Luke 24

LUKE 24 - Jesus risen, appears, ascension

OVERVIEW

• Sunday had come and the Lord’s disciples in various groups went to the tomb and found it empty!

• All four gospels record that women, including Mary Magdalene, found the empty tomb

• Saying that women were the reliable witnesses would be counterproductive if a first century author was trying to convince others of a lie

• Instead, the gospel writers recorded the FACT that women were the first witnesses, rather than what would seem more 'reliable' to audiences at the time

• Since the tomb was in Jerusalem, authorities could have checked it themselves and religious leaders saying the disciples stole the body admits the tomb was empty <M1502>

• All the disciples encountered and talked with the risen Jesus soon after his resurrection

• In addition, over 500 people saw Jesus face to face, alive and well, in the forty days that followed the resurrection and before His ascension

• Jesus said it would happen and it did

• This is history; modern archaeology and even atheist research confirms the Scriptural accounts of Jesus' death and resurrection

• The resurrection of Jesus is supported by fuller and more believable evidence than any other event of ancient antiquity

• He also said that after rising from the dead, He would leave the earth for a time; He did not say how long

• Jesus promised to return to get those who believe in Him and take them to a place He prepared for them! <L124>

NOTES BY VERSE

Note: each ** comment in this document is listed in numerical order according to the verse(s) from this chapter

** Luke recorded witnesses of Christ's resurrection and fulfilling of Scripture, specifically the women and Peter visiting the tomb

"Luke was Paul's traveling companion and was not a disciple. Luke says at the beginning of his gospel that he interviewed eye-witnesses and that most of what he writes agrees with [the accounts written by] Mark and Matthew ...Also, the more we find archaeologically, the more Luke is proven right." such as his reference to the man governing Abilene in 3:1 <Q1698>

Luke 24:1-3 NIV

[1] On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. [2] They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, [3] but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

Luke 24:10 NIV

[10] It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.

Luke 24:12 NIV

[12] Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

Luke 1:1-4 NIV

[1] Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, [2] just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. [3] With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, [4] so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Luke 3:1 NIV

[1] In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar---when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene---

** Two angels reminded the women visitors of Jesus' words, that He was to raise on the third day and fulfill Scripture

• It was only when the women saw the angel and were reminded by him that Jesus had promised to rise again that they remembered

• If they had remembered earlier, how different they would have felt during the nights and days Jesus’ body lay in the grave

• If they had remembered earlier, they would have come to the tomb with hope and expectation

• Likewise, the grave will not hold those who die believing in Christ – our tomb will be empty as well, for as Jesus arose, so will we! <R1795>

Luke 24:4-8 NIV

[4] While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. [5] In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? [6] He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: [7] ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” [8] Then they remembered his words.

Luke 24:44-47 NIV

[44] [Jesus] said to [His disciples], “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” [45] Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. [46] He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, [47] and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

** Easter isn’t any more special a time than others; it isn’t true just one Sunday a year but all the time! <L1299>

• Like birthdays and anniversaries, it is entirely worthy of special recognition

• A wonderful time to make sure we remember all the details surrounding this blessed event

Luke 24:7 NIV

[7] 'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'”

** The women tried to tell the disciples and others of the empty tomb but they thought it was nonsense; Peter, however, had to see for himself

Luke 24:9-12 NIV

[9] When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. [10] It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. [11] But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. [12] Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

** Mary, Peter and John were witnesses to the risen Savior who was absent from the burial tomb

• Luke records other women witnesses (in addition to Mary) and records the event for certainty sake

• The disciples entered the tomb and believed that Christ rose from the dead

• By the time John wrote this Gospel, the church had a better understanding of how the Old Testament was fulfilled by the crucifixion and resurrection

John 20:1,6-7 NIV

[1] Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. [6] Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, [7] as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.

John 20:8 NIV

[8] Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.

Luke 24:10 NIV

[10] It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.

Luke 1:1-4 NIV

** Jesus appeared to His disciples and others for a period of 40 days as proof of His resurrection

• Jesus’ disciples eventually recognized Him when He offered communion and showed His scars

• Both Luke’s gospel and Acts are addressed to Theophilus, who held high social position

• Theophilus was eager to know all about Jesus

• The content in Acts offers what Jesus continues to do and teach through the church <R1795>

Acts 1:3 NIV

[3] After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.

Luke 24:15-16 NIV

[15] As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; [16] but they were kept from recognizing him.

