(QUESTIONS)

Exodus 3:1-4:17 (Go to the ESV Bible verses)

Key Verse: 3:8a, “and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey,”

(MESSAGE)

(QUESTIONS)

Acts 2:1-21 (Go to the ESV Bible verses)

Key Verse: 2:17, “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;”

1.  How is the coming of the Holy Spirit described (1–4)^[1]? What can we learn from these details about the nature and work of the Holy Spirit?

2.  How do people react to the Spirit’s coming on Jesus’ followers (5–13)? What do you think God was saying through this?

3.  How does Peter begin to respond (14–15)? Read verses 16–18. What is the significance that this event fulfilled the words of Joel? What does it mean to “prophesy”?

4.  What else did God promise (19a), and how is this being fulfilled?^[2] What other details are here (19b–20), and what do they predict (Luke 21:15)? What is “the day of the Lord”?^[3]

5.  What is the prophet Joel’s conclusion (21), and how does this apply to us?^[4] How can we experience the Holy Spirit’s coming upon us today?

^[1] “Pentecost” was also known as the Festival of Harvest (Ex.23:16a) or “the day of the firstfruits” (Num.28:26).

^[2] 2:22,43; 4:30; 5:12; 6:8; 14:3; 15:12.

^[3] 1 Cor.1:8; Phil.1:6,10; 2 Pet.3:10.

^[4] Rom.10:12–13.

(MESSAGE)

Key Verse: 2:17, “And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams…”

Do you ever feel inspired? Sometimes, life can seem like just a lot of drudgery, with its many duties, chores and stress. Once in a while we get excited about something, but it soon wears off and life’s cold reality sets in again. In today’s passage we read about an exciting event: the Holy Spirit comes on the first believers. Yes it was great for them, but what’s it got to do with us? Actually, it’s something God wants to do for every believer and every community that believes in Jesus. And it’s not just to help us feel good for a while or get through life’s hardships. God says it’s to enable us to prophesy, see visions and dream dreams. Really? Does God really want that for us? What does it mean? What’s it for? And how can we have it? May God speak to us through his word today.

In chapter 1 the Risen Jesus spoke to his followers for forty days about the kingdom of God. He told them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. He promised they would be his witnesses to the end of the earth. Then he ascended into heaven. They felt helpless, but they obeyed him, stayed in the city and devoted themselves to prayer with one accord. God led them to replace the empty spot left by Judas Iscariot. Now they’re ready for the coming of the Holy Spirit. They have no power in themselves, and the task ahead of them is daunting. But in this first part of chapter 2, we see how God keeps his promise and sends the Holy Spirit. In one sense, this event is normative for all believers, but in another, it’s unique, never to be repeated. Through it, God demonstrates for every time and place who the Holy Spirit is and what he wants to do.

Read verses 1–4. As Jesus said, the Holy Spirit came with power, seen in the “mighty rushing wind.” He comes like “fire,” as John said he would,[1] to purify. And he came as “tongues” to show how he wants us to speak and communicate. Verse 2 says the house was “filled” with the sound. Verse 4a says, “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…” John the Baptist had been “filled with the Holy Spirit” even from his mother’s womb; so had his mother Elizabeth and father Zechariah.[2] Jesus had been “full of the Holy Spirit.”[3] Later, Peter is “filled with the Holy Spirit,” as are all the believers.[4] Acts describes Steven, Paul, Barnabas, and Paul’s disciples as “full of the Holy Spirit.”[5] The Bible urges us all to be “filled with the Spirit” (Eph.5:18). It doesn’t say just a little bit; it says “filled”––“full.”

Filled with the Spirit, they “speak in other tongues as the Spirit gives them utterance” (4b). This is not to be confused with the heavenly language that needs an interpreter (1 Cor.12–14); here it means foreign languages. Read verses 5–8. The sound in this house is so loud, it can be heard outside. It catches people’s attention, and they’re intrigued. When they draw near to investigate, they can hear and understand their own languages. It’s crazy! It says they’re bewildered, amazed and astonished. Somehow, they know these people are all Galileans. They don’t know how to speak foreign languages. So what’s going on?

Verse 5 told us that during this Feast of Pentecost people from every nation were in Jerusalem. Now, Luke mentions all the different kinds of people there. Read verses 9–11. It’s like “Around the World in 80 Days,” though it’s really around the Mediterranean world, from the east to the north, south and west. Though it’s a variety of languages, they’re all hearing the same thing: “…we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God” (11b). Later we find these mighty works are all about what God has done through his Son Jesus.

