Published 4/26/19
Read Luke 24:45-49
Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."
Reflect
• While our Savior's first call is to "Come, follow me" (Matthew 4:19), His second is to "Go"--"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation" (Mark 16:15). Yet exactly how are we to accomplish this?
• How can we get past the fear, take off our masks--and let people see the REAL, eternity-bound person inside? How can others encounter the Savior through our lives?
• What are some practical ways that we can share our faith?
The two disciples Jesus talked to on the road to Emmaus didn't waste a minute. They're back in Jerusalem, sharing with the Eleven and other Christ-followers all that they had encountered. As their story unfolds and they explain how Jesus had made Himself known when He broke bread, the Lord suddenly appears in the room and stands among them.
"Peace be with you," Jesus says. Everyone is startled, thinking they are seeing a ghost. "Don't be upset," He tells them, "and don't let all those doubting questions take over." Jesus understands their fears and, to prove to them that it's Him in the flesh--that He's been physically resurrected from the dead--He stretches out His hands toward them and pulls His robe aside so they can see the wound in His side. "Look at my hands, look at my feet--it's really me. Touch me. Look me over from head to toe. A ghost doesn't have muscle and bone like this."
Still, the news seems too good to be true, and they're afraid to believe. Jesus again understands, and in His patience asks for some food to eat so they will know He has a physical body. Someone gives Him a piece of broiled fish. Jesus eats it. "You'll remember," He says, "that when we were together earlier I impressed on you that every prophecy about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms would have to be fulfilled. Let me review it with you."
Then Jesus opens their minds so they can understand the Scriptures. He begins another study, explaining how the Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled by His suffering for us. He goes on to explain that repentance for forgiveness of sins must be proclaimed to the whole world, starting right there in Jerusalem. "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
Pray
Lord Jesus, I want to be an "approved workman" for God's kingdom. Please give me the courage to be Your witness. Ask Jesus to prepare you for service.