by Timothy W. Burnett
Luke's Gospel shows that the two men returned from Emmaus to Jerusalem, found eleven of the 12 chosen disciples along with others. Immediately the disciples told the two about how the Lord had risen and that he appeared to Simon Peter. Next the two men told what happened while on the way to Emmaus, and how they suddenly knew the Lord when he broke bread. While they talked Jesus suddenly stood in the midst of them and told them to be peaceful because they were terrified and frightened thinking they had seen a spirit. It's possible that the two men from Emmaus were the first to see Jesus vanish from their sight. This time they saw him arrive in the room in the same way.
In order to help them feel better he showed them his hands and feet and allowed them to touch him so they could see that he was not a spirit. Because they still didn't believe him, he ate a broiled fish and some honey. Next he started teaching them out of the scriptures like he did for the two from Emmaus. He showed them how the scriptures spoke of his sufferings and how he would be raised from the dead on the third day. He also exhorted them to preach in his name, among all the nations, about repentence and remission of sins. He told them he would send the promise of his Father to them, and to wait in Jerusalem until they would be endued with power from on high.
The record of John tells a similar story in which Jesus popped in to see his disciples. It's difficult to determine if this is the same as, or similar to the above event in Luke. John's record shows that eleven of the 12 chosen disciples were present in the room. Jesus arrived and stood in their midst and told them to be peaceful. He also showed them his wounded hands and side.
John 20:24 reveals the missing disciple was Thomas. Later, the disciples explained to Thomas that Jesus had visited them, but he didn't believe their story. Just like the others, he would not believe until he touched Jesus' hands and side. Eight days later Jesus arrived again and let Thomas touch his hands and side. Alas, Thomas also believed and Jesus said, "because you have seen me, you believed. Blessed are they who have not seen and have believed (John 20:29). John tells us that Jesus did many more signs in his disciples' presence which are not written in his Gospel.
The record in Mark contains added information about Jesus' time with his disciples. Verse 17 says, "And these signs shall follow them that believe. In my name shall they cast out devils. They shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents. And if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." This is fantastic information for all Christian believers even today!
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