Reading through the Gospels #208
JESUS TEACHES HIS DISCIPLES ABOUT THE RESURRECTION
Luke 24:44-53
Jesus continues speaking to the eleven disciples, which were the remaining apostles after Judas's death. He tells them some words that really wrap up the entire Bible from Genesis to Jesus's death and resurrection. Jesus says that all His words that He spoke while here on earth (as both man and God) were intentional to fulfill the Law of Moses (Torah, first five books of the Bible), and what the Prophets said (Kevi'im, historical books, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekial, and 12 minor prophets), and what is said in Psalms (Ketuvim, writings, Psalms Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Chronicles). These three categories constitute the whole Hebrew Bible (Tanakh). Just as "the Law" refers to the entire Torah, Jesus says "Psalms" instead of "writings" to refer to the leading book of this section.
Jesus is reminding them that everything happened just as He said it would. I can imagine that the disciples' minds are having all of these flash-back moments racing through their minds (kind of like the movies portray a whole lifetime flashing in one's head at the moment of death) as they recognize all of the puzzle pieces fitting together and grasp the truth. I know when this happens to me I am speechless, being overwhelmed in thought. I bet the disciples were speechless too!
Looking at the bigger picture, all of God's Word aka the Bible is also God Himself, as He is The Word in John 1:1.
This is like "a big ah-ha moment" as I would describe it in my own verbiage. Jesus opens the disciples minds so that they understand how everything from the beginning of time fits together and is intentional to be fulfilled in this one moment of Jesus' suffering, His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. It is hard to have disbelief when one sees all of the Bible fitting together across such a long time span. Everything from the very beginning was all part of God's plan that all be saved. I note that it is Jesus who opens their minds. It is always a good reminder that we do nothing and Jesus does it all. Give Him the credit.
Jesus tells the disciples that the purpose of all of this since the beginning of time is "that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations." The Gospel (good news) is now understood, and spreading that good news begins right here, in this moment between Jesus and the disciples in Jerusalem, and is to be spread to everyone in all nations. We often refer to this as our "mission." A "mission" is an important assigned task for a specific goal. To relate, a military operation is on a mission to complete a goal. Soldiers are given a mission and they head out to accomplish it, never quitting until the goal is reached. Jesus has given us a mission to accomplish and we are not to quit until the goal is reached.
The good news beginning in Jerusalem is a fulfillment of Isaiah 2:3 and Joel 2:32.
This good news is to be shared in Jesus's name. It is shared under His authority to do so. Keep the focus on the good foundation and not of ourselves.
These people who first see Jesus resurrected are the first witnesses to these things. That is a huge responsibility to spread the good news from a few people to all nations! It started small and is continuing to spread through all time. Not only did they witness Jesus' walk and events on earth, but also His death and resurrection.
Jesus tells them of an upcoming event when the Holy Spirit will come upon them, as was promised by His Father. I like that the Holy Spirit "clothes" us with "power from on high." Our clothes are something that make us feel secure, and are always close to us on our skin, comforting us and making us feel safe, and are always with us. The Holy Spirit as those aspects as well. The Holy Spirit within us is God's power working in us. It is the Holy Spirit working faith in us that continues to spread the good news.
There is actually 40 days that go by between Luke 24:49 and Luke 24:50. Act 1:3 says, "He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God."
Jesus led "them" (11 disciples and probably others) out as far as Bethany. Bethany was about 2 miles from Jerusalem, which is about a 30 to 40 minute walk. He lifted up his hands and blessed the people, and while he was blessing them, he parted from them being carried up into heaven. Today we call this "the ascension" because Jesus ascended to heaven. I love that Jesus left blessing us! He blessed us since the beginning of time with His plan to save us, He blessed us as he was leaving earth, and He continues to bless us. Jesus never stops blessing us! The very hands that were nailed to the cross are the hands that have always blessed us and continue to bless us.
The people worshiped Jesus and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great JOY. I know when I lose a loved one, I get sad! I miss the loved one who is apart from me. The disciples did not have any sadness, but rather they were filled with JOY! How awesome is that!
Concordance G5479 chara: χαρά, Pronounced khar-ah' (khar-ah') Meaning joy, gladness, delight, greatly joyful, from the root word G5463 (χαίρω - rejoice); Found 59 times in the Greek New Testament.
They stayed continually (for a period of time) in the temple blessing (praising) God. They returned to Jerusalem because Jesus told them that is where it would start.
The "State of Exaltation" is declared victory over Satan in that in human nature, Jesus descended into hell and rose on the third day, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God. Exalting is opposite of humiliating; to raise in rank, honor, and power, to elevate. Jesus was first lowered and then raised. The Asension is a visible eye-witness as Jesus is moved upwards to heaven and entered the glory of His Father as our forerunner (Hebrews 6:20) He has risen indeed!
CATECHISM:
Close of the Commandments. How does God carry out His punishments and blessings in this life? (God punishes by A-C. God fulfills His promises by A-C. C.) blessing us with health, talents, work, family, and possessions. Every blessing of God flows from the fact that He has sent us a Savior from sin--in Him, all God's promises are fulfilled (Luke 24:44)
The Office of the Keys. How is the Office of the Keys related to the proclamation of the Gospel? The Office of the Keys is a special, God-given way of applying the Gospel to the individual. "God is superabundantly generous in His grace: First, through the spoken Word, by which the forgiveness of sins is preached in the whole world (Luke 24:45-47). This is the particular office of the Gospel. Second, through Baptism. Third, through the holy Sacrament of the Alter. Fourth, through the Power of the Keys. Also through the mutual conversation and consultation of brethren.
The Third Article of Apostles Creed (Part 2) (Holy Spirit). Where does God offer the forgiveness of sins? God offers the forgiveness of sins in the Gospel (Luke 24:46-47)
The Second Article of Apostles Creed (Part 2) (Jesus Christ). What does the state of exaltation mean for our understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done? C. Jesus ascended to the right hand of God and now rules for our benefit; (Luke 24:50-51)