My Favorite Part of the Story

We studied Dr. Luke’s telling of the resurrection story this morning. I spent a considerable amount of time reading and listening to commentary on the passage on Blue Letter Bible in preparation for teaching my class. (Thanks, Dena. Awesome, awesome resource.) As I thought about the story, I noticed again one of my favorite parts of this wonderful event.

Let’s face it. Jesus’ disciples didn’t give a stellar performance during the trial and crucifixion of our Lord. I’m not pointing fingers, mind you, just commenting on what I’ve read. Peter denied him. They all tucked tail and ran. Even after Mary and the other women encountered the angels and shared the good news of Christ’s resurrection, even after John and Peter took a look in the tomb for themselves, they were skeptical about the resurrection.

But this is my favorite part…when Jesus shows up and reveals himself to the Eleven, his first words are words of comfort. No – “thanks a lot, guys!” No – “wait to stick by me, fellas…” Nope. Peace. And comfort. Jesus didn’t chide or reprimand or harangue them. He offered them peace and reassurance and very practically removed their fears that he was some kind of ghost.

That’s one of my favorite things about Jesus. He loves the broken. He comforts the failed. He redeems the fallen. It’s not just the best among us that He came to save; it’s all of us.

Perhaps it’s because I walk around with plenty of regrets in my knapsack that I identify with those characters in the Bible that just blow it. I get them because I have blown it myself on more than one occasion.

I’m the broken.

I’m the failed.

I’m the fallen.

And when I pick up that love letter from God and see Jesus offer his wayward disciples peace and purpose, I can hear Him offer me the same thing. As amazing as it seems to me, He wants me on his team in spite of my weaknesses.

(And did I mention that He wants you, too.)

What a miracle that Jesus lived, that He died, that He rose again and went back to Heaven to be with His Father and make it right for me, for all of us. And having done all that, how amazing that his response to my sin, is grace and forgiveness and Peace.