I have mentioned before and posted that I provide responsive readings with commentary for our church bulletin at the Buckholts Brethren Church. I have also posted some exemplars of those commentaries.

Since I am collecting all of the more than 100 commentaries that I have written, into a manuscript for possible publication at a future date, I have stopped posting them to this site.

The following refers to my thoughts while preparing the commentary for the latest bulletin.

In the commentary for April 6, 2025, I mention my early interpretation of ‘high and raised up’ to reference Jesus being raised up on a cross. I then go on to explain that theologians had a different interpretation. I left a footnote to follow to this blog to continue reading.

I had intended to include the following paragraphs in the commentary, but decided that they might just confuse the real focus of the responsive reading. This is probably a more appropriate place for these comments anyway…

When I read the account in Luke 24: 13-35, of the disciples encountering Jesus on the road to Emmaus; I have often been perplexed how they were not able to immediately recognize him. After all they had spent months and even years with him and knew his features and his voice. 

When combining the description of Jesus as beaten, such as to have little resemblance to a human, ( Isaiah 52:14a) I have wondered if this was still his condition after resurrection. Perhaps even Mary Magdalen not recognizing Jesus at the tomb could have been for this reason. (John 20: 11-15) This seems even more plausible when we read in John 20:17, Jesus reminds Mary Magdalen not to hold to him, since he has not yet been glorified, by ascension to the Father. 

Additionally, in the recounting of Thomas only believing the resurrection of Jesus, after he could place his fingers in the wounds of the nails in Jesus’ hand, and of the spear in his side; contributes to this thought process. (John 20: 24-29) Even Revelation 5:6 speaks of the appearance of Jesus as the slain Lamb of God. 

Of course, these are only my thoughts and not scripture based or recognized in other commentary. Most theological scholars, of which I am not one; point to these instances of the unrecognized Savior, as his post-resurrection ability to incrementally reveal himself as he sees fit. Others say that non-recognition was due to human limitations. 

I only include these thoughts, to point out how our reading of scripture can be of a depth that allows us to ponder and research such thoughts. Additionally, it is also representative of questions that can divide the church, but since it is not essential to salvation, it should remain just another thought to ponder.

In Philippians 3: 14-15 ESV Paul writes: I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward  call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. I take this to mean that God may reveal things to me differently than to others such that it is more understandable or meaningful to me. But I must not let that interfere with the faith of others. 

Being part of the Unity of the Brethren, I agree with and follow our creed: ‘In Essentials Unity; In Non-Essentials Liberty; In All Things Love.’

© 2025 David Posival: All rights reserved.