derefter skal den samme dom, som du har forkyndt dem ud fra Guds ord, fældes over dem i Himmelen. Ved at vælge synden nægter de at vedkende sig Kristus. Menigheden må…

• Menigheden må vise, at den ikke bifalder deres gerninger ellers vil den selv vanære sin Herre.
• Menigheden må sige det samme om synden, som Gud siger om den.
• Menigheden må behandle den efter Guds anvisning, og dens handlemåde bliver godkendt af Himmelen.

Så den, som ringeagter menighedens myndighed, ringeagter Kristi egen myndighed.

Den dybere lektie af “Peace Be Unto You” 2 Men dette billede har også en lysere side.

Bibelsk Bevis

“Hvem I forlader synder, dem er de forladt.” Joh. 20

Praktisk anvendelse i 2009

Men dette billede har også en lysere side. “Hvem I forlader synder, dem er de forladt.” Lad den tanke bevares som den fremherskende. Under arbejdet for de vildfarende…

• Bør (the word bør literally comes from let which means tillad or ikke hindrer) alles blik være rettet mod Kristus.
• Hyrderne bør (actually it means tillad hyrden at…) vogte hjorden på Herrens græsgange med den ømmeste omsorg.
• Hyrderne bør tale til den vildfarende om Frelserens tilgivende barmhjertighed.
• Hyrderne bør opmuntre synderen til at omvende sig og tro på ham, som kan tilgive.
• Hyrderne bør med Guds ords myndighed forkynde: “Hvis vi bekender vore synder, er han trofast og retfærdig, så han tilgiver os vore synder og renser os fra al uretfærdighed.” 1Joh. 1,9.

Alle de, som angrer, kan have denne forvisning:

• “Han vil atter forbarme sig over os, træde vor brøde under fod, du vil kaste alle vore synder i havets dyb!” Mika 7,19.

En synders omvendelse bør modtages af menigheden med taknemlig hjerte:

• En synders omvendelse bør af menigheden modtages med taknemlige hjerter.
• Den angrende bør føres ud af vantroens mørke ind i troens og retfærdighedens lys.
• Hans skælvende hånd bør lægges i Jesu kærlige hånd.

En sådan syndsforladelse godkendes i Himlen.

Kun i denne forstand har menigheden magt til at give syndsforladelse til synderen. Tilgivelse af synder kan kun opnås ved, hvad Kristus har gjort for os:

• Intet menneske og ingen menneskelig forsamling har fået magt til at befri sjælen for skyld.

Kristus pålagde sine disciple at prædike syndernes forladelse i hans navn blandt alle folkeslag; men de fik ikke selv magt til at fjerne en eneste plet af synd af en begrundelse: Kun Jesu navn står på recepten:

• “Thi der er ikke under himmelen givet mennesker noget andet navn (kun Jesu navn), hvorved vi kan frelses”. Apg. 4,12.

With Danish Translation 

Visual imagination 1 When Jesus met with His disciples, He reminded them of the words He had spoken to them before His death.

Biblical evidence

Luke 24:44-48 44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. 46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 “and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 “And you are witnesses of these things.

In imagination behold the scene 2009

When Jesus met with His disciples, He reminded them of the words He had spoken to them before His death, that all things must be fulfilled which were written concerning Him in…

• in the law of Moses
• in the prophets
• in the Psalms

Visual imagination 2 The disciples began to realize the nature and extent of their work.

Biblical evidence

Luke 24:45-48 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. 46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 “and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 “And you are witnesses of these things.

In imagination behold the scene 2009

The disciples began to realize the nature and extent of their work. They were to proclaim to the world the wonderful truths which Christ had entrusted to them such as:

• The events of His life
• His death and resurrection
• The prophecies that pointed to these events
• The sacredness of the law of God
• The mysteries of the plan of salvation
• The power of Jesus for the remission of sins

To all these things they were witnesses, and they were to make them known to the world. They were to proclaim the gospel of peace and salvation through repentance and the power of the Saviour.

Danish Translation / Dansk oversættelse

Visuel mental billede 1. Da Jesus mødtes med sine disciple, mindede han dem om de ord, han havde sagt til dem før sin død

Bibelsk Bevis

Se Lukas 24. 44-48

Med forestillingsevnen se scenen i 2009

Da Jesus mødtes med sine disciple, mindede han dem om de ord, han havde sagt til dem før sin død: at alt det måtte opfyldes, som var skrevet om ham…

• i Mose lov
• i profeterne
• i salmerne.

