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Acts: Thrown in Jail, Peter Preaches Again

Read: Acts 4:1-12

We spent this past weekend at Koinonia Farms just outside of Americus, Georgia and down the road from Plains, GA where President Carter lives. The farm is one of the places that stood out during the Civil Rights Movement, where people had to make a choice to stand with the status quo or open their eyes to see a new reality, a future that embraced men and women of all races working together in harmony. Choices were made. Some hearts became harder while others melted.

Peter and John, through the power of the Holy Spirit, healed a man who was lame and the status quo of their day was offended. Luke tells us that the chief priests, Sadducees, and the temple guards took action:

…while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. Acts 4:1-2

The Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection in principle, certainly not in practice, so they couldn’t stand for this kind of talk. Since they made up the majority of the Sanhedrin, their opinion was significant. Their authority would be undermined if all this talk about resurrection were allowed to infiltrate the minds of others, let alone the Pharisees that served alongside them.

It’s important to note that these men were not ignorant, their intellect is a key part of their rise to power. They see potential problems that would arise if these preachers are allowed to continue. For some evidence, Luke points out that those who believed are growing fast:

But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. Acts 4:4

Thrown in jail, the disciples are handled by the authorities. Though the cause is different, many were imprisoned during the Civil Rights Movement with the same kind of, “what do we do with them” thinking.

This is the same Sanhedrin that dealt with Jesus just a few weeks prior. Now they sense the need to quell the rebellion before it gets out of hand.

By what power or what name did you do this? Acts 4:7

Though the Sanhedrin is comprised of incredible scholars, they have never been able to do anything so wonderful, let alone heal a 40-year-old crippled man! They can’t deny the event — the man is walking and talking right in front of them! Perhaps some of them thought they could learn how to perform such wonders if they knew more about the power, the name behind the miracle that led to this event.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. Abraham Lincoln

But they, the over-educated, pious, superior, self-proclaimed elite, could not do that which these uneducated Galileans did. They are about to be schooled by men who didn’t go to school, who had no formal education. Peter restates the accusation in humble terms. He’s not boasting about his ability to do anything, as he will explain fully.

If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man… Acts 4:9

I like to think Peter paused after he restated the problem, that he looked around the room, made eye contact, and received some sense of agreement, “yes, this is why we arrested you–for your act of kindness…that’s not what we do around here!”

But before they could get defensive about these words, Peter immediately throws out the name they did NOT want to hear.

It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead Acts 4:10

Peter quotes Psalm 118:22-23 with a significant modification: “the stone the builders rejected” is offered as “the stone you builders rejected.” The Sanhedrin clearly hear the words:

You are not kind
You crucified Jesus
You are the builders
You rejected Jesus

Peter is just getting started. The Holy Spirit has empowered him to preach and nothing will stop the words penetrating this place at this time.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Salvation

Much more than healing a physical infirmity, Peter is using this “simple” act of kindness as a preaching point to emphasize the greater need for salvation.

No One Else

Let’s be clear on this point: Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. This is not a boast, but a clear statement of fact based on an eye-witness to the resurrection.

We Must Be Saved

More than works, greater than wisdom, beyond education and lofty titles, we must come to the point of salvation, we are all in need of being saved. These scholars knew the scriptures well. They understood the fall of mankind, the struggles of Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, and the Prophets. They could quote them verbatim, yet they needed to be saved!

The scene is vivid and real in my imagination. Peter and John are doing nothing to draw attention to themselves. They are unafraid of these men, but shouldn’t they be a bit worried? Only weeks ago they had Jesus crucified. This fact is nowhere in their conscious thought. I believe they preached as if this was their last breath.

What would we do or say if we thought this was the last word we would utter before our human death? What would you want to be transcribed? As far as Peter and John were concerned, death was right around the corner so they seized the opportunity to be Christ’s witnesses.

Now it’s our turn.

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Acts: Lame Beggar Healed — Sermon #2

Read: Acts 3

Acts 2 ends with some remarkable discussion about the fellowship of believers. While all this is going on, the disciples continue to preach the gospel. In this case, the sermon illustration comes from healing a lame beggar, one that everyone recognized.

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6

Peter took him by the hand and the man was completely healed. I’d like to begin a sermon series like this!

It’s Not About Me

The people are amazed, as expected, I know I would be for sure, but Peter quickly points to the source for the healing.

When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. Acts 3:12,16

Peter is not the least bit surprised by the miracle. He didn’t heal the man to make a point, he was being obedient to his calling.

