5th September

The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24, 46 - 47

The day when everything was opened

The 23rd chapter of Luke ends with a sad twilight. Jesus is put into the tomb. There is no hope left for his disciples. However, chapter 24 starts with the morning of the resurrection. So everything will open for a glorious and joyful future, the consequence of an empty tomb.

This tomb is open, the angel rolls the stone away (v. 2). Jesus is alive, risen from the dead.

The hearts of the two disciples who went back home to Emmaus were full of sadness. However, somebody joins them and walks with them. Somebody makes their hearts burn by opening Scripture (v. 32). The Master explains everything which concerns him to them himself by the books of Moses and of the prophets. When he sits at the table with them and gives thanks the bread, their eyes are opened and they recognize him (v. 31).

A little later the apostles who are anxious behind closed doors suddenly see the Lord among them (v. 36). Will they not henceforth leave the doors open to testify bravely of the resurrection?

Jesus opens their intelligence so that they can understand what he wants to tell them. The Gospel is open: forgiveness for sins is immediately preached to all nations (v. 47). Was their mouth not also opened to testify of these things (v. 48) and to continually praise God (v. 53)?