What’s the point of this “language miracle” of the Spirit? It’s showing that God wants the whole world to know what he’s done through his Son Jesus. People who study humanity say we’re naturally ethnocentric. It’s hard for us to think beyond our immediate family or ethnicity. But when we receive the Holy Spirit, God helps us begin to have his heart and vision for the people of the whole world. As our Creator he loves all people so dearly. He doesn’t want anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance (2 Pet.3:9). They all matter to God.

The coming of the Spirit is so mighty. It shows God’s heart for the world. But some are still negative. Read verse 13. They’re mocking. When it happens, we shouldn’t be surprised or discouraged. In verses 14–15 God inspires Peter to respond. He hears the mockers and doesn’t let it slide. He calls them out. Through the Spirit, God has changed him. He’s courageous. More than that, he’s got a keen spiritual understanding of what’s going on. Of course Peter is the leading apostle. But he is, in a sense, just a representative of all the believers there. Peter’s change here is showing us how the Holy Spirit can change anyone.

Read verse 16. Before Jesus called him, Peter had been a fisherman, not a Biblical scholar. We’re not sure how well he knew the Bible. But Jesus once told him, “…for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say” (Luke 12:12). He also told him, “…I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict” (Luke 21:15). The Holy Spirit inspired Peter to remember the words of the prophet Joel. Joel prophesied after the Babylonian Exile, calling his people to repent. God gave Peter exactly the right Bible passage for that moment. He does the same for us.

Read verses 17–21. This passage is from Joel 2:28–32. It centers on the coming of “the day of the LORD.” One of the signs of that day is that God promised to pour out his Spirit. This phrase is repeated twice. Not just the prophet Joel, but several Old Testament prophets predicted when God would pour out his Spirit.[6] The prophet John the Baptist also predicted that the Messiah would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3:16). Jesus himself predicted it in 1:5. Joel’s prophecy tells us it would happen in Jerusalem.

Peter says it’s “the last days.” These days began not after the Spirit’s coming, but with the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus, who both were full of the Spirit, and with the Spirit’s power, proclaimed the coming kingdom. Now, the last days continue as God fills the apostles in Jerusalem with his Spirit and sends them into the world with the message of his kingdom. The last days culminate on the great and magnificent day when Jesus comes again as the Judge. These “last days,” and the coming of the Spirit, are telling us, “Repent!”

God says here, “I will pour out my Spirit.” What does it mean? “My Spirit” is not an inanimate tool, as many people mistakenly think. “My Spirit” refers to the presence of God himself. The Bible calls God “Spirit,” and, “a consuming fire.”[7] Through Jesus, who died and rose again, God the Spirit now comes to change and transform people. When the Spirit comes, we’re born again and can see the kingdom of God (John 3). When the Spirit comes, we understand the depths and thoughts of God, and spiritual things; we become a spiritual person.[8] Peter soon says that it’s the Lord Jesus himself who pours out the Spirit (verse 33).

And in verses 17–18 the prophecy emphasizes “all flesh,” meaning all kinds of people––sons, daughters, young men, old men, even male servants and female servants. In the Old Testament, God poured out his Spirit on special people— those called to lead and serve his people. Moses could only hope that all the Lord’s people would become prophets (Num.11:29). But now, since Jesus died and rose again, God pours out his Spirit on all kinds of people. The Book of Acts shows how the Spirit comes on both men and women, an Ethiopian eunuch, a Roman centurion and his entire household, a team of leaders in Antioch, and several disciples of John in Ephesus. Peter says later the Holy Spirit comes upon all who repent and believe in Jesus (2:38)—any race, gender or social status. God is still doing this today, for anyone who repents and believes the good news of Jesus. God makes each and every Spirit-filled believer a witness of Jesus.

Let’s ask God to rid us of all our human thinking and calculations. Let’s have faith in God to see what God can do through the gospel of Jesus and the mighty work of his Spirit. His promise to pour out his Spirit gives hope to anyone: college students, young parents, children, leaders, even old men and women. God’s promise “I will pour out my Spirit” tells us God wants all of us engaged, inspired, and part of his program. We can’t do it, but the Spirit of God can.

Let’s also think about the word “prophesy.” Peter repeats it (17,18). Does it mean every believer can predict the future? Not really—only in the sense that we know Jesus is coming again. But “prophesy” has a broader meaning. In the context of Acts, it also means helping people know what is hidden, the deep meaning of the gospel of Jesus, the spiritual realities of who he is and what he’s done, and applying it to their lives––to explain what it really means to believe in him, and what it really means to repent. Every Spirit-filled believer can do that.[9]

Verse 19 also says that “wonders and signs” characterize the last days. God did them through Jesus himself (2:22). God also performed signs and wonders during Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection and ascension into heaven, and at the coming of the Spirit. In Acts, God does signs and wonders in Christ’s name through his apostles, as well as through Stephen, Paul and Barnabas.[10] These signs and wonders help people believe. Through gospel preaching, the Spirit still works signs and wonders of changed lives that bring glory to Jesus.