Luke 24:28-31 NIV

[28] As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. [29] But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. [30] When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. [31] Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

Luke 24:33-35 NIV

[33] They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together [34] and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” [35] Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Luke 24:36-40 NIV

[36] While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” [37] They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. [38] He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? [39] Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” [40] When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.

** There are five ways to know the Bible is true and know the God who provided us with His word:

1. EXPERIENCE — subjective proof that countless people through the centuries believed and have been transformed to:

• Experience the peace that passes understanding

• Pass from ignorance to truth

• Pass from death to life

• Pass from sorrow to joy

• Pass from lies to truth

• Pass from apathy to zealous for Christ

• Pass from depression to a reason to live

• Pass from following the world to following God

• Pass from kingdom of darkness to kingdom of light

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Philippians 4:7 NIV

[7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Titus 2:14 NIV

[14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Ezekiel 36:26-27 NIV

[26] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

2. REALITY / SCIENCE — the Bible reflects an objective understanding of reality

• Universe and its elements (of time, force, action, space & matter) exist including its countless stars; first verse in the Bible covers all five elements

• Created by a power greater than itself — how do you explain the vast cohesion of macro and micro in this universe, including the 30 trillion cells of 200 kinds in your body alone?

• Created by a person, otherwise we are told to believe an inanimate object is eternal and created something greater than itself (Big Bang); never in science does something simple become more complex, like silver becoming a TV

• God knows and controls every aspect of His creation according to His laws

• God’s book reflects this reality as opposed to Hindu belief that the sun is the source of energy for all life and all other errors in other religions

Genesis 1:1 NIV

[1] In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Isaiah 40:26 NIV

[26] Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

Ecclesiastes 1:10 NIV

[10] Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new”? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.

Jeremiah 33:22 NIV

[22] I will make the descendants of David my servant and the Levites who minister before me as countless as the stars in the sky and as measureless as the sand on the seashore.' ”

Isaiah 40:12 NIV

[12] Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?

3. MIRACLES — God’s book contains miracles He does supernaturally

• Miracles throughout the Bible where God steps into the natural world and over-riding it with His divine power

• Miracles are visible with eye-witnesses

• Jesus performed miracles during His life on earth, recorded in the four gospels at the start of the New Testament

4. PROPHECY — One third of Scripture contains prophecy

• Many prophecies regarding Christ’s first coming were told in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament

• Probability of just 8 predictions coming true = two feet of silver dollars across state of Texas and blind man picking the one marked coin

Isaiah 41:21,23 NIV

[21] “Present your case, ” says the Lord. “Set forth your arguments,” says Jacob's King. [23] tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods. Do something, whether good or bad, so that we will be dismayed and filled with fear.

5. JESUS CHRIST — the ultimate proof that the Bible is true

• Christ is not a human invention

• Fulfilled Old Testament promises of the Messiah who is a mediator, reconciler, redeemer, savior, servant, great prophet, virgin born in Bethlehem, in the line of David, speaker of God’s word, performing miracles, entering Jerusalem on a donkey, slave of Jehovah doing His will, anointed by the Holy Spirit, rejected, suffer crucifixion, nailed and pierced, buried in a rich man’s tomb, rise from the dead, become a light to the Jews, offer salvation, ascend to glory and be exalted as King

• Jesus taught that the Scriptures were about Him

• Jesus, the One who gave us laws and consequences for disobedience (sin), provides a way of escape <M130>

Luke 24:25-27 NIV

John 14:19 NIV

[19] Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

** Going back to the Torah and to the prophets, Jesus opened [the eyes of those who were dejected that Christ died] to what was really going on

• They were bogged down in the circumstances and Jesus showed them the big picture

• The Lord suffered, but it was all part of a glorious plan that the Father had laid out before the beginning of time

• Likewise, we may suffer blows on this earth, but Jesus is alive and is coming soon – this is our awaited hope and source of joy amid a world that continues to grow darker <T203>

Luke 24:25-31 NIV

[25] He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! [26] Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” [27] And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. [28] As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. [29] But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. [30] When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. [31] Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

** Admittedly, it must seem ‘off the charts’ to those depending on scientific reasoning when they read in Scripture about a Rapture and God creating a new heaven and earth — but are these prophesied events in the Bible any more spectacular than the countless miracles needed to keep this world going every moment of every day?

Think about the miracle of life as we have known it for thousands of years:

• Who rotates the earth at a precise speed so we can mark off days?

• Who gave the earth its atmosphere to protect it from flying objects in the universe and keep objects in place via gravity on the earth?

• Who provides rain to sustain life?

