Burden of Proof

I just finished reading Luke chapter 24:13-53 today. Jesus, having been crucified and buried 3 days and has been reported alive by two women who met with heavenly beings at the empty tomb, appears on the road to Emmaus. He joins two of the disciples who are talking about the events of the previous few days and as Jesus joins their travels, they are kept from recognizing Him. Jesus asks them to tell Him what they are discussing. They tell of the death and burial of Jesus and that some have reported the grave empty. They say that they are disappointed because they were hoping that Jesus would have been the one to redeem Israel but that those who found the empty tomb did not see Him alive. Jesus tells the two travelers that they must not have believed all the things the prophets had spoken because it was clear that the Messiah had to suffer all these things and then enter His glory. He tells them all the scriptures have to say about him from Moses through all the prophets. When they reached their destination, Jesus' identity was revealed as he broke bread for their supper. Then he disappeared before their very eyes. The two disciples ran back to Jerusalem immediately to tell the others and while they were telling their story, Jesus appeared in the room to all of them. They all recognized Him and examined Him. They ate with Him to show that He wasn't a ghost. He then took them out near Bethany where he gave them some final instructions and then ascended into Heaven.

I believe this is an important part of scripture. Jesus knew the disciples would have trouble believing the accounts of his resurrection, just like we all would. We would say that someone was telling a story out of "wishful thinking" or just to gain attention or importance. We might also fail to understand why this happened and miss the fact that the prophesies of hundreds of years earlier which came true are also a witness to the truth of Jesus as Christ. We have been given eyewitness accounts by those who knew Him best as well as many other proofs yet the world still tries to find any number of way to avoid believing that Jesus was who he claimed to be. Other gospel accounts give more examples of how Jesus made his identity undeniable through His words and actions. He knew of our weakness of faith as well. Consider the evidence presented in scripture and history and open your heart and mind to the truth that Jesus is the living Messiah.