On a much lower scale, I’ve experienced this sensation when dining at a local restaurant with a friend. As we got up to leave, we notice our server was not around, but somehow I got the sense that we needed to find Courtney and pray for her. When we found her alone in a room reserved for parties, etc., she was truly grateful and opened up to us, though we had not previously talked about our ministry. This is just one small example, but I think it’s normal for those who are sincerely seeking the lost for the sake of Jesus without selfish motives.

Sermon Number Two

In my imagination (forgive me if I venture too far), Peter is astonished that anyone would get excited about an everyday miracle but quickly seized the opportunity as the crowd gathers. This is like giving a microphone to a preacher!

Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. Acts 3:17

What a great way to start a sermon, “I know you’re all ignorant…” This is the simple formula the late Reverend Billy Graham used all the time, even in his old age.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. Acts 3:19-20

The timeless call to repent for your benefit. For our benefit. I love the phrase, “that times of refreshing may come.” I certainly need that, don’t you?

The short version of Peter’s sermon is captured in this chapter, but I get the feeling he took time to clearly explain the foundation for his claim, all the way back to Abraham, a message the people were eager to hear. This, of course, raises the eyebrows of the elite, as we’ll see in the next chapter. The main point is this: we should have known!

For generations, they were looking and waiting for the Messiah, but somehow they were mesmerized by the act of looking without seeing. In other words, they got in the habit of looking without any expectation that they might actually see. Perhaps miracles are within our grasp if we would have enough faith to see people the way Jesus sees them.

Peter didn’t have a seminary degree, but he was taught by Jesus himself. We don’t have notes from these lessons, but we do have two major advantages: 1) the Bible and 2) the Holy Spirit. While we could get by without #1, the gift of the Spirit is more than enough.

Lord help us to hear Your word clearly, to see what You see, or at least the tiny sliver that we are able to absorb. May we be attuned to the lame beggars of today, those that drive fancy cars, live in big houses, and those who hold up cardboard signs on street corners. Don’t let us be blinded by pretense and elitism. You are the miracle maker. May we be Your miracle workers for Your kingdom.

 

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Acts: Fellowship of Believers — Best Time Ever!

Read: Acts 2:42-47

One of the most quoted scripture references ever, Acts 2:42 encourages us to be a community of believers, to stretch our corporate understanding of “church” into where we live, even open the doors of our super-secure homes to those we don’t know. And to do all of this with joy, sharing as needed, while giving thanks to God for His amazing providence!

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

If we are to follow this formula, it looks like we need to focus on teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. Books have been written centered on these few verses. I promise not to write a book here but highlight some thoughts I find interesting. I hope you’ll do the same as you read this passage and consider your own church context.

Teaching

In Acts 1:3, we read how Jesus met with the disciples and taught them about the kingdom of God. Not it’s their turn to impart knowledge to thousands of new converts to Christianity. At least 3,000 are being taught and ministered to by the 120 or so disciples who were local. The simple math gives us a 1:25 ratio to start with…from day one! Are you jealous? Even the least bit envious? Wow! What an opportunity for advancing the kingdom!

Fellowship

Those who were coming into faith based on the teaching of the Apostles were greeted with amazing hospitality.

All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Acts 2:44-45

So many were from distant countries, only in Jerusalem for harvest festivals, the need for opening homes was obvious. Funding for needs was met by selling stuff. They didn’t just sell things for the sake of downsizing, they were focused on supporting the fellowship as needed. Their goal was to break down barriers that would otherwise hold people back, or at least make them hesitate. God will provide for our daily needs. Give with a generous heart!

Breaking Bread

I love the concept of Christ-following believers getting together to celebrate their faith and remembering His great sacrifice through breaking bread together. There’s no reason to wait for the anointed few to deliver fake bread and wine. The only requirement I see here is centered on sincere hearts praising God for Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Acts 2:46-47

Such joy! People actually worshiping together. I long for this place.

Prayer

Jesus modeled prayer throughout His earthly ministry, we should do the same. Meeting together in homes provides the perfect opportunity to pray sincerely for each other. Such intimate environments give us an opportunity to be open and honest. What a concept!

Results

Not that we’re counting butts in seats, but it’s significant to know that the fellowship was growing daily.

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47

The Lord is growing His people, nothing will stop the growth of this community. It’s a dream to see people coming to Christ daily. Why is this a fantasy? Lord, what am I doing today to make this a reality? Why is the church not growing daily? What would it look like to be a part of a group of Christ-followers that met on Tuesday, or Friday, or any day other than Sunday for an hour-plus?

