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(Text, and Luke 24:36-48): —

I. HE DECLARED HIS BEING WEARY IN ORDER TO TRANQUILIZE THEIR HEARTS. His benediction expressed —

1. The great want of human nature, "Peace." The tumult of the disciples is typical of that of those who are at war with —

(1)  Themselves.

(2)  Society.

(3)  The universe.

2. The great design of Christ's mission. He came to reconcile man to his Maker, to Himself, and to the Creation — to reproduce in humanity that supreme sympathy with God which is the essential and unfailing security of spiritual tranquility.

II. HE APPEALED TO THEIR REASON IN ORDER TO ALLAY THEIR FEAR.

1. Their fear implied their belief —

(1)  In disembodied spirits.

(2)  In the possibility of disembodied spirits appearing to them.

(3)  In disembodied spirits being unfriendly to them.

2. In Christ's appeal —

(1)  He assures them that spirits may exist apart from matter, and in this state appear to living men.

(2)  He demonstrates the materiality of His resurrection body.

(3)  He throws upon them an inquiry into the cause of their superstitious fear. Inquiry into our mental phenomena will soon expel superstition.

III. HE GAVE THEM EVIDENCE IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH THEIR FAITH. "While they believed not for joy"; just as we say, "the news is too good to be true." Observe, in relation to the evidence He presents of His resurrection —

1. Its nature.

(1)  A palpable exhibition of the reality of His body — He eats with them.

(2)  A clear showing that His resurrection answered the predictions of Scripture. "All things must be fulfilled," &c.

2. Its effect. "Then opened He their understandings," &c.

IV. HE PROPOUNDED HIS SYSTEM IN ORDER TO INDICATE THEIR DUTY.

1. The great doctrine of His system. "Repentance and remission of sins."

2. Its world-wide aspect — "All nations" — not a sect or class.

3. The order of propagation, "Beginning at Jerusalem."

V. HE ENDOWED THEM WITH EXTRAORDINARY POWER IN ORDER TO FIT THEM FOR THEIR EXTRAORDINARY WORK.

1. He performs a symbolical act.

2. He endows them with extraordinary authority.

(D. Thomas, D. D.)

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KJV: Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

WEB: When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be to you."