• Who made sure the earth is dragged along with the sun as they travel through the universe?

• And then set the earth exactly at a distance from the sun so we wouldn’t burn or freeze?

• Who can comprehend an ever-expanding universe?

• Who created our bodies that heal, protect via an immune system, and function in the way it does with eyes to see, a heart that pumps blood and stomach that digests food?

• Who created plants and allowed them to germinate and grow?

• And then makes sure plants release CO2 so humans can breathe?

• Who established the food chain so every living creature can survive?

• Who designed the estimated 8.7 million different animals with unique design and ability — from skunks that use smell to protect themselves to flying eagles that spot rodents from 10,000 feet above ground?

• Who gave humans an ability to reason and desire to comprehend God?

Sure, scientists can explain HOW things operate but WHO designed all this in the first place?

• Much like a surgeon who spends years learning the parts of the body and how to operate, then taking a step back to marvel how all these body parts are designed to function individually and in unison as they do!

• God's design is the only answer for the scope and level of detail we witness in creation

Isaiah 40:12 NIV

Isaiah 14:26-27 NIV

[26] This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the hand stretched out over all nations. [27] For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?

So then:

• Why is it so unbelievable that God would remove His children from this earth to live with Him at an appointed time?

• Why is it difficult to fathom He can design a new heaven and earth in an instant?

Psalm 115:3 NIV

[3] Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

2 Peter 3:7,10 NIV

[7] By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. [10] But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

Romans 1:20 NIV

[20] For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities---his eternal power and divine nature---have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Titus 2:13-14 NIV

[13] while we wait for the blessed hope---the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, [14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Luke 24:25 NIV

[25] He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!

** Most likely the disciples did not recognize Jesus after He rose from the dead because His appearance showed more of the glory of God <M1501>

• Jesus was not as 'contained' as He would have been in the flesh

• He could reveal Himself to whom He wanted, just as He could conceal Himself at will

• Many believe followers of Christ will have a similar glorified body when they too are resurrected

Luke 24:28-32 NIV

** It must have been quite the Bible study. We've all heard the story about the road to Emmaus. But the point is this: Jesus explained the good news using only the "Old Testament," suggesting that after 2,000 years, we should be able to do likewise. We should be able to mine the Hebrew Scriptures to evangelize our Jewish brothers and sisters. That's what Jesus was doing. After all, it would be decades before His apostles and disciples, all Jewish, would even think about bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles.

The "Old Testament," or Tanakh, is the foundation for our faith as Christians. Without it, we cannot fully appreciate, or explain, or comprehend the work of Jesus, the very Jewish God-Man, who came to atone for the sins of the world and build His kingdom here on Earth. <F692>

Luke 24:28-32 NIV

** Can you imagine the excitement of the early church knowing their Messiah had risen from the grave and then given the Holy Spirit? We can be equally excited almost 2000 years later as though these events recently occurred! <S187>

Luke 24:30-34 NIV

[30] When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. [31] Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. [32] They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” [33] They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together [34] and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”

Acts 2:1-4 NIV

[1] When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. [2] Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

** Do you find you have a downcast mood from time to time, wondering whether God is really beside you?

• When times like this come, remember the lesson of the road to Emmaus

• The disciples were downcast and didn’t realize they were walking and talking with the risen Lord!

• Likewise, our feelings do not fit the facts

• We’re not alone anymore, for our Jesus lives and walks our road with us! <R1795>

Luke 24:30-32 NIV

** There is only one man in all of history that has been able to truly defeat the grave and escape its clutches: Jesus Christ! <B315>

Luke 24:34 NIV

[34] and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”

** John told us we can examine the resurrected body of Jesus to get a glimpse of what our resurrected glorified bodies will look and function like one day <E60>

1 John 3:2 NIV

[2] Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

1. Our new bodies will not have limitations in the natural — Jesus who now has a resurrected body was able to walk through walls and was not confined to physical barriers; the doors were shut but he was able to go through the walls and stand in the midst of His disciples

Luke 24:36-37 NIV

[36] While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” [37] They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.

2. Every pain and sorrow will be wiped away — the Lord will allow us to remember the good things in our lives on earth, the things that brought us joy, the birth of our children, our marriages, those moments in our lives that brought joy and laughter, but a passage in Revelation tells us that God will not permit us to remember those things that brought pain and sorrow

Revelation 21:3-4 NIV

[3] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. [4] 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

3. We will have full knowledge and understanding of mysteries — the limitations and partial knowledge we experience in this earthly life will be replaced by a comprehensive understanding of heaven

Think about all of the questions we have had over the years.

