Recognizing Jesus Again

“Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet…”

– Luke 24:38-40

After rising from the dead, Jesus spent forty days revealing Himself to His disciples. He walked with them, talked with them, entered their homes, and even ate meals with them. Yet even with all this closeness, they often didn’t recognize Him. Their hearts burned when He spoke, but their eyes were still clouded by fear, confusion, and disappointment. It wasn’t until Jesus showed them His hands and His feet—the unmistakable marks of His sacrifice—that everything became clear. The physical evidence reminded them of the promise He had already made: He would rise again.

Today, we have even more evidence of God’s presence—His written Word, His Spirit within us, His faithfulness throughout our lives. He speaks, He nudges, He comforts, and our hearts burn within us just as theirs did. Yet we too can miss Him. We can become so distracted by the noise of life, so overwhelmed by fear, or so discouraged by circumstances that we fail to recognize His voice. Doubts arise. Troubles weigh us down. And like the disciples, we forget what He has already told us: He is risen. He is with us. He is faithful.

Many believers live defeated even though Scripture declares we are “more than conquerors.” Others who do not walk closely with Jesus feel hopeless in a world that seems to be unraveling. But Jesus still speaks. He still shows us His hands and His feet—reminders of His love, His victory, and His nearness. He calls us to listen, to remember, and to surrender fully. Time is short. His return is near. And He wants His people ready, awake, and walking in hope.

Are you troubled today? Are doubts rising in your heart? Jesus invites you to “handle and see”—to look again at His Word, His promises, and His scars. Let your heart burn with recognition. Surrender fully to Him, walk closely with Him, and live ready for His soon return. He is risen—and He is coming again.

“Every time Christ reveals Himself, He brings peace. Doubt cannot live in the presence of the risen Lord.” – G. Campbell Morgan