Finally, let’s think about “seeing visions” (17). They’re not personal dreams, ideas, or ambition. Visions refers to supernatural revelations. In Acts, Peter, Paul, Ananias and Cornelius all experience visions; sometimes it’s even called a “trance.”[11] It may sound scary, but a vision is something the Holy Spirit does for us. He helps us see how and where God is leading, and what God wants. Our ultimate vision is to see our Lord Jesus reigning, and the hope of his eternal kingdom. There is no better vision. His vision is to bring people from all tribes and languages and people and nations there, through faith in Jesus (Rev.5:9).

Today, many suffer from a lack of vision. Without vision we see only injustice and darkness. Without vision we cast off restraint (Prov.29:18) and seek only pleasure and personal benefit. Read verse 17 again. Through faith in Jesus, may God pour out his Spirit on us and fill us with his vision for the world.

[1] Luke 3:16.

[2] Luke 1:15,41,67.

[3] Luke 4:1.

[4] Acts 4:8,31.

[5] Acts 6:5; 7:55; 9:17; 13:9; 11:22–24; 13:52.

[6] Isa.32:15; 44:3; Eze.39:29; Zech.12:10.

[7] John 4:24; Deut.4:24; 9:3.

[8] 1 Cor.2:10–15.

[9] cf. John 16:13–14; 1 John 2:27.

[10] 2:43; 4:30; 5:12; 6:8; 14:3; 15:12.

[11] 10:10; 11:5; 22:17.

(QUESTIONS)

Acts 1:12-26 (Go to the ESV Bible verses)

Key Verse: 1:14, All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”

1.  After the ascension, what do the apostles do, and why (12; see verses 4–5)? Who is mentioned, and who is missing (13; compare verse 25)?

2.  What is going on in this upper room (14)? Who besides the apostles is there? What does this expression “with one accord” mean?^[1] How and why should we have such unity among us?^[2]

3.  What does “devoting themselves to prayer” mean (2:42; 6:2)? Note how Acts repeats the role of prayer in Christian life and community.^[3] How can we be more devoted to prayer?

4.  In this environment, what does Peter do and say, and who does he mention (15–17)? What had happened to Judas Iscariot (18–19)? Why does Peter point out that this fulfilled Scripture (20)? Why do they need to address this issue?

5.  Who is qualified to take Judas’ place (21–22), and why? How do they find God’s choice, and what is their goal (23–26)? Why does this need to be done before the Spirit comes?

6.  How does this passage help us as a community to be prepared to receive the Spirit?

^[1] See also 2:46; 4:24; 5:12; 8:6; 15:25.

^[2] See John 17:11,21–23; Eph.2:14–18; 4:1–6,13.

^[3] E.g. 1:24; 3:1; 4:24,31; 6:4; 10:2; 12:5,12; 13:3; 14:23; 16:25; 20:36.

(MESSAGE)

Key Verse: 1:14, “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”

Do you like to be with people, or would you prefer to be alone? It may seem like a personality trait: some people are shy and introverted, whereas others are naturally gregarious. In today’s passage we see how the first followers of Jesus all gathered together to pray, even though nobody told them to. Why were they doing this? Was it really necessary? What does it mean? And why do we need to follow their example? May God speak to us through his word today.

Jesus has just told his apostles to stay in Jerusalem, where his enemies are, and wait for the promised Holy Spirit, who would empower them to be his witnesses to the end of the earth. After he said that, he ascended into heaven. It was spectacular. But now, these men are suddenly on their own. Surely there’s a lot going on inside them. They’ve got to be scared, confused, and battling feelings of failure. But their great point is that they listen to Jesus and try to do what he said. Like them, there are times when we all feel disillusioned or lost. But that’s the time to come back to the Bible, meditate on his word, and try to follow it. Though it may seem like there’s no way, we can find our way in his words.

Look at verse 13. They were the eleven disciples of Jesus, minus Judas Iscariot, who we’ll see more about later. These men had been with Jesus all along. They followed him everywhere, listening to, learning from, and helping him. Each one had his own unique character. Peter was outspoken, James and John were secretly ambitious, Andrew was helpful, Philip calculated, Thomas doubted, Bartholomew was just there, Matthew was quietly trying to put himself back together after his sinful life, Simon the Zealot was trying to control his fury over all the social injustice. Over their intense years of life together, surely they had conflict between them. We know that twice, an argument broke out about which of them was considered the greatest (Luke 9:46; 22:24). But after Jesus suffered, died and was raised, and after all of them had failed him, things were different. Their dream of an earthly kingdom through Jesus had been shattered. None of them was sure of his own righteousness anymore, not even Peter. They’d all become keenly aware of their own weakness and need. They all realized they were facing the same opposition. And they’d all been given the same command, to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit.