• Why did God allow this tragedy or that person to die so young?

• Why did my spouse leave me?

• Why did I have a miscarriage?

All of these questions will be answered and the mysteries unlocked!

1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV

[12] For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

4. We will look similar to what we looked like on earth — this part can get a little complicated because when Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection they initially did not recognize him, which raises speculation that we may look much different when we receive our new bodies

Other aspects to consider, however:

• The disciple’s eyes may have been intentionally veiled for a period of time to conceal who Christ was

• When Jesus appeared, he showed Thomas the wounds on his hands and his side that he endured at the crucifixion

John 20:26-27 NIV

[26] A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” [27] Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

5. We will not be given in marriage like on earth — as explained when Jesus was approached with a scenario involving seven brothers

• The first died after he had married, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother

• Likewise, the second also, and the third, even to the seventh

• Last of all the woman died also

• Jesus was asked whose wife of the seven will she be in the resurrection, to which He replied ‘no one’

Matthew 22:29-30 NIV

[29] Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. [30] At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

6. We will still be eating and drinking — the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead, Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish

John 21:12-14 NIV

[12] Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. [13] Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. [14] This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

7. We will no longer need to sleep — as long as we remain in these physical bodies sleep is a necessity so our brains do not literally stop working; however, It appears that in the new heaven and earth, we will no longer need to sleep as we will be in our new spiritual heavenly bodies

Revelation 22:5 NIV

[5] There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

8. If we lost a child before the age of accountability then we will see them again — the age of 13 is the most commonly suggested age of accountability based on the Jewish custom that a child becomes an adult at the age of 13; there most likely is not a hard-set age limit since the Lord truly knows the physical development and mindset of each individual child and some will develop faster than others

2 Samuel 12:21-23 NIV

[21] His attendants asked him, “Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!” [22] He answered, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.' [23] But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”

** The meals after Jesus' resurrection were significant because they showed that Jesus had a real, physical body, not a spiritual one; this proof was crucial for the disciples to believe in the resurrection of the flesh

Luke 24:41-43 NIV

[41] And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” [42] They gave him a piece of broiled fish, [43] and he took it and ate it in their presence.

** When they took Jesus down from the cross, He promised, like God had promised to the prophets 1000 years earlier, that His body would not undergo decay; they put Jesus in the tomb and three days later, the tomb was empty because He had resurrected from the dead <H90>

Psalm 16:10 NIV

[10] because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

Luke 24:44-46 NIV

[44] He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” [45] Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. [46] He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,

John 2:22 NIV

[22] After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

• Do you know that Jesus ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father?

• He’s saving for Himself a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation

• Those who believe in a resurrected Christ will be with Him one day!

Job 19:25-26 NIV

[25] I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. [26] And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God

** The followers of Jesus realized that Jesus was not just the Son of Man and the Son of God but that Jesus was God, the second part of the Holy Trinity. All creation was spoken into existence through Him who appeared risen from the dead and standing in their very midst. <S2000>

Luke 24:45 NIV

[45] Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

** We need the Old Testament to understand the New Testament; accepting Christ’s resurrection is great but WHY is it important — answers found in the Old Testament <H88>

Luke 24:44-46,48 NIV

** God exalted His Word equal to His own Name; those who place themselves above the Word of God, place themselves above God <M130>

Luke 24:45 NIV

[45] Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Psalm 119:18 NIV

[18] Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Ephesians 6:11,17 NIV

[11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Psalm 138:2 KJV

[2] I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

** God's Book is a book of wonders! It is a wonderful record of:

• God's power in creation

• His wisdom in providence, and

• His grace in redemption

It has the stamp of infinity upon it. We cannot penetrate its heights, fathom its depths, or traverse its lengths and breadths unless we are taught of God. The Holy Spirit, who composed it and inspired holy men to write it, must unfold and reveal it to our minds, or we shall never:

• See its glory

• Be impressed with its majesty

• Rejoice in its divine truths

Never let us read any portion of God's Word without looking up for divine teaching. Never let us imagine that we know all that is contained in any one verse of God's blessed Book — for there is a fullness in the holy Scriptures not to be found anywhere else.

O may we be given grace to:

• Understand the sublime doctrines

• Believe the precious promises, and

• Practice the holy precepts of His blessed Word!