We should be asking ourselves lots of questions in this context. We might not like the answers, but I pray we would at least ask ourselves, our church leaders, our Christ-following friends, these questions.

Lord help us to meet together with glad and sincere hearts, praising You, and enjoying the fellowship You desire for us each and every day — not just on Sunday!

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Acts: Peter Speaks to the Crowd at Pentecost

Read: Acts 2:14-41

Then Peter speaks. In these few words Peter distills the gospel into a concise message, powerfully delivered, and hearts are forever changed. The deep conviction of Peter, with the band of Eleven, is as powerful today as it was then. Lord help us to learn this lesson as we consider the platforms You have given each of us.

Peter’s Boldness — An Example to Follow

Timing is everything, so they say, but I pray we can learn to affect our timing and boldly preach when given the opportunity as Peter demonstrates here.

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. Acts 2:14

No holds barred. No going back. Wake up people and listen! Peter dives deep into words from Joel. I won’t copy/paste them here, though I’m tempted, take a look at ancient words that reflect a present reality: Acts 2:17-21, Joel 2:28-32.

And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord
will be saved.
Acts 2:21

Everyone can be saved. The work before us is rather daunting when we consider that everyone can be saved, even the guy that is an absolute jerk can be saved. He may not be one I can minister to, but I can pray for him.

You Killed Him — God Raised Him

Let’s get right down to the point of all of this!

and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. Acts 2:23-24

Peter draws from the deep well of psalms that these devout Jews would know well. He picked up on David’s thoughts in Psalm 16 and brought them into a new light to help them understand the significance of what was said:

Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. Acts 2:31

Peter’s words, powered by the Holy Spirit, cut through the noise and confusion and spoke directly to the hearts of thousands of those present that day.

What Shall We Do?

I’m sure they had never heard such a sermon in their lives. Hearts pounding in each chest, tears forming, stumbling for words, all they could do is mutter a plea:

Brothers, what shall we do? Acts 2:37

There were no publications to pass out, no committees formed, certainly no church buildings in which to gather — none of this is required. What is the next step? It’s really quite simple:

Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call. Acts 2:38-39

It’s so awesome that Peter, and the Eleven others, don’t even worry about how they’re going to handle the response. On that day, at that moment, some 3,000 received salvation from the bondage that they never thought was possible!

From 12 to 120 to more than 3,000 believers in such a short amount of time. Whew! We better get organized quickly!! This is spreading like wildfire!

It’s exhilarating to read this section of scripture. At the same time, it’s rather intimidating if we think we’re to follow Peter’s example and do this ourselves, but here’s the great news about the good news:  we have the very same Holy Spirit indwelling in each of us.

Lord, shake the mountains and move in this place at this time. May we get overly excited about the greatness of Your love, Your grace, and Your desire for each and everyone to be saved today!

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Acts: Pentecost – The Holy Spirit Invades

Read: Acts 2:1-13

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would come and here we read about the powerful event known as Pentecost, fifty days after Passover. Once again, Jesus uses a Jewish event to usher in a Christian movement. While many were moved by the experience, some simply could not believe.

The faithful few were gathered as Jesus commanded, ready to receive whatever it was He told them about. Suddenly, He comes:

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:4

Jews From Every Nation

Jews were gathered to celebrate the harvest festival from “every nation under heaven” as Luke puts it. This stuck out at me this morning in a way I haven’t thought about before. God-fearing Jews from around the world were present at this event. It’s not news that there were people from a wide variety of countries with their own language, but the fact that these were devout Jews from across the globe gets my attention.

With the dispersal of Israel and Judah, the chosen tribes, it seems Judaism actually spread. That which should have destroyed the culture, i.e., the Assyrian and Babylonian exile of Jews, seems to have resulted in scattering Jewish culture instead of quelling it. Yet another reason to appreciate the Old Testament.

As a result, people from all around the world were in Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost–it was their tradition. But oh how the tradition would get super-charged!

(both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues! Acts 2:11

It’s no coincidence that the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples at this point in time. The impact is huge! Hundreds of people hear the gospel, then return to their places around the globe with the great, good news of Jesus Christ!

Not Everyone Is Convinced

How can the backward Galileans, those not a part of the elite, possibly be speaking in so many different languages all at the same time? And how can they be so eloquent? Once again, God chooses the least to make a statement for the masses.