So they return to Jerusalem and head up to the upper room, where they’ve been staying (12a,13a). And what do they do there? Bolt the door and take a nap? No. Look at verse 14. It’s written in understatement, but this is remarkable. Frankly, the disciples had not been praying men. Right before his arrest, when Jesus asked them to pray, they slept (Luke 22:45–46). They didn’t seem like men who would voluntarily join a prayer meeting with women. But to our surprise, here they are, praying with the women who’d been following Jesus from Galilee, and with his mother Mary and his brothers. Nobody tells them to; it just happens. Why? They all realize they’re helpless. They all need each other.

And it wasn’t just a one-time prayer meeting. Verse 14 says they “were devoting themselves to prayer.” For how long? Jesus had been crucified on the day of Passover and rose on the third day. Verse 3 says he spent the next forty days speaking to them about the kingdom of God. And the day of Pentecost was exactly fifty days after Passover. So, all together, their time of united prayer was a little less than ten days. But the verb tense “they were devoting” means they were meeting regularly during that time, most likely every day.

This Greek word for “devote” is a beautiful one. It means “to associate closely, constantly, and persistently,” like a fully dedicated, loyal soldier (10:7). Some people are not devoted to anything. But it’s beautiful to be devoted to a Christian community, and especially to praying there. In 2:42, Luke describes the many new believers who’d joined the followers of Jesus: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (2:42). In 2:46, Luke again uses this Greek word “devoting.”[1] In fact, in Greek, it’s the same two words, in the same order, as here in 1:14: “devoting with one accord.” Luke is stressing not personal devotion, but devotion with other believers. He uses the word “devotion” once more, when the apostles decide not to get distracted by the daily distribution of food. They say, “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word” (6:4).

Amidst life’s many distractions and demands, we need a real decision and a firm commitment to devote ourselves to pray together. Colossians 4:2 says, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Literally it says, “Be devoted to prayer!” The Bible says such devotion is part of our spiritual warfare. Apostle Paul writes, “…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…” (Eph.6:18). Here, “all perseverance” is literally “all devotion.”

Most of all, verse 14 says that they’re praying “with one accord.” In English, our word “accord” means “one in mind and heart.” But the Greek word literally means “to rush along in unison.” It can be used to describe musicians who play quite different sounding instruments, with different notes. But when they play together, with the same tempo, they create a beautiful, harmonic sound that’s not possible to achieve alone. Luke uses this unusual word ten times in Acts. Sometimes, he’s describing crowds in general, who are united to persecute believers.[2] Other times, Luke is describing believers’ unity.[3] It doesn’t happen easily; through humble communication we can come to one accord (15:25). And this phrase “with one accord” is the trademark of this first Christian church. As their numbers grow, this beautiful unity spreads through them. To be one with a big group of diverse people may seem too daunting. So it’s good to start small. Once Jesus said, “…if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matt.18:19–20). Peter and John, former rivals, eventually become close coworkers as leaders of the Jerusalem church.[4] So we need to pray for our church leaders. Married couples also need to pray to be of one accord. In these ways we build an environment of spiritual unity.

In this diverse group, surprisingly none of them is judging or criticizing the others. They all have the same passion. They all want to do what Jesus said. They all want to be his witnesses. They’re all fervently asking for the promised Holy Spirit. Their unity doesn’t mean they’ve lost their individuality. We can have such spiritual unity when we share the common ground to obey Jesus, to be his witnesses, and to depend on the Holy Spirit. Praying for common prayer topics is also helpful. In Chicago UBF we’re praying that God may raise spiritual leaders for the world and for future generations through us. How important it is to pray, not against each other, but with one accord, with and for each other, and based on Jesus’ prayer topics. We need to remember: “with one accord” is the opposite of stirring up division. Apostle Paul taught: “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him” (Titus 3:10). Unity among believers is serious before God; we all need to work at it.

But for individualistic people struggling with attention issues, this is a totally new way of life: daily devotion to prayer with others, with one mind and heart. Some may think, “I just can’t; that’s not for me.” But in light of today’s passage, devotion to prayer with one accord is necessary for all believers. Apostle Paul says that when we’re united with Christ, we receive his encouragement, his love, his Spirit, his affection and sympathy, and then we can have the same love, “being in full accord and of one mind” (Phil.2:1–2). Paul also says we all have a common Christian calling, to walk “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph.4:1–3). So having this “one accord” is possible for all of us in Jesus, especially as we learn to encourage each other (Heb.10:25).

