From Luke 23-24
Jesus has risen! But the disciples have trouble believing it. Jesus appears to them giving proof he is flesh and bone. Then he explains the scriptures which prophecy his suffering and resurrection. He gives them instructions to go to all the nations. Preaching what he has said and done. Calling sinners to repentance and declaring the forgiveness that is in his name.
This post is part of my bible in a year series.
Passage and Comments
Jesus has risen from the dead. First he appeared to Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. They told the disciples, but they did not believe (Lk 24.1-11). Then he appeared to two of the disciples. Initially they did not recognise him. But after he explained the scriptures and broke bread with them they recognised him (Lk 24.12-35). The disciples still struggle hearing the good news. In today’s passage Jesus appears to the disciples another time.
36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit.
38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them. (Lk 24.36-43)
‘Why are you troubled?’, ‘Why do doubts arise?’ When the disciples see Jesus they are afraid and think he is a spirit. They think he is a ghost and has not come to life. Jesus has been telling for some time before hand he would be raised from the dead. He has also appeared to a few others since his resurrection, so they have been for warned this would happen. So he rebukes them for their doubt.
Jesus shows them he has been bodily raised from the dead. His resurrection affirms the goodness of creation.
‘Touch me and see’. He first invites them to touch him. Spirits do not have physical bodies. If they could touch him they would know he is flesh and bones. Not a spirit. He shows them his hands and feet. With holes still fresh from his crucifixion.
‘Ate before them’. His second proof involves eating some fish. He takes the fish from him and eats it in front of them. Nom nom nom. Spirits cannot eat. His eating further shows he is flesh and bone.
Having proven to them he has been bodily raised. He explains the significance of his death and resurrection.
44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,
47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 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.” (Lk 24.44-49)
‘Everything written about me’, ‘the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise’. Jesus explains that many things were written about him in the law of Moses, the prophets and the Psalms. Promises and prophecies of scripture point to him as the promised Christ. They predict he will suffer, die and rise again to new life. They predict he will usher in the kingdom of God.
‘Repentance and forgiveness proclaimed in his name’. Jesus instructs the apostles to call people to repent of their sins and turn to God. Formerly forgiveness was offered through the sacrificial system. Now God offers forgiveness in Jesus’ name. He has authority to forgive sins.
All nations should be called to repent told of the forgiveness that is in Jesus’ name.
‘You are witnesses’. The apostles are witnesses of all Jesus has said and done. This enables them to preach the gospel. Telling all the nations about Jesus. His life, his words and deeds. But first they have to wait for power to come upon them from on high. The gift of the Holy Spirit.
50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God. (Lk 24.50-53)
Jesus blesses them. They are changed in this last meeting. Previously they struggled to believe he was risen. They thought he was defeated, dead. Now they worship and rejoice.
They keep meeting in the temple. Praising God for what he has done. Waiting for the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
About Jesus
Luke’s Gospel may have finished, but its story goes on. The story continues into the Acts of the Apostles. The apostles go out and share the gospel. Starting with Jerusalem, Samaria and to the end of the world – Rome. Yet even at the end of Acts, there is still a great need for gospel ministry.
The story has not finished. You and I are called to be involved God’s unfolding drama, sharing the good news as many have done before us.
Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2016. All Rights Reserved.