Of course, not everyone is moved.

Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” Acts 2:13

This comes as no surprise to most. There are always naysayers in every crowd. Take comfort when you hear disparaging remarks–you must be preaching well if some part of the crowd thinks you’ve had too much wine! (Just don’t have too much wine!)

New Pentecost

Much more significant than a festival that marks 50 days from Passover or the end of the barley harvest and beginning of wheat harvest, this is the event that provided fuel for the beginning of Christ’s church on earth. The pace at which the gospel will spread is remarkable, to say the least.  Things are about to get pretty exciting and challenging from here on out.

The Holy Spirit is now available to indwell in each person. It’s amazing to consider that the power of Christ is entrusted to each of us. Lord help us to embrace this with all our mind and especially with all our heart!

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Acts: Pain and Prayer, Judas is Replaced

Read: Acts 1:12-26

Jesus ascended after He taught the disciples. He told them to wait for what we know as Pentecost, the fifty days after Passover, when the Holy Spirit came (we’ll cover that soon). During this time the apostles get together for prayer, to select a replacement for Judas, and to minister to one another. As I reread the passage, I continue to feel the pain that must have been present when the name Judas is mentioned. It’s a sobering thought, maybe not the best way to start the week.

Return to Jerusalem

The apostles do as instructed and return to Jerusalem, just a short walk from where they were gathered. Luke is careful to list the eleven by name and points out the fact that the women, including Mary, are present.

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Luke 1:14

The primary activity is to gather and pray. Luke mentions prayer all throughout his writing. In this case, in particular, Luke lets us know the men and women are together, something not so ordinary in their culture.

Peter’s Leadership

Peter begins to assert himself as the leader of the early church. Luke didn’t give us the details of Peter’s reinstatement as we read in John 21:15-19, but it’s obvious by this account that Peter is a changed man.

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) Acts 1:15

Did you read that? Luke tells us there are only about 120 believers from the scores of people who heard Jesus. Thousands were fed, healed, ministered to, and witnessed the events of Jesus and His disciples, but this is quickly reduced to a small number of men and women who become the voice of Jesus that changed the world.

First Sermon — Painful Memories

Peter’s first sermon is one that reminded this small group of believers that the one who betrayed Jesus was foretold and even necessary to fulfill the scriptures. The point wasn’t meant to suggest they were helpless, rather, I think the point is one that emphasizes humility and serves as a reminder for all who are in ministry leadership.

He was one of our number and shared in our ministry. Acts 1:17

The fate of Judas was horrible. His spiritual compromise resulted in his immediate death both physically and spiritually.

Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this Acts 1:19

Talk about a ministry debacle! The talk of the town was about Jesus, crucifixion, and resurrection, but there are always those who won’t let go, who have to point to what seem like failures to elevate themselves. Given the number of believers is so greatly reduced, I have to believe that many stopped short of accepting Christ because they didn’t hear the entire story. Something to consider as we walk in this world as His ambassadors.

Matthias Selected

They narrowed the choices down to two worthy candidates, then cast lots to reveal who would be the Twelfth.

Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. Acts 1:26

I think they needed to have a twelfth selected to end the dissonance that weighed heavily on their hearts. We know these few were anointed by Jesus himself, soon to be filled with the Holy Spirit, but they’re still human, they still feel the pain of betrayal.

It seems to me they get to move on with ministry by selecting Mattias and moving forward. I’m so thankful for the insight we gain by reading these details.

Ministry is tough at times, but the pain is worth the struggle. Surround everything you do with prayer and listen for God’s answers. In other words, don’t talk non-stop when you’re praying! Take time to reflect.

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Acts: Stop Standing Around

Read: Acts 1:9-11

As we begin to unpack Luke’s narrative we call the book of Acts, I’m struck by the words just after Jesus is taken to heaven.

why do you stand here looking into the sky? Acts 1:10

The angels intervened to kick the disciples in the rear and get them moving.

It seems fitting to stop and pause as we begin to read the history of the early church through the eyes of Luke, the faithful witness, and writer of huge and significant events in the life of Christianity.

If you’ve followed along through the blog as we unpacked Luke’s gospel one paragraph at a time, you might be tempted to sit in awe and wonder at the incredible things Jesus did during His time on earth.

The disciples just had some 40 days of lessons from Jesus Himself. Suddenly He’s taken away, whisked off to heaven, where He certainly belongs! It is an amazing sight to see. We too can get caught up in worship, in song, in life, to the point where we just stand and gaze at the stars.

The angels are cheering us on — stop standing around! Go and tell the world!!

Lord help us to act, to be who you want us to be, to do that which you have gifted us to do, and to go into every nook and cranny, seeking the lost and inviting them to the banquet You have prepared for all who will answer the call.

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Luke: Epilogue and Acts Intro

Read: Acts 1:1-8

It’s hard to believe this blog through Luke began way back at the beginning of the year, 87 posts over the course of nearly five months. The pace might seem slow, but the journey is truly worth it in my very humble opinion. During this season I’ve gotten to know Luke as a person through his orderly account of the ministry of the One he loved more than any other: Jesus.

Luke was more than just a gospel writer, he served to build a foundation for us to follow by being obedient in capturing thoughts, stories, events, and significant moments for us to read and learn about the Savior.

If he were here sitting with you and me today, he would be pleased to hear those words, but I’m absolutely convinced he would be shocked if all we did was read and study. The purpose of this “orderly account” was not for us to become scholarly, it is to help us go out and spread the gospel.

We need to jump to the book of Acts to continue Luke’s story. This doesn’t mean I’m not going to blog through John, but I would like to continue the conversation with Luke as he gives us great insight into the early church. At my current snail’s pace, this probably means we won’t get to John until next year, but I’m really not in a hurry.

At the end of Luke 24, we are left hanging a bit. The chapter has three main sections: the women find the tomb empty, the walk to Emmaus, then the appearance of Jesus to the disciples (and His ascension). Between verses 49 and 50 there appears to be no span of time, but Luke updates us as he begins writing Theophilus in the book of Acts:

He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3

This is amazing to consider and quite hard to appreciate at the same time. After Jesus was betrayed, denied, and crucified, He sat down with these mere mortals and provided an intense workshop. My mind is filled with wild imagery of the scenes. How could James, John, Peter, and the others, ever go to sleep? Every moment must have been better than the next. Jesus, the one they saw physically destroyed was there with them!

To say they “returned to Jerusalem with great joy” Luke 24:52, is a great understatement! Can you imagine that Jesus was constantly with them over this interlude? Here’s how Luke casually puts it:

On one occasion, while he was eating with them Acts 1:4

“You know, the other time when the resurrected Son of God, Jesus Christ Himself, came over to have a bite to eat…” Seriously!?!?

By the time Jesus was done demonstrating His great love for the disciples, teaching and explaining how the kingdom works, then ascending to heaven, I’m pretty sure I would return to Jerusalem with some serious joy! Especially since Jesus told them something even more amazing was going to happen.

For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:5

They are all quite anxious for Jesus to restore the Kingdom in their lifetime. I think this is because they saw how wonderful things could be with Jesus leading the way, but Jesus’ plan is different, it’s difficult, and requires action:

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. Acts 1:8

This is the call that comes with a promise: the Holy Spirit will be with us.

Unlike earthly things, the power of the Holy Spirit is not diminished when given to an individual, rather, it seems to increase as more and more people recognize who Jesus is and what He has done for all.

Lord, help us appreciate this power that lives inside us, the prompting that wakes us up at night and motivates us to do that which doesn’t seem to make sense on human terms. Teach us. Mold us. Make us into the beautiful works of art you intended for Your glory and for Your kingdom.

May we become Your witnesses locally, regionally, and globally. Amen!

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Luke: Jesus Appears to His Disciples then Ascends

Read: Luke 24:36-53

Suddenly, we’re at the end of Luke’s gospel where he gives us a slight peek into Jesus’ appearance before leaving earth. The walk to Emmaus is followed up by an even more extraordinary event.

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:36

Holy ____! Seriously!

Luke tells us they were startled, frightened like they’d seen a ghost. I think that puts it mildly, to say the least. I’m sure they looked back and laughed at their first reaction, but during the event, I’m sure this was not the least bit funny.

Jesus kept the pressure on:

He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?  It is I myself Luke 24:38,39

Doubts

The disciples were unprepared to see Jesus in the flesh. Cleopas and his companion were trying to explain their encounter, the things Jesus said as He broke bread with them, but this was just too much to process for them. I can imagine they were doubting themselves as they retold the story.

Told You So

Jesus showed them His hands and feet, then asks them for some food. He’s hungry. They probably needed to eat as well. The conversation quickly turned to remind them of the times when Jesus had explained how and why this would happen.

