The Appearances of Jesus Christ

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Theme: "The Appearances of Jesus Christ."

Text: John 20:19-23

19. On the evening of that day, being the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were gathered for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." 20. And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." 22. After saying this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." 23. Whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; and whose sins you retain, they are retained.

Let us remember:

Jesus' apparitions took place in a context of strengthening the disciples' faith. Indeed, Jesus' death had dampened the disciples' spirit. They could not imagine that Jesus could die a shameful death. They did not believe that Jesus could have been so vulnerable as to be unable to defend himself against his persecutors. Thus, Peter had wanted to defend him in the Garden of Gethsemane because he saw Jesus being mistreated. However, the disciples forgot that Jesus is the Lord of hosts. If it were a matter of defending himself, a heavenly army would descend from heaven and decimate his executioners. The proof is that before his arrest, when he asked them, "Who are you looking for?" They answered, "Jesus." He said, "I am He." All his persecutors drew back and fell to the ground (John 18:6). Thus, Jesus wanted to continue strengthening his disciples so that they would take over the work He had bequeathed to them. It was necessary to re-energize all the disciples so that they would go forth and preach the Name of Jesus with confidence. He appeared to them several times to remove their disbelief and strengthen their faith. With each apparition, Jesus granted them peace, which is essential for those who are troubled. He told them this twice, so that they would be imbued with it. It was also to destroy their fear that Jesus made these appearances. Finally, this apparition gave them courage because he entrusted them with the mission of going out and making disciples without his physical presence. He breathed upon them a new wind, a new power, and a new impetus. Have a wonderful Tuesday. Amen.

Alain Louz.-