The apostles, the women, and Jesus’ family are all so different. But together, they’re praying and preparing themselves for the task Jesus has given them. To be clear: devoting themselves to prayer with one accord is not their way of creating group pressure and forcing God to act. They’re just preparing themselves to be ready for God to work through them. This kind of humble prayer is called “waiting on the Lord.” Instead of talking too much or trying to do many things, they come together and wait on the Lord in prayer. Helping each person become more devoted to praying with one accord with everyone else is the best way for us to get ready for the Holy Spirit’s coming.

And there’s one more point here: Throughout his writings Luke highlights that through prayer, God gives us the Spirit.[5] So, we should humbly listen to what the Bible is saying. Instead of asking many things with our own ideas, we should be asking God to give us his Spirit to think and pray and do what God wants. If we skip asking for the Holy Spirit, we’re missing the most vital aspect of prayer.

In verses 15–26 we see how God inspires Peter as the leader of this community of 120. Through devoted prayer, God helps him see the problem among them: their vessel as Jesus’ witnesses has been broken through the betrayal and death of Judas Iscariot. Peter helps them see this event not humanly, but in light of Scripture. He also guides them to find a suitable replacement. They don’t argue about it or allow for a political campaign: they find a way to let God decide, through prayer. Then everyone accepts the outcome, and their vessel is restored. Only after this are they spiritually ready for the coming of the Holy Spirit. It tells us how important each leader joining in unity is.

Let’s read our key verse, verse 14, again. “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” May God help us to be devoting ourselves to prayer with one accord, so that he can form us into a vessel ready for the Holy Spirit to do his mighty work.

[1] Many English Bible versions translate this word in Acts 2:46 as new believers “continuing” or who “continued” to attend the temple and eat together.

[2] Acts 7:57; 12:20; 18:12; 19:29.

[3] Acts 1:14; 2:46; 4:24; 5:12; 15:25.

[4] Acts 3:1,3,4,11; 4:13,19; 8:14.

[5] Luke 3:21–22; 11:13.

(QUESTIONS)

Acts 1:1-11 (Go to the ESV Bible verses)

Key Verse: 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

1. How does the author begin, and what stands out here (1–2)? What does Jesus do (3), and why do you think he is focusing on speaking about the kingdom of God?

2. What direction does Jesus give his apostles (4), and what does he say will happen soon (5)?

3. What do they ask him, and why (6)? What does Jesus tell them (7), and how does this apply to us?

4. Read verse 8. What does this tell us about God’s plan (cf. Gen.12:2–3; Gal.3:16; Isa.49:6)? How would the Holy Spirit make it happen? Why do Jesus’ servants need this “power”? What does it mean to be his “witnesses” today?

5. After saying these things, what happens (9)? What message do the apostles receive (10–11), and how does it encourage them and us to be his witnesses?

(MESSAGE)

Key Verse: 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

What do you think you need? When we think we need something, we get serious about it. Many think they need money. Many try to be stronger, smarter, more disciplined. Training and education are important. Jesus himself taught and trained his disciples. But even all his teaching and training wouldn’t work without one crucial thing. What is it? It’s the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls the Spirit’s coming “the promise of the Father” (1:4). It’s a promise not just for his first disciples, but for everyone the Lord our God calls to himself (2:33,39). How does the Holy Spirit come upon us today? Why do we all need the Holy Spirit? And how should we respond to this promise? May God open our hearts and speak to us through his word.

Look at verse 1 (ESV). The Book of Acts is part of a two-volume set; the first book is Luke’s Gospel. Luke addressed both books to a man named “Theophilus,” meaning “lover of God.” Luke 1:3 calls him “most excellent Theophilus.” It means he’s a high ranking person in society, and probably a Gentile. Luke wrote to help him “have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:4). Theophilus already had been taught about Jesus and had come to believe in him. But Luke wanted to help him be sure about it. And he was writing to help many others who would read these two books.

In the first book Luke recorded “all that Jesus began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1). Many people can speak well, but frankly, their actions don’t match what they say. Jesus actually obeyed God’s will, depended on God in prayer, and resisted the devil’s temptations. So he didn’t just talk well; he could drive the evil spirits out of people (Luke 4:32–36). He became known as someone “mighty in deed and word” (Luke 24:19; cf. Acts 7:22). Later Peter says, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him” (Acts 10:38). Yet Luke says here it was just the beginning of what Jesus would do and teach.

