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.
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 for the 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.”
50 And 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.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
The disciples were still talking about their experiences with the risen Christ when Jesus appeared and stood among them. “Pease to you” is exactly what we should all feel with an abiding relationship with Jesus. But the disciples were frightened because they still hadn’t fully processed that Jesus was fully resurrected in body. He showed them His hands and feet which bore the marks of His crucifixion as validation that it was indeed Him standing before them. He also had something to eat in their presence to show that He was not a spirit but resurrected body.
Then Jesus explained to all of them from the Old Testament how He was always going to suffer, die and rise from the dead. Luke includes the Psalms specifically in this description of the Old Testament because of how much they contribute to Messianic prophecy. Then Jesus told them that they were tasked with sharing the news that repentance for the forgiveness of sins was to be proclaimed to all nations, beginning with Jerusalem, who had rejected the Messiah and extending from there to the Gentiles who had not heard of or expected the Messiah but nevertheless needed to turn back to their Creator. They were to go out as witnesses of all Jesus had done in fulfilling the Old Testament from His ministry among them, His crucifixion, and His bodily resurrection. They were not going to go out alone but would be equipped with the empowering of the Holy Spirit who would come on them soon. We have the same task, to share the story of Jesus with others and proclaim forgiveness of sins in His name.
Then Jesus led them out to Bethany, to the Mount of Olives, where He blessed them and was taken into heaven. Jesus ascended to His rightful place at the Father’s right hand. The disciples worshipped Him and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy and continued to gather in the temple, a familiar place but surely with renewed purpose and fervour.
Luke began his gospel by stating his purpose was to bolster Theophilus’ faith and give him certainty about the things he had been taught. I trust that your study through the gospel of Luke has helped to reinforce your own faith and given you greater certainty of the things you believe.
Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan
Jonah Preaches: Jonah 3-4