Peace Be unto You - Augustine - JESUS Keep Me Near the CROSS with Pastor William Shifflett

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Luke 24:36-45
Initial Reactions: When Jesus first appears to his disciples, they are startled and think they see a ghost. What does this tell us about their emotional state, and how are their expectations challenged?
2. Healing of Doubts: In Luke 24:36-45, Jesus greets his disciples with "Peace be unto you," despite their initial fear and doubt. How does this greeting speak to the power of forgiveness and the reassurance Jesus offers to those who have no peace?
3. Proof of the Resurrection: Jesus offers tangible evidence of his physical body, including showing his hands and feet. How does this address the disciples' doubts?
4. Wounds and Scars: Augustine mentions Jesus' wounds being healed yet scars remaining. How can we interpret this symbolism? Do the scars represent the reality of his suffering or serve as a reminder of his victory over death?
5. Scars as Signs of Victory: Augustine mentions that Jesus' wounds were healed but his scars remained. How do these scars, instead of being symbols of weakness, become powerful signs of His victory over death and sin?
6. Healing the Wounds of the Heart: Augustine says the scars offer healing for the disciples' "wounds of the heart." What were these wounds? (Unbelief) They were “troubled” v.38. How does Jesus' presence and sacrifice offer comfort and hope?
7. Transforming Fear: Fear and confusion were the initial emotions of the disciples. How can we experience similar transformation in our own lives when facing challenges or uncertainties?
9. Living with Scars: Many people carry their own "scars" of past experiences. How can reflecting on Jesus' scars offer comfort and strength to those who bear the weight of past hurts and traumas?
10. Personal Reflection: How can we share Christ’s peace with others who may be struggling with fear, doubt, or sin?
“Thou dost admonish them out of the Scriptures, and yet they understand thee not. Their hearts are closed. Open and enter in. Open, O Lord, yea, open the heart of him who is in doubt concerning Christ. Open his understanding who believes that Christ was a phantom. “Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures.” v.45
11. Sharing the Message of Peace: How can we actively share the message of peace and hope found in Jesus' resurrection with others in our communities and the world?