Look at verse 2. Jesus was “taken up” when he ascended into heaven, which is mentioned at the very end of Luke’s Gospel (24:50–51). Verse 2 continues, “…after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.” Jesus gave commands not with mere human authority; he spoke them through the Holy Spirit. And whom did he command? First of all, it says Jesus chose certain men, and Luke often calls them “apostles.” Literally, this word means Jesus was planning on sending them out. And his “commands” seems to refer to what he said right before he left: “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:46–48). Jesus commanded his apostles to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins in his name to all nations. It was the message both John the Baptist and Jesus proclaimed. It was not supposed to stop with them. Jesus commanded his apostles to proclaim it, too. It was so that the ministry of word and deed would not just begin with Jesus but continue through his apostles, until he comes again.

Luke continues his summary. Read verse 3. This is really good news. “His suffering” refers to what Jesus went through during his arrest, trial and crucifixion. All his followers witnessed it. But after that, he gave many proofs that he is alive. He let them touch him, see where the nails were, and even ate a piece of fish in their presence. The Risen Jesus appeared to them not just on that first Sunday, but over a period of forty days. He wants them and us to be sure that he is alive. There’s one more thing he emphasized during that time. He spoke to them about the kingdom of God. He wanted this kingdom to be their hope. Jesus is alive, and the kingdom of God is real. Everything else is perishing, defiled and fading. Only this kingdom is our true and living hope (1 Pet.1:3–4).

But Jesus was doing more than just helping these men have personal hope in heaven. Read verses 4–5. He said the same thing at the end of Luke’s Gospel: “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” (Luke 24:49). Here in verse 5 he says it’s the baptism John had predicted. John said, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16). Jesus repeatedly calls the coming of the Holy Spirit as “the promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4; Luke 24:49). It happens in Acts chapter 2, on the day of Pentecost, fifty days after Passover when Jesus was crucified.

But why did God wait to fulfill his promise to send the Holy Spirit? There are several reasons. First, it’s the mystery of the sovereign rule of God. God the Father, in his wisdom, decides when to fulfill his promises. Secondly, before the Spirit’s coming, Jesus had to accomplish the work of salvation. He had to suffer and die, then rise from the dead, to make purification for sins possible (Heb.1:3b). Because of his death and resurrection, the Holy God can now forgive our sins. If we repent and turn back to him through faith in Jesus, our sins can be wiped out, and our souls can be ready to be refreshed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 3:19). Thirdly, for the Spirit to come, Jesus had to go away and ascend to heaven. Only after he was gone would his disciples stop depending on him humanly and truly be ready to receive the Holy Spirit (John 16:7).

In Luke 24:49 Jesus told them to “stay in the city.” Here in verse 5 he tells them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to “wait for the promise of the Father.” Sounds easy, but it’s harder than it seems. First of all, this place is not their home; they’re from Galilee, not Jerusalem. More than that, Jerusalem is where Jesus was rejected and crucified. It happened just forty days earlier. Those who did it were still there, determined to snuff out the Jesus movement. So the threat against Jesus’ followers there was real. As the city had become hostile to Jesus, so it would be hostile to them. Still, Jesus commanded them to stay there and wait. We’d all like to stay and wait at a place where we’re welcomed and treated well, not where rejection and threat are imminent.

So why does Jesus order them to stay there? It’s part of God’s plan in history. In Luke’s Gospel we see again and again how Jesus had to suffer and die in Jerusalem. Now, Acts shows that God wanted the apostles to begin their ministry in Jerusalem. Jerusalem was where God himself had chosen to put his temple. Jerusalem was the only place where sacrifice for sin and true worship of God were possible. Jerusalem was the place where God’s people could be made holy, by being in his presence. Jerusalem was the place where God finally made the new covenant in the shed blood of Jesus (Luke 22:20). Jerusalem would be the place where people would first call on God through faith in Jesus and where God would pour out his Spirit on them (Acts 2:16–21; Joel 2:28–32). Jerusalem would be the place where God’s salvation would spread to all the nations. God is about to do a new thing, but he is very faithful to his promises.

And there’s one more thing here. The apostles need to obey Jesus’ order to stay in Jerusalem if they want to receive the Holy Spirit. Then as now, God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey him (Acts 5:32; cf. John 14:15–17). To be sure, the Bible calls the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives a “gift” (Acts 2:38); it’s never something we earn. We believe in Jesus and receive the Spirit only by God’s grace. As believers, the Bible says the Spirit is already within us, even though we may not feel him (1 Cor.6:19). But in Christian living, it’s only when we walk by faith in obedience to Jesus that we can be filled with the Spirit (Eph.5:18). To be filled with the Spirit, we need to listen to Jesus, stay, and wait.