“Da åbnede han deres sind, så de forstod Skrifterne. Og han sagde til dem: Således står der skrevet, at Kristus skal lide og opstå fra de døde på den tredje dag, og at der i hans navn skal prædikes omvendelse til syndernes forladelse far alle folkeslagene og begyndes fra Jerusalem. I skal være vidner om dette.”

Visuel mental billede 2 Disciplene begyndte at gøre sig klart, af hvad omfang og art deres gerning skulle være.

Bibelsk bevis

“Da åbnede han deres sind, så de forstod Skrifterne. Og han sagde til dem: Således står der skrevet, at Kristus skal lide og opstå fra de døde på den tredje dag, og at der i hans navn skal prædikes omvendelse til syndernes forladelse far alle folkeslagene og begyndes fra Jerusalem. I skal være vidner om dette.” Lukas 24. 45-48

Med forestillingsevnen se scenen i 2009

Disciplene begyndte at gøre sig klart, af hvad omfang og art deres gerning skulle være:
De skulle forkynde verden de vidunderlige sandheder, som Kristus havde betroet dem:

• Begivenhederne i hans liv
• Hans død og opstandelse
• Profetierne, der viste hen til disse begivenheder
• Guds lovs ukrænkelighed
• Frelsesplanens hemmeligheder
• Jesu magt til at forlade synder

Om alle disse ting var de vidner, og de skulle gøre dem kendt for verden. De skulle forkynde fredens og frelsens evangelium ved omvendelse og Frelserens magt

(Source: Desire of Ages by Ellen G. White p. 804)

Introduction

On reaching Jerusalem the two disciples enter at the eastern gate, which is open at night on festal occasions. The houses are dark and silent, but the travelers make their way through the narrow streets by the light of the rising moon. They go to the upper chamber where Jesus spent the hours of the last evening before His death. Late as it is, here they know…

• That their brethren are to be found.
• That the disciples will not sleep till they learn for a certainty what has become of the body of their Lord.

The two disciple find the door of the chamber securely barred. They knock for admission, but no answer comes:

• All is still.

Then they give their names. The door is carefully unbarred, they enter, and Another, unseen, enters with them. Then the door is again fastened, to keep out spies.

Picture: Street in Old Jerusalem

Visual imagination 1 The travelers find all in surprised excitement.

Biblical evidence

Luke 24:33-35 33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.

In imagination behold the scene 2009

The travelers find all in surprised excitement. The voices of those in the room break out into thanksgiving and praise, saying:

• “The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.”

Then the two travelers, panting with the haste with which they have made their journey, tell the wondrous story of…

• How Jesus has appeared to them.

The two disciples have just ended, and some are saying that they cannot believe it (see Mark. 16:12-13), for it is too good to be true, when behold, another Person stands before them. Every eye is fastened upon the stranger:

• No one has knocked for entrance.
• No footstep has been heard.

The disciples are startled, and wonder what it means. Then they hear a voice which is no other than the voice of their Master. Clear and distinct the words fall from His lips:

• “Peace be unto you.”

Luke 24:37-40 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 “Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” 40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.

Visual imagination 2 The disciples beheld the hands and feet marred by the cruel nails.

Biblical evidence

Luke 24:41-43 41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 And He took it and ate in their presence.

In imagination behold the scene 2009

The disciples beheld the hands and feet marred by the cruel nails. They recognized His voice, like no other they had ever heard;

“And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, He said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And He took it, and did eat before them.” “Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.”

Faith and joy took the place of unbelief, and with feelings which no words could express they acknowledged their risen Saviour.

The first deeper lesson from “Peace Be Unto You”: Jesus is ever ready to speak peace to souls that are burdened with doubts and fears

Biblical evidence

Luke 2:14 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 24:36 36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.”

Practical application for 2009

At the birth of Jesus the angel announced, Peace on earth, and good will to men. And now at His first appearance to the disciples after His resurrection, the Saviour addressed them with the blessed words:

• “Peace be unto you.”

Jesus is ever ready to speak peace to souls that are burdened with doubts and fears. He waits for us to open the door of the heart to Him, and say:

• Abide with us

He says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Rev. 3:20.

