I

When the Lord Jesus walked out from the grave and appeared to people one by one, the majority of those who saw Him with their own eyes or heard the news of His resurrection gradually shifted their attitude from denial to skepticism. Only when the Lord Jesus had Thomas put his hand into His side, and when He broke bread and ate a broiled fish in front of the crowd, did they truly accept the fact that the Lord Jesus was Christ in the flesh. At this time, the people felt that His existence was so real, and they were also so joyful and happy. At the same time, His reappearance allowed people to truly see His humility, to feel His closeness and attachment to mankind, and to feel how much He thought about them.

II

People’s lost and confused hearts found comfort. They were no longer doubtful or disappointed, because they felt that now there was hope and something to rely on. The Son of man then standing before them would be their rear guard for all time; He would be their strong tower, their refuge for all eternity. Although the Lord Jesus was resurrected, His heart and His work had not left mankind. By appearing to people, He told them that no matter what form He existed in, He would accompany people, walk with them, and be with them at all times and in all places. He told them that at all times and in all places He would provide for mankind and shepherd them, allow them to see and touch Him, and ensure they never again felt helpless.

III

The Lord Jesus also wanted people to know that they do not live alone in this world. Mankind has God’s care; God is with them. They can always lean on God, and He is family to every one of His followers. With God to lean on, mankind will no longer be lonely or helpless, and those who accept Him as their sin offering will no longer be bound in sin. Although the Lord Jesus’ time of working in the flesh was full of hardships and suffering, He completely and perfectly accomplished His work of that time in the flesh to redeem mankind through His appearance in His spiritual body of flesh and blood.

IV

He began His ministry by becoming flesh, and He concluded His ministry by appearing to mankind in His fleshly form. He heralded the Age of Grace and carried out work in the Age of Grace through His identity as Christ, Through His identity as Christ, He strengthened and led all of His followers in the Age of Grace. It can be said of God’s work that He truly finishes what He starts. There are steps and a plan, and the work is full of His wisdom, His almightiness, His marvelous deeds, and His love and mercy. The main thread running through all of God’s work is His care for mankind and His feelings of concern that He can never put aside.

from The Word, Vol. 2. On Knowing God. God’s Work, God’s Disposition, and God Himself III