How do they respond? Read verse 6. What’s going on here? While waiting, their real hope finally comes out. They’ve been waiting for Jesus, their Messiah, to restore the kingdom to Israel. It’s the same hope the two followers told the Risen Jesus on their way to Emmaus (Luke 24:21a). It’s understandable for them to have this hope for Israel, based on all the prophecies about it. In fact, Luke himself had expressed this hope for Israel and Jerusalem in the first two chapters of his Gospel (1:69–74; 2:25,38). But in light of the Risen Jesus just speaking to these men for forty days about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3b), it’s discouraging. They didn’t get his point at all; it seems they hadn’t even been listening.

How does Jesus respond? Read verses 7–8. He’s so kind and patient. He doesn’t deny that God still has a plan to restore Israel. He just wants his followers to know that they shouldn’t sit around trying to figure out the times or seasons. Sadly, so many people have ignored these very words of Jesus and spent so much time and energy trying to predict what God is going to do. Bad idea.

Jesus has a different direction for us. Read verse 8 again. It has been God’s plan all along, ever since he called Abraham (Gen.12:2–3; Gal.3:16; Isa.49:6). From the beginning, these followers of Jesus had been eyewitnesses of all that he did and taught, and everything that happened to him, his suffering, death, resurrection and ascension (1:21–22). God gave them that experience to prepare them to tell others about what it all meant. So the witness of the original apostles is special. But in a broader sense, as we turn to Jesus in faith today and learn to devote our lives to the apostles’ teaching and prayer, their story becomes ours. What direction does our Lord Jesus Christ have for us? He says it’s to be his witness. This word “witness” is repeated many times in Acts. It’s also Jesus’ conclusion in Luke’s Gospel (24:48), our new identity in Jesus. He wants us all to live as his witnesses, wherever we are, with whoever we’re around, at all times.

But how? He says we receive power to do it when the Holy Spirit comes on us. To be his witness is not about gaining knowledge, strategies, or techniques; it’s about being transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s not the power to speak loudly; it’s the power to have the inner fruits of the Spirit. Then, when people get close to us, they don’t sense inner chaos, confusion or insecurity, or self-righteous pride or anger. They get a sense of the very nature of Jesus within us. Through the Holy Spirit’s power, we’re changed from self-glory seeking hypocrites, scary people, into authentic witnesses of Jesus. The Holy Spirit drives out our fear. The Holy Spirit gives us spiritual understanding of the gospel message and the word of God. The Holy Spirit guides us where God wants us. The Holy Spirit gives us words and wisdom to say what God wants in any situation. The Holy Spirit helps us stay focused on Jesus. And as we’ll see in our study of the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit helps us come out of our comfort zone, cross any barrier in the way, and go beyond our human limits to share the good news of Jesus with people. The Holy Spirit gives us God’s vision for the people of the whole world. It’s not just about going to unreached people in the remotest places on the planet. It’s about seeing the people around us with hope and vision because of Jesus. To be his witnesses, each day we need the Holy Spirit’s help. We need the Holy Spirit’s presence not to get engrossed in the things of this world or distracted by lesser things. We need the Holy Spirit’s inspiration to give people not our own ideas but the message of Jesus, repentance and forgiveness of sins in his name. We need the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and help to pray for each person, to make us real shepherds and overseers who truly care for the church of God (Acts 20:28). We don’t need any special degree, sophisticated education or elite status. We just need personal repentance and the gift of the Holy Spirit to be a bold and true witness of Jesus.

In verses 9–11 Jesus ascends into heaven, right before their eyes. Probably they really want him to come back. And the angels promise that he will. But what they really need to do is get on with the task that the Risen Jesus, who is still alive, has given them. The same is true for us.

Read verse 8 again. Honestly, we all have so many weaknesses, problems and challenges in our lives. We can feel so powerless, so overwhelmed by life, so helpless and hopeless. But may God help us believe his promise of the Holy Spirit and empower even us with his vision to live as Jesus’ witnesses to the end of the earth.

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Who was the author, Luke?

Luke may have been part of the church in Antioch, initiated by Paul & Barnabas years later. Writing from prison, Paul mentions Luke:

• In Philemon 24 Paul writes that Luke is his “fellow worker”

• In Colossians 4:14 Paul calls him “the beloved physician”

• In 2 Timothy 4:11 Paul says he’s his only companion

• In Acts, Luke uses the word “we”: 16:10–17; 20:5–15; 21:1–18; 27:1–37; 28:1–16

• Luke was a close coworker with Paul, probably his physician who had traveled with him to tend to his medical needs, and who stayed with him in prison

Context of Writing

When Luke wrote (perhaps AD 62), Christianity had been spreading for 30+ years Christianity had broken out of Judaism and reached many people in major cities throughout the Roman Empire, including Rome itself. People were asking questions about this new religion; there were misunderstandings and suspicions. Its founder and leaders had been arrested; there had even been riots, Luke wanted people to understand Jesus, his message, and his followers.