The second deeper lesson from “Peace Be Unto You”: The resurrection of Jesus was a type of the final resurrection of all who sleep in Him.

Biblical evidence

Luke 24:37-40 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 “Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” 40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.

Practical application for 2009

The resurrection of Jesus was a type of the final resurrection of all who sleep in Him.

The resurrection of Jesus:

The countenance of the risen Saviour, His manner, His speech, were all familiar to His disciples.

The final resurrection of all who sleep in Christ:

As Jesus arose from the dead, so those who sleep in Him are to rise again. We shall know our friends, even as the disciples knew Jesus.

(Discussion)

Con:

It is true that our friends may have been deformed, diseased, or disfigured, in this mortal life, and they rise in perfect health and symmetry.

Pro:

Yet in the glorified body their identity (identity such as countenance, manner, character and speech) will be perfectly preserved.

Therefore in the final resurrection we shall know our friends even as the disciples knew Christ. We shall know even as also we are known. 1 Cor. 13:12. In the face radiant with the light shining from the face of Jesus, we shall recognize the lineaments of those we love (our friends).

Visual imagination 1  During the journey the sun had gone down, and before the travelers reached their place of rest, the laborers in the fields had left their work. As the disciples were about to enter their home, the stranger appeared as though He would continue His journey.

Biblical evidence

Luke 24:28-29   28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther.  29 But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them.

In imagination behold the scene 2009

 Picture: Sunset

During the journey the sun had gone down, and before the travelers reached their place of rest, the laborers in the fields had left their work. As the disciples were about to enter their home, the stranger appeared as though He would continue His journey. But the disciples felt drawn to Him.

• Their souls hungered to hear more from Him. “Abide with us,” they said.

He did not seem to accept the invitation, but they pressed it upon Him, urging:

• “It is toward evening, and the day is far spent.”

Christ yielded to this entreaty and “went in to tarry with them.”  

What if… 

Had the disciples failed to press their invitation, they would not have known that their traveling companion was the risen Lord.

Christ never forces His company upon anyone.

• He interests Himself in those who need Him.

(Discussion)

It is true that Christ will gladly enter the humblest home, and cheer the lowliest heart.

But if men are too indifferent…

• To think of the heavenly Guest
• To ask Him to abide with them

then Christ passes on.

Thus many meet with great loss. They do not know Christ any more than did the disciples as He walked with them by the way. 

Visual imagination 2   The simple evening meal of bread is soon prepared.

Biblical evidence

Luke 24:30-31   30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.  31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.

In imagination behold the scene 2009

 Picture: Bread (artos). Bread (GRK. Artos) is food composed of flour (barley or whaet), mixed with water and (sometimes yeast) and baked. The israelites made it in the form of a oblong or round cake as thick as one’s thumb and as large as a plate or platter.

The simple evening meal of bread is soon prepared. It is placed before the guest:

• Who has taken His seat at the head of the table.

Now He puts forth His hands to bless the food. The disciples start back in astonishment:

• Their companion spreads forth His hands in exactly the same way as their Master used to do.

The disciples look again, and lo, they see in His hands the print of nails. Both exclaim at once:

• It is the Lord Jesus! 
• He has risen from the dead!

Visual imagination 3  They rise to cast themselves at His feet and worship Him, but He has vanished out of their sight.

Biblical evidence

Luke 24:31-32  31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.  32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”

In imagination behold the scene 2009

The disciples rise to cast themselves at His feet and worship Him, but He has vanished out of their sight. They look at the place which had been occupied by One whose body had lately lain in the grave, and say to each other:

• “Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?”

Visual imagination 4   But with this great news to communicate they cannot sit and talk.

Biblical evidence

Luke 24:33   33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem…

In imagination behold the scene 2009

But with this great news to communicate they cannot sit and talk.

• Their weariness are gone
• Their hunger are gone.
• They leave their meal untasted, and full of joy immediately set out again on the same path by which they came, hurrying to tell the tidings to the disciples in the city.

In some parts the road is not safe, but they climb over the steep places, slipping on the smooth rocks. They do not…

• They do not see  that they have the protection of Him who has traveled the road with them.
• They do not know that they have the protection of Him who has traveled the road with them

So with their pilgrim staff in hand, they press on, desiring to go faster than they dare. They lose their track, but find it again. They press forward…

• Sometimes running
• Sometimes stumbling

But their unseen Companion (Christ) is close beside them all the way.  

