“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.” Luke 24.44-49
What a power-packed six verses. Jesus is speaking to his disciples after he has been raised from the dead. If you ever wonder what Jesus’ intent was for his disciples, his followers, his church—it is right here.
First, he reveals to them everything that was spoken about him in the Old Testament. Can you imagine being a part of that teaching session? I would die for that! The New Testament was not yet written, but the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms all contain references about Jesus, the Messiah. So he “opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures,” which included his suffering, death, and resurrection.
Second, Jesus tells them the purpose of his Passion—which is the reason we have church and are on mission: repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations. He affirms that they are his witnesses, that the promised Holy Spirit will be sent to them, and that they will be clothed with power from on high.
So essentially, Jesus tells them what they will be doing—preaching repentance for the forgiveness of sins—and that he will equip them with the power of the Holy Spirit to do just that. Which makes me wonder why part of the church does anything but this. I am thinking of the progressive left, which denies the name of Jesus, allows for all kinds of sin, rejects biblical marriage, and focuses on social justice without preaching the gospel. We can do both—preach the gospel of Jesus and meet the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of people.
Jesus was not unclear with his commissioning. We are given the power of the Holy Spirit to do just what he instructed—preach the gospel for the forgiveness of sins, draw people back to God’s righteousness, and be holy as he is holy.
How incredible that Christ suffered, died, resurrected, and returned to talk about it and explain it. It is like a great teacher or coach who, after the lesson or game, sits you down and explains exactly what happened and what to do next. Jesus is instructing his church on exactly what he wants us to do next and how we will be equipped with power to do it.
Now I am far from perfect in my own obedience to his gospel and his mission, but I am trying, seeking, and longing to follow his way. My desire to please him pleases him. I strive to be all that Christ has called me to be. Will you do the same?
“O Lord God, it is a good day to serve you, to rejoice in your love, and to seek your power and might. Come now, Holy Spirit, clothe us from on high. Help us know the power of the Gospel and be filled with your power and love. I praise you, Lord, and exalt your name. Direct my steps today that I might walk as you walked and reflect your glory. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen.