God's Gospel Truths
Luke 24:36-49
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
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. 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.
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, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 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.”
Pondering Point
The first disciples were eyewitnesses to Jesus' earthly ministry as well as His suffering, death and resurrection. They learned that His dying and rising was foundational for the forgiveness of sins. So with the help of the Holy Spirit, they became the first witnesses of this good news ("gospel") to the world: Forgiveness of sins comes in the name of Jesus.
Though you did not witness Jesus’ death and resurrection personally, as believers in Jesus, you too have been blessed to experience forgiveness through His dying and rising (John 20:29), and that experience enables you (dare we say demands you) to share this gospel story as a witness to the world around you.
John 20:29
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, our Messiah, since the day You left back for heaven’s throne, Your message of repentance and forgiveness has been prayed up and proclaimed out. Let it be so here too at Hope and among our fellow churches; let Your message also find a voice in our hallways and homes, our cubicles and cars, and out among neighbors, our friends and family. In Your powerful name we pray, Amen.