 Picture: Sun. Although the night is dark, the Sun of Righteousness shines.

 Picture. The sun

The night is dark, but the Sun of Righteousness is shining upon them. Their hearts leap for joy. They seem to be in a new world:

• Christ is a living Saviour.

They no longer mourn over Him as dead. They repeat it –over and over again–

• Christ is risen.

This is the message they are carrying to the sorrowing ones.

• They must tell them the wonderful story of the walk to Emmaus.
• They must tell who joined them by the way.

The two disciples carry the greatest message ever given to the world, a message of glad tidings upon which the hopes of the human family for time and for eternity depend. 

Visual imagination 1 Beginning at Moses, the very Alpha of Bible history, Christ expounded in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

Biblical evidence

Luke 24:27 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

In imagination behold the scene 2009

Beginning at Moses, the very Alpha of Bible history, Christ expounded in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Christ did not first make Himself known to them for a good reason:

What if…

Had He first made Himself known to them, their hearts would have been satisfied. In the fullness of their joy they would have hungered for nothing more.

But it was necessary for them to understand the witness borne to Him by the types and prophecies of the Old Testament Upon these their faith must be established.

So Christ performed no miracle to convince them, but it was His first work to explain the Scriptures. They had looked upon His death as the destruction of all their hopes. Now He showed from the prophets that this was the very strongest evidence for their faith.

In teaching these disciples, Jesus showed the importance of the Old Testament as a witness to His mission.

The deeper lesson from the “Walk to Emmaus”

Many professed Christians now discard the Old Testament, claiming that it is no longer of any use. But such is not Christ’s teaching.

• So highly did He value it that at one time He said, “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” Luke 16:31.

It is the voice of Christ that speaks through patriarchs and prophets, from the days of Adam even to the closing scenes of time.

• The Saviour is revealed in the Old Testament as clearly as in the New.
• It is the light from the prophetic past that brings out the life of Christ and the teachings of the New Testament with clearness and beauty.
• The miracles of Christ are a proof of His divinity; but a stronger proof that He is the world’s Redeemer is found in comparing the prophecies of the Old Testament with the history of the New.

Reasoning from prophecy, Christ gave His disciples a correct idea of what He was to be in humanity.

• Their expectation of a Messiah who was to take His throne and kingly power in accordance with the desires of men had been misleading.
• It would interfere with a correct apprehension of His descent from the highest to the lowest position that could be occupied.

Christ desired that the ideas of His disciples might be pure and true in every specification.

• They must understand as far as possible in regard to the cup of suffering that had been apportioned to Him.
• He showed them that the awful conflict which they could not yet comprehend was the fulfillment of the covenant made before the foundation of the world was laid.
• Christ must die, as every transgressor of the law must die if he continues in sin. All this was to be, but it was not to end in defeat, but in glorious, eternal victory.
• Jesus told them that every effort must be made to save the world from sin.
• His followers must live as He lived, and work as He worked, with intense, persevering effort.

Thus Christ discoursed to His disciples, opening their minds that they might understand the Scriptures. The disciples were weary, but the conversation did not flag. Words of life and assurance fell from the Saviour’s lips. But still their eyes were holden.

• As He told them of the overthrow of Jerusalem, they looked upon the doomed city with weeping.

But little did they yet suspect who their traveling companion was.

• They did not think that the subject of their conversation was walking by their side; for Christ referred to Himself as though He were another person.
• They thought that He was one of those who had been in attendance at the great feast, and who was now returning to his home.
• He walked as carefully as they over the rough stones, now and then halting with them for a little rest.

Thus they proceeded along the mountainous road, while the One who was soon to take His position at God’s right hand, and who could say, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth,” walked beside them. Matt. 28:18.

Introduction.

The 60 ways to boost life and immunesystem will show things that influence infection-susceptibility and improve well-being (health). No one can guarantee that you will  not succumb to infection by following this advice, it is probable that you will increase your resistance. For more information please write to me.