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.” Luke 24:44

Once again, we are exhorted to look at the Old Testament to understand the New. These writings are compiled for us to easily browse and read, but the disciples knew them well. I have no doubt Jesus invested time during the previous three years talking about these very scriptures.

Opened Their Minds

Then something miraculous happened:

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:45

I think this was miraculous because their heads were spinning out of control, they really didn’t know how to process all this information. Further, these rather simple men, chosen by the Lord, are changed from this point forward as they await Pentecost and the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Blessing of Jesus

Luke doesn’t waste much time in jumping to the end, but I like to think that Jesus carefully unpacked the scriptures after opening their minds. They discussed the details before Jesus led them out and blessed them.

I’m not able to appreciate fully what this means, but to receive the blessing in Jewish culture was a very big deal. This is not a quick pat on the back and move on, this is a moment when I envision Jesus looking at each of them, hands on their shoulders, or perhaps grabbing their neck and looking them straight in the eye. From this posture, each received their personal blessing from Jesus Christ. Wow!

The Ascension of Jesus

Luke’s concluding words are far better than any I can write. Joy has returned. You are indeed blessed by the Father, touched by the Son, and filled with the Spirit. I pray this will touch you the way I am this morning:

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. Luke 24:51-53

 

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Luke: Walk to Emmaus

Read: Luke 24:13-35

I would give anything to walk seven miles with Jesus, even if it took me all day to recognize Him! The women have told the disciples, they’ve checked out the empty tomb, and the word is already spreading. In this great story of two disciples, Cleopas and an unnamed other, walking along feeling defeated after what should have been the highlight of their lives, Jesus appears and asks them what they’re chatting about.

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” Luke 24:17-18

News spreads quickly in a culture that relied mostly on oral communication. Unlike our modern inability to communicate verbally, they were good at passing stories. In this case, they all knew about Jesus of Nazareth, the One they decided to follow, who was convicted by their very own priests then crucified by the Romans. Everyone knew about this.

Less than a week earlier, Jesus was welcomed on a borrowed colt with shouts of hosanna. This was already a festive time of year when they gathered to celebrate the Passover. To say expectations were high is a great understatement — they expected Jesus to change the world that weekend!

Well, He did change the world, just not as anyone expected. More on that later!

The two continue to explain what they’d heard about the women and the disciples, the empty tomb when Jesus rebukes them:

“How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” Luke 24:25-26

Moses and All The Prophets

Jesus explains to them how His journey was foretold by Moses and all the prophets. We have the privilege of having Bibles in various versions laying all around. If Jesus used ancient scriptures to explain how He must come into the world, suffer, and then be resurrected, it seems we should be serious about understanding the Old Testament to appreciate the New.

While the language used here leaves us with no doubt that this was a rebuke, it doesn’t sound like it’s harsh. There’s a lesson to be learned in that alone. Jesus rebukes them, but they all continue to walk together. I get the impression they’re not in a great hurry, other than to get to Emmaus before sunset. The men knew there was something special about this one who was walking with them. At the very least, He knew scripture like no one they had ever encountered.

But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” Luke 24:29

Their request is sincere. Although He seems to be a stranger to them, they offer a safe place for the evening. This, of course, includes having supper together. Jesus takes the opportunity to take the bread, give thanks, then give it to them.

I think this was another story the Eleven shared with others, the story of the Last Supper. They might have shared the story in great despair, kicking themselves for not recognizing it was the Last Supper, but they no doubt told others how Jesus changed to words to suggest this was His body broken for the world, His blood shed for many.

These two disciples from Emmaus hear the words and their eyes are opened. This is Jesus!

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?” Luke 24:32

Emmaus Walk

Several years ago I was sponsored to join the Walk to Emmaus as part of the Upper Room Ministries in Montgomery, Alabama. I didn’t know what I was getting into, but I trusted those who urged me to invest the weekend retreat (Thursday evening through Saturday). At some point, I should write a complete post on the experience, but suffice it to say, the retreat was all about having an encounter with Jesus. The featured image on this post is from the booklet they gave each of us. Through music, prayer, teaching, fellowship, and living for a few days with no electronic devices, we were all blessed to hear from our Savior, to meet Him on our own road to Emmaus.

Is your heart burning to know Jesus? Has anything in the last 24 chapters of Luke stirred up something from within? I truly hope so.

I pray that we will all recognize Jesus in everything around us, that excitement would well up inside of us as we realize He longs to break bread with us. Go and tell the world!

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