Intro: Before we dig into our passage for today, we need to remember after Jesus’ resurrection he spent 40 days [revealing the spiritual truth of his living presence] with his disciples as he traveled around Galilee and back to Jerusalem. During this time, Jesus continues to manifest his supernatural power by revealing himself to two of his disciples on the road to Emmaus [Lu 24:13-32], suddenly appearing in rooms behind locked doors to more disciples [Jo 20:19], providing proof to Thomas a doubting disciple [Jo 20:27-28], initiating a miraculous catch of fish to seven disciples [Jo 21:6], restoring the disciple Peter from broken fellowship [Jo 21:15-17], and appearing to some 500 people to share about God’s forgiveness of sin by his sacrifice [1 Co 15:6]. Everything Jesus said and did, during this time, has been to assure all of his disciples that he is the fulfillment of the Old Testament [Tanakh] sacrificial system and the messianic prophecies—the manifested Truth.
In our passage today, before his ascension, Jesus opens the minds of his disciples so they can understand Scripture and the purpose of his life; to bring forgiveness of sins for all who repent” (Lu 24:47]. Before he leaves them, he wants them to have the wisdom to understand the steadfast love and faithfulness of God for salvation. Jesus wants them to be aware that evil and sin is what destroys life with God. Lastly, Jesus wants his disciples to anticipate the coming of the Holy Spirit who will bring the power to share this Good News. Jesus prepares and equips his disciples. He prepares and equips us to do likewise. God wants the world to hear and know the salvation he offers. Will you share in God’s faithfulness to tell those around you?
Luke 24:44-53 NLT
44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, [all people] beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.
49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
The Ascension
50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. 53 And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for preparing all believers and equipping us with the Holy Spirit and power. May we take your commission to share the Good News to heart and look each day for the opportunities that are provided. In Jesus’ name. Amen.