As you read the 60 ways to boost life and immune system, consider your body as a Tempel. In this tempel, God wants to dwell (read 1 Cor. 6:19; John 2: 13-21). Health is a choice, not a chance. God promised to Israel health and a long life, if they would obey His laws (see Deut. 7: 9-15; John 5:14). The 50 ways are the following:

• Mood, mind and Emotions
• Lifestyle
• Diet and Nutrition
• Social
• Spiritual
• Soul health

Mood, Mind and Emotions

1. Work at becoming more of an optimist. Optimists have healthier immune systems, suffer from fewer infections and are not so adversely affected by stressful life events.
2. Guard against cynicism and hostility. Death rates in people who are hostile, cynical or suspicious are four to seven times higher than in people who are not.
3. Express your feelings and emotions
4. Take control. If you are in a situation that seems outside your control, find little things over which you can exert control. A sense of control seems to help our immune systems function more efficiently.
5. Be willing to ask for and accept support from friends and loved ones.
6. Find a sense of meaning and purpose in your relationships, work and daily activities.
7. Learn to say “no” (when you need to) when others ask for your help or services. It is true that service and giving are important parts of a healthy life, however being unable to assert yourself and claim your needs is not
8. Keep a daily journal of your feelings, especially during important life events. It gives the immune system a boosts, that may last for several days.
9. Take classes in relaxation or read a book about relasxation.
10. If you are depressed, seek help form a professional. Get moderate exercise. People who suffer from depression have weakened immune systems and are more susceptible to infection.
11. Laugh as much as you can. Attend funny movies, read funny stories, socialize with funny people and try to see the humorous things in life.
12. Become more idealistic. Realists often have a more accurate view of the world but are also more apt to be depressed, which may lead to sluggish immunity.
13. When stressful life events strike, take extra time, do relaxation exercises,write in a journal, discuss your feelings with  someone you trust, stay away from junk food, take extra vitamins. 
14. Rate your health high. Begin to view yourself as healthy. Those who do actually live longer and feel better.
15. Take control of your health. Do no rely on doctors. When you use doctors, try to form a health partnership. Find a doctor whose philosophy of care is similar to your own. 

LIfestyle

1. Get regular exercise, even if it is only walking for 30 minutes each day.  Those who exercise moderately are more resistant to infection. Make sure the exercise is fun. Do it with a friend if at all possible. Heavy exercise may cause infection.
2. Partake of a weekly or biweekly sauna. Sauna helps cleanse the body of waste products and impurities and can cut the incidence of infection. If you have a heart disease, are pregnant or have circulatory problems, see your doctor before proceeding.
3. Get more in touch in your life. Treat yourself with a weekly therapeutic massage. If you are married, touch your wife more often. If you have children, touch and hug your kids throughout the day. Babies also need touch. 
4. Get adequate sunlight. Sunligt helps to prevent cancer and provide your body with vitamins. Suncream may add to your body unwanted chemicals. A hat can protect you skin. So do not stay in the sun for too long, but cover your bare skin with clothes. 
5. If your smoke, give it up.
6. If you are a workaholic, STOP! Take time to find out what drives the working obsession. Smell the flowers. 
7. Limit TV viewing hours. It contribute to a more sedentary life, obesity and poor nutrition. It takes time away from interacting with family and friends and from introspection.
8. Designate a “quite room” in the house. This is a room where you can escape from the stressful noise and chatter. The room should contain no TV or radio and should be off limits to others while you are inside. Try to arrange a quiet time for other members of the family (kids).
9. During winter month, use essential oils daily on your skin or in the bath.
10. Pray each day.
11. Look at the health of your parents. If they are prone to certain type of illness, you may also be.
12. If possible, avoid alcohol.
13. Avoid overuse of prescription drugs
14. Avoid use of illecit drugs
15. Get adequate sleep.Most peopne need 6 to 8 hours a night of uninterrupted sleep. A short nap in the afternoon is often helpful. 

Introduction

Late in the afternoon of the day of the resurrection, two of the disciples were on their way to Emmaus, a little town eight miles from Jerusalem. These disciples had had no prominent place in Christ’s work, but they were earnest believers in Him. They had come to the city to keep the Passover, and were greatly perplexed by the events that had recently taken place:

• They had heard the news of the morning in regard to the removal of Christ’s body from the tomb.
• They had heard the report of the women who had seen the angels and had met Jesus.

