Devotion for June 24, 2011 – Jesus’ Presence
Photo: José Andreietta (Creative Commons license)
Today's Scripture Reading
Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Today's Devotion
Jesus visits the disciples after his death on the cross. Can you imagine how the disciples might have felt? Perhaps the words amazement, wonder, hope, relief, doubt, happiness touch upon some of the disciples’ emotions.
What was the response of the disciples to the presence of Jesus? -- “they worshiped him.” They immediately gave praise and thanksgiving to the very real presence of Christ in their midst. They are greeted with the very good news from Jesus that “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Just when the disciples were faced with the death of the Jesus, when they were faced with their own frailties and weaknesses at abandoning him as he faced a trial, persecution and finally death on a cross, they are renewed and transformed by the real presence of Jesus. Jesus confirms his identity as the eternal God and his promise of faithfulness to humanity. The disciples must take their experience and learning from their time with Jesus and teach others how they too can know Jesus.
There is a breaking open, a culmination of Jesus life on earth as we learn that it was not simply a moment in history, a special man who came to earth to teach humanity and the disciples a few lessons. It was God, the Creator who chose to dwell with us in the form of Jesus Christ. God who was before the world came into being, continues to be and promises to continue being present with us. This message is for everyone to hear and know. Those who already believe can teach through their own faithfulness, experience and knowledge, of the presence of Jesus with us today.
How can we spread the message? Can others see the face of Christ in us? Can others see Christ in our willingness to listen, to teach, to help, to be present to those who need us?
Today's devotion was shared by
Mary Bargiel