Week 5: The Church's Message: Peter Speaks

Day 1

Luke 24:36-48 (New International Version)

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

³⁶While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

³⁷They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. ³⁸He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? ³⁹Look 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."

⁴⁰When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. ⁴¹And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" ⁴²They gave him a piece of broiled fish, ⁴³and he took it and ate it in their presence.

⁴⁴He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."

⁴⁵Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ⁴⁸You are witnesses of these things.

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It's time for a reality check. do you actually believe Jesus rose from the dead? Think about this truth--not just a story or a sermon illustration: Jesus actually died on a Friday, and on Sunday morning he walked our of a tomb. This is the message of the Church--that Jesus is alive today because he actually rose from the grave. But it makes no difference in you life unless you believe it yourself. If you have questions about this, then ask a parent or a youth leader. but figure it out, no matter what it costs you. Even the disciples needed a little convincing. Jesus wants you to have a faith of your own.

Ask God to show you the truth and help you believe and understand it.