Luke 24:36-53
Day 1: Disbelieving for Joy
Read: Luke 24:36–43
Key Verse: “And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, ‘Have you anything here to eat?’” (v. 41)
The disciples had heard the reports. They had talked about the empty tomb. But when Jesus Himself appeared in the room, it still seemed too good to be true. They were “disbelieving for joy”—not out of skepticism, but because they were overwhelmed. It was like a dream.
Jesus responded not with rebuke, but with reassurance. He offered His hands. His feet. His presence. And then He ate a piece of fish.
This moment reminds us: the resurrection is not wishful thinking. It is real. Tangible. Physical. Our Savior is not an idea or a ghost—He is alive in a glorified body.
Reflection:
Where do you struggle to believe the resurrection power of Jesus? Ask Him to meet you—not with condemnation—but with the kindness He showed His disciples.
Prayer:
Risen Lord, help me not to doubt Your presence just because it seems too good to be true. Thank You for being patient with my fear and uncertainty.
Day 2: A Body Like His
Read: Luke 24:39–43; 1 Corinthians 15:42–49
Key Verse: “See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see.” (v. 39)
Jesus wanted His followers to know: He has a real body. One day, we will too. The glorified body of Jesus was not bound by mortality, but it was still a body. Still Him. Still human—yet transformed.
This means our future is not some vague spiritual floating. The Christian hope is bodily resurrection—pain-free, death-free, sin-free existence with Christ. We will still be us, but remade.
Reflection:
Does your view of eternity reflect the hope of resurrection? What might change in your daily life if you believed that your body, too, will one day be made new?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for showing us the kind of future You’ve prepared. Help me live today in light of that physical, eternal hope.
Day 3: Scripture Opened
Read: Luke 24:44–47
Key Verse: “Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” (v. 45)
Jesus did not give new teachings after the resurrection. He gave new sight to old truths. He walked His disciples through the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms—and showed how every page points to Him.
The Gospel is not an interruption to the Bible’s story—it is its climax. From Genesis to Malachi, the message has always been: Christ will suffer, rise, and bring forgiveness through repentance.
Reflection:
How do you read the Bible? As a collection of stories? Or as one unified story pointing to Jesus?
Prayer:
Lord, open my mind to understand Your Word like You did for the disciples. Let me see Jesus on every page.
Day 4: Witnesses with Power
Read: Luke 24:48–49; Acts 1:8
Key Verse: “You are witnesses of these things.” (v. 48)
Jesus could have said many things before ascending—but He gave a mission. His disciples were not just comforted; they were commissioned. And not alone—they would be “clothed with power from on high.”
The Word and the Spirit are the two gifts Jesus left. That’s all the early church had. And that was more than enough.
Reflection:
Do you believe that with God’s Word and His Spirit, you are equipped for what He’s called you to? What small step of witness can you take this week?
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, fill me with boldness and compassion. Make me a faithful witness to what Christ has done.
Day 5: He Is Enough
Read: Luke 24:50–53; Colossians 3:1–4
Key Verse: “They worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” (v. 52)
The disciples had just watched Jesus ascend into heaven. You’d expect sorrow. But instead, they returned with great joy. Why? Because He didn’t leave them empty-handed. He gave them His peace, His Word, His mission, and His Spirit.
Jesus doesn’t offer earthly success or easy answers—but He gives Himself. That is enough.
Reflection:
In what ways do you feel empty or unprepared today? Can you rest in the sufficiency of Christ’s presence and promises?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being with me—even when I cannot see You. Teach me to live with joy and confidence, knowing You are all I need.