Luke & Acts: Volumes 1 & 2

Volume 1 (Luke’s Gospel): the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Volume 2 (Acts): the growth of the church and expansion of Christian communities through Peter and Paul.

Shared theme: God’s purpose to bring his salvation to all people through his Son Jesus and his followers.

Volume 1: Jesus is Son of God and Savior.

Volume 2: Jesus is Exalted Lord and Messiah, his name heals & saves.

Acts develops what was presented in Luke’s Gospel:

In Luke: if we repent and believe in Jesus, we receive forgiveness.

In Acts: if we believe in Jesus as the crucified and risen Lord, we receive the Holy Spirit and experience God’s salvation. Acts also stresses how God wants his salvation in Jesus to reach the Gentiles. Other common themes in both volumes: the Holy Spirit, the role of Jerusalem, emphasis on “outsiders,” outcasts.

Themes in Acts

To advance the teaching of Jesus in the churches (Acts 2:42; 6:4). To show Christian origins from Jesus, the Twelve and other apostles, esp. Paul. What Jesus began to do in Luke’s Gospel (1:1) he continues to do through his followers in Acts. Uncircumcised Gentiles who believe in Jesus belong among Jewish believers. How Christian communities began in so many cities (Jerusalem, Caesarea, Syrian Antioch, Salamis & Paphos, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, Perga, Pamphylia, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Rome). Paul’s missionary work (chapters 13–28). Acts illustrates a theology of mission.

General mission: Acts 1:8; Paul’s commission: Acts 9:15–16; 22:14–15; 26:16–18

• Missionaries take the gospel to places where it is unknown

• Missionaries verbally proclaim the gospel

• Through missionaries’ ministry, individual people are saved, communities are born, divisions are reconciled

• Missionary work happens in the midst of opposition and persecution

God and his purposes, God’s initiative, God’s salvation history–began with the Jews and his hope for them. God reveals himself, his plan, his salvation, through the Scriptures.

Jesus: Messiah, Savior, Lord. The Holy Spirit, given by the Risen Jesus to his followers to be his witnesses. And the Church.

Acts is more than history

Accounts are selective. Formal speeches and dialogue are about 50% of the book, and is written for the churches.

Structure

Chapters 1–7: the church in Jerusalem

Chapters 8–12: the church in Samaria, Ethiopia, Damascus, Caesarea, Antioch

Chapters 13–20: the church in Asia Minor and Europe

Chapters 21–28: Paul’s imprisonment, trial, journey, and arrival in Rome

Purpose of our study

• To know Jesus more personally

• To catch God’s vision to be his witnesses and spread his good news to the end of the earth

(QUESTIONS)

Genesis 11:27-12:5a (Go to the ESV Bible verses)

Key Verse: 12:1-2, Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. ² And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”

1.  What details of Abram’s relatives are given (11:27–30; see also Josh.24:2; Acts 7:2–4), and how might these things have affected Abram? How is the family’s move described (11:31–32), and what does their settling in Haran suggest?

2.  What did the LORD tell Abram to do (12:1), and in what ways would this be difficult for him? Why do you think God was commanding him to do this?

3.  What were God’s many promises to Abram (12:2–3), and what did they mean to him? What do these promises tell us about God? How do they point forward to Jesus Christ and to all believers (Gal.3:7-9,14,29)? How can we hold onto these promises personally?

4.  How does the author describe Abram’s response, and who went with him (12:4–5a)? How would you characterize his faith (see also Heb.11:8)

5. Review what we learn in this passage about God and the kind of faith he blesses. Why do we all need to learn to walk in Abram’s footsteps of faith (Rom.4:12)?

(MESSAGE)

Key Verse: 12:1-3

“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’”

Today we begin a special series on God’s calling to several people in the Bible. We start with Abram, also known as Abraham, since God changes his name later (Gen 17). Though these callings from God are all mysterious, unique, and specific to the individuals, we want to learn principles from each of their callings that we can apply to our own lives as believers. Through God’s call to Abram, we will focus on two aspects: God’s command and God’s promises. May God bless our study of the call of Abram.

1. God’s Command to Abram

The end of Genesis 11 introduces us to a few details of Abram’s family life. His father Terah had 3 sons: Abram, Nahor and Haran. A sad event happened: Abram’s brother Haran died. This must’ve been sad for both Abram and for his father Terah. No loving parent wants to experience their child dying before them. To lose a family member is painful and heart-breaking, as some of us have experienced. Haran also left a son, Lot. We see later that Abram took his nephew Lot with him. Basically, Abram adopted his nephew Lot as his son. This brings up another difficult truth in Abram’s life: he had no children, since his wife Sarai was barren.

Abram was