(Source from The Word Among Us)

He opened their minds. (Luke 24:45)

What a traumatic three days the disciples had just been through—from the Last Supper through Gethsemane, Judas’ betrayal, Jesus’ arrest, and Peter’s denial, all the way up to Jesus’ crucifixion! Everything they had staked their lives on had fallen to pieces—and they themselves had failed Jesus completely. 

So it’s no wonder that Jesus’ first words when he appeared to the disciples were “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36). How they needed that peace! Then, just as he had done for the disciples on the road to Emmaus, he “opened their minds” to help them make sense of all they had just been through (24:45). Walking them through the Scriptures, he showed them how his death had been part of God’s plan all along. He helped them see that it was not a tragedy but a triumph. It was not the end of all their hopes but the beginning of a glorious new future.

Have you ever felt the way the disciples did? Maybe you’re in the midst of a painful situation right now that has you feeling confused, betrayed, or lost. Maybe a traumatic experience in the past still haunts you. Or maybe the guilt of some past sin continues to weigh you down. 

Whatever your situation, Jesus longs to do for you what he did for his disciples. He longs to open your mind to his mercy so that you can be set free from guilt or shame. He longs to reveal his love so that you can see your past—especially the painful parts—through his eyes of love and compassion. He longs to give you new insight into his wisdom so that you can look to your future with hope and trust.

Quiet your heart today so that you can hear Jesus speak to you. Let him “open your mind” and show you how he looks at you. Let him give you his peace.

“Jesus, help me to see with your eyes, to hear with your ears, and to love with your heart.”