Something from ... Martin Luther on recognizing the words of Jesus

In an Easter sermon, Dr. Luther spoke of Jesus' resurrection appearance to his disciples.  At first, they were terrified by his appearing.  They were acutely aware of their sins, particularly of abandoning Jesus when he was arrested.  When Jesus appeared, they expected wrath.  Their guilty consciences had condemned them already.  Why wouldn't Jesus?

Instead, Jesus came and spoke words of peace to them.  He showed them his hands and side, which were the evidence of sins paid for.  Jesus did not come breathing fire, but proclaiming forgiveness and peace to troubled hearts, fearful minds, and condemning consciences.

The devil tries to mimic Jesus.  However, the devil reverses Jesus' words and works.  Jesus' ultimate goal is to bring comfort to the troubled sinner.  Sometimes, Jesus has to trouble that sinner first to make him aware of his sin and his need for a Savior.  The devil, on the other hand, comforts sinners in their sinful condition.  He speaks words of peace to them so that they will remain comforted in their sins and, therefore, will not repent of them.  On the other hand, the devil taunts those who are Christians.  He speaks no words of comfort, but convicts and condemns people so that they forget Jesus and despair over their guilt.

The sinner who is comfortable needs words of warning and condemnation so that he will not remain in his sin.  When Jesus does this, he seems like a vicious and cruel God.  The devil, on the other hand, seems friendly and loving because his words to the one who embraces his sin is so sweet and encouraging.

But the sinner who is troubled needs words of comfort, assurance, and hope so that he will not remain vexed by his sin.  Jesus is pleased to come with his, "Peace be with you," to these sinners.  The devil buries them in greater guilt; for he wants them to perish.

It is essential that we know the difference so that we are neither robbed of comfort nor strengthened in sin.  Here is Luther:

"(The devil) takes pleasure in deceiving us under the appearance and name of Christ.  He always wants to be God's ape and imitate what he sees Him do.  Now God's way of dealing with us is that he first frightens those who are not yet frightened, so that in additional naturally fearful hearts are always horrified at His words and works because of the timidity of their nature.  However, He again soon comforts those who are now frightened and speaks to them in a friendly way.  The devil certainly imitates this and also comes under the name and words of Christ, but with both false comfort and false frightening.  He turns both upside down, so that he makes those who are in need of comfort frightened and despondent and, on the other hand, comforts and strengthens those who should fear and be frightened with God's wrath." (Martin Luther, sermon on Luke 24:36-47, preached on April 11, 1531.  Pages 80-81.  Luther's Works: American Edition, Vol. 77.  Church Postil III.  Concordia Publishing House: St. Louis, MO.  (c) 2014)