After His resurrection Jesus appeared to his disciples in order to convince them that He had indeed risen from the dead. This was not a straightforward task. The disciples had to struggle to come to faith by dealing with and overcoming their fears, doubts and unbelief. Jesus himself had to lead them from incredulity to faith by letting them see and touch Him.
There were other, very different, experiences, which also convinced them that Jesus had risen. Before Jesus’ resurrection they had been unable to understand the Scriptures, even though He had often explained them to them. Now, after His resurrection, the risen Christ opened their minds to understand God’s Word.
In a similar way, as we come into his presence, Christ will open our minds to understand the Scriptures. Then, in and through God’s Word, we shall meet our risen Savior and experience His peace flowing into us, our doubts disappearing, our fears slipping away, our hearts being filled with confidence, joy, hope and love. The presence of Jesus will bring us to stronger faith, enabling us to stand firm against every attack of doubt, fear and unbelief.