Lord, may we hide the Word in our hearts, that we may not sin against You. O that we would:

• Catch the meaning

• Taste the sweetness

• Feel the power

of Your holy truth! O Lord, open our eyes, and unfold the truth to us this night! O Lord, soften our hearts, and bring home Your Word with power! <S183>

Psalm 119:18 NIV

[18] Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Luke 24:45 NIV

[45] Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Job 36:22 NIV

[22] “God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher like him?

** The doctrine of the inability of the human mind to understand divine teaching and the need for divine illumination is so fully developed in the New Testament that it is nothing short of astonishing that we should have gone so far astray concerning the whole issue.

Evangelicalism has stood aloof from Liberalism in self-conscious superiority; and has on its own part fallen into the error of textualism, which is simply orthodoxy without the Holy Spirit.

Everywhere among Conservatives we find people who are Bible-taught, but not Spirit-taught. They conceive truth to be something which they can grasp with the mind. If a man holds to the fundamentals of the Christian faith then he is thought to possess divine truth.

But that is an incorrect assumption. The Bible is a supernatural book and can be understood only by supernatural aid!

Conservative Christians in this day are stumbling over this truth. We need to re-examine the whole thing. We need to learn that truth consists not in correct doctrine, but in correct doctrine plus the inward enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. A re-preachment of this vital truth could result in a fresh breath from God upon a stale and suffocating orthodoxy.

Most Christians see Bible knowledge as something to be stored away in the mind along with an inert mass of other facts.

The modern scientist has lost God amid the wonders of His world. And we Christians are in real danger of losing God amid the wonders of His Word! Scripture truths must be experienced, before we can really know them.

"Lord, I do believe in the authority of the Scriptures, and thank You for that foundation of truth. But I need to remember that even the inspired text is not alive, until the Holy Spirit takes it and enlightens the recipients. May the Spirit indeed take what I teach and embed it in the hearts and minds of my hearers. Amen." <T207>

1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV

[14] The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

John 14:26 NIV

[26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

John 16:13 NIV

[13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

Luke 24:45 NIV

[45] Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Psalm 119:18 NIV

[18] Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

** Jesus made it clear that His follower’s mission was to preach the gospel to all nations, starting in Jerusalem

• This mission was to be carried out by all believers

• Start with those around you (like family), then spread into the region (like community organizations) and support worldwide influence

Acts 1:8 NIV

[8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Luke 24:46-47 NIV

[46] He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, [47] and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Mark 1:15 NIV

[15] “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

2 Thessalonians 1:5 NIV

[5] All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.

** It is very affecting that the first offers of grace should be made to those who, of all people in the world, had done Him the most harm!

One would rather have expected the apostles would have received another kind of charge, and that Christ would have said, "Let repentance and forgiveness of sins be preached but do NOT carry it to Jerusalem, that wicked city, that has been the slaughter-house of my prophets, whom I have often sent. Last of all, I myself, the Son, came — and with wicked hands, they have crucified and murdered Me! They may do the same to you! Do not let the gospel enter those wicked gates, through which they led Me, its Author, to crucifixion!"

But Christ singles out exactly these murderous people of Jerusalem to make monuments of His mercy, and commands the first offer of eternal life to be made to them! As if our Lord had said: "Lest the poor house of Israel should think themselves abandoned to eternal despair, as cruel and vile as they have been — go, make the first offer of grace to them! Let those who spilled My blood be welcome to its healing virtue. Tell them that there is repentance and forgiveness, even for them!

"Nay, if you meet that poor wretch who thrust his spear into My side, tell him that there is another way, a better way of coming to My heart — even My heart's love! Tell him that if he repent, and look upon Me whom he has pierced, and will mourn, then I will cherish him in that very bosom which he has wounded! Tell him that he shall find the blood which he has shed to be an ample atonement for the sin of shedding it! And tell him from Me, that he will put Me to more pain and displeasure by refusing this offer of My blood than when he first drew it forth!" <G7994>

Luke 24:46-47 NIV

Matthew 9:13 NIV

[13] But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

** God promised to give believers the power of the Holy Spirit

Luke 24:49 NIV

[49] 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.”

Acts 1:8 NIV

[8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

** Even though Jesus was to leave His disciples, He promised them the Holy Spirit or "power from on high"

Luke 24:49 NIV

[49] 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.”

Acts 1:4-5 NIV

[4] On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. [5] For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Luke 24:51 NIV

[51] While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.

** On day forty after the Resurrection, when He had led His disciples out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into Heaven. Then, they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple praising God. <S2000>

Luke 24:50-53 NIV

[50] When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. [51] While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. [52] Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. [53] And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

Luke 24.

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