*Luke 24:44-53
Jesus explains his suffering and resurrection to his disciples, commissions them to spread the message of repentance and forgiveness, and ascends into heaven.
- Jesus’ Explanation of Scripture:
- Jesus opens the minds of his disciples to understand the Scriptures, particularly the prophecies concerning his own suffering, death, and resurrection.
- He emphasizes how everything written about him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.
- Commissioning of the Disciples:
- Jesus reminds his disciples that they are witnesses of these things, referring to his life, death, and resurrection.
- He instructs them to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins in his name, starting from Jerusalem and extending to all nations.
- Promise of Power from on High:
- Jesus tells his disciples to stay in the city until they have been clothed with power from on high, referring to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
- Ascension of Jesus:
- Jesus leads his disciples out to Bethany, blesses them, and then ascends into heaven.
- The disciples worship him and return to Jerusalem with great joy.
Luke 24:44-53 teaches us that Jesus fulfilled God’s promises and calls us to share His message with joy. Before ascending to heaven, He helped His disciples understand the Scriptures and told them to spread the good news. We can apply this by trusting in God’s plan and sharing our faith with others. Even when we don’t fully understand everything, we can pray for wisdom and let God guide us. Just as the disciples worshiped Jesus with joy, we should live with gratitude and confidence, knowing He is always with us and will give us the strength to do what He asks.
Luke 24:44-53 (WEB)
24:44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms concerning me must be fulfilled.”45 Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures. 46 He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send out the promise of my Father on you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high.”50 He led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 They worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.