Mari Ikeda
Audio
Renewal of Our Mind, Spirit and Body
(Luke 24:36-53)
Albrecht Dürer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
A. Jesus’ body was renewed (36-43, 1 Corinthians 15:42-43)
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.
So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; (I Corinthians 15:42-43)
B. Disciples’ minds were renewed (44-48)
44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.
C. The promise of the new Spirit (49-53)
49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” 50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
Summary
Jesus was resurrected with a new body. That body is immortal and different from our human fresh, although it is still somehow related to it. We are promised to have the body so that we can live with God eternally when this world ends. While we now have to live with this mortal fresh, we don’t only wait for our body to be resurrected and renewed, but we can have our mind and spirit renewed by Jesus. That is the new power given to us to change our life from the one in anxiety and fear to the one with never-ceasing joy, peace and hope.
For Discussion
1) What is the mind renewed by Jesus?
2) Why do we need the Holy Spirit?