They were now returning to their homes to meditate and pray. Sadly they pursued their evening walk, talking over the scenes of the trial and the crucifixion:

• Never before had they been so utterly disheartened.

So hopeless and faithless, they were walking in the shadow of the cross. 

They had not advanced far on their journey when they were joined by a stranger, but they were so absorbed in their gloom and disappointment that they did not observe him closely:

• They continued their conversation, expressing the thoughts of their hearts.
• They were reasoning in regard to the lessons that Christ had given, which they seemed unable to comprehend.

As they talked of the events that had taken place, Jesus longed to comfort them:

• Jesus had seen their grief.
• Jesus understood the conflicting, perplexing ideas that brought to their minds the thought, Can this Man, who suffered Himself to be so humiliated, be the Christ? Their grief could not be restrained, and they wept.
• Jesus knew that their hearts were bound up with Him in love, and He longed to wipe away their tears, and fill them with joy and gladness.

But Jesus must first give them lessons they would never forget.

Visual imagination 1 Jesus must first give the two disciples lessons they would never forget

Biblical evidence

Luke 24:14-21   14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.  15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them.  16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.  17 And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?”  18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?”  19 And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,  20 “and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him.  21 “But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened.  

In imagination behold the scene 2009

Picture: Artas (60 stadia from Jerusalem)

Picture: Southwest of Jerusalem

Many sites have been suggested for the biblical Emmaus, among them Emmaus Nicopolis (ca. 160 stadia from Jerusalem),Kiryat Anavim(66 stadia from Jerusalem on the carriage road to Jaffa), Coloniya (36 stadia on the carriage road to Jaffa), el-Kubeibeh (63 stadia, on the Roman road to Lydda), Artas (60 stadia from Jerusalem) and Khurbet al-Khamasa (86 stadia on the Roman road to Eleutheropolis}. The oldest identification that is currently known is Emmaus Nicopolis, but this poses a problem for the biblical story since its distance from Jerusalem is 160 stadia not 60, and this makes it too far for the two disciples to have returned to Jerusalem that evening.

Artas  is a Palestinian village located four kilometers southwest of Bethlehem in the Bethlehem Governorate in the central West Bank.

Yet Emmaus Nicopolus appears on Roman geographical maps. The Peutinger Table situates it about 19 miles (31 km) west of Jerusalem while the Ptolemy map shows it at a distance of 20 miles (32 km) from the city. This location is confirmed by ancient sources and translations of the Gospel of Luke (e. g. Codex Sinaiticus), which give the distance between biblical Emmaus and Jerusalem as 160 stadia. The geographical position of Emmaus is described in the Jerusalem Talmud.:

From Bet Horon to the Sea is one domain. Yet is it one domain without regions? Rabbi Johanan said, ‘Still there is Mountain, Lowland, and Valley. From Bet Horon to Emmaus it is Mountain, from Emmaus to Lydda Lowland, from Lydda to the Sea Valley. Then there should be four stated? They are adjacent’.

 

Listen to the communication between Christ and the two disciples:

 ”He said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto Him, Art Thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?”

Then they told the stranger (Jesus) of their disappointment in regard to their Master:

Luke 24:19-20   19 And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,  20 “and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him.  

Then they added with hearts sore with disappointment and with quivering lips: 

• “We trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done.” 

How strange!

• Strange that the disciples did not remember Christ’s words!
• Strange that the disciples did not realize that He had foretold the events which had come to pass!

The disciples did not realize…

• That the last part of His disclosure would be just as verily fulfilled as the first part.
• That the third day He would rise again.

This last part was the part the disciples should have remembered. In contrast, the priests and rulers did not forget that Christ had foretold the events:

• On the day “that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.” Matt. 27:62, 63.

But the two disciples did not remember these words.

Therefore Christ spoke to their very souls with earnestness, tenderness ,sympathy and hopefulness:

Luke 24:25-26  25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!  26 “Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?”

The disciples wondered who this stranger could be, that He…

1) That He should penetrate to their very souls.

2) That He should speak…

• Speak with such earnestness
• Speak with such tenderness
• Speak with such sympathy
• Speak with such hopefulness

For the first time since Christ’s betrayal, they began to feel hopeful:

• Often they looked earnestly at their companion, and thought that His words were just the words that Christ would have spoken.

The disciples were filled with amazement, and their hearts began to throb with joyful expectation.