Luke 23-24, Psalm 119:129-152
Luke 24:44-45 (NLT)
“Then he said, ‘When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.”
In Luke 24:44–45, Jesus appeared to the disciples as the two men from Emmaus were telling the other disciples how Jesus had appeared to them. The disciples were frightened and thought they were seeing a ghost. Jesus asked them why they were frightened and showed them His hands and feet and the wounds from His crucifixion. Then Jesus reminded them that He had told them before about the things that would happen to Him, which were written in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms. After that, Jesus opened the minds of the disciples so they could understand the Scriptures.
What I like about these verses is that Jesus opened the minds of the disciples so they could understand the Scriptures. Many, if not all, of the disciples would have been familiar with the Scriptures from childhood, and some may even have known passages by heart. But when Jesus spoke about what would happen to Him and referenced the Scriptures, the disciples didn't make the connection. Jesus had to open their minds so they could finally understand how the Old Testament Scriptures pointed to His life, suffering, death, and resurrection. When Jesus opened their minds, the disciples could also understand that Father-God had a sovereign plan from the beginning that was fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
When I read the Bible as part of my yearly reading plan, I know it helps open my mind to understand more about the Lord and His purposes. But I also enjoy discovering for myself the connections to Jesus that are in the Old Testament, since they remind me that Father-God is sovereign and has plans for the world. I also want to add to my prayers a request for the Holy Spirit to open my mind more fully to understand the Scriptures, deepen my trust in the Lord, and help me understand more about His purposes for my life and the world.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who opens our minds to understand the Scriptures and reveals Father-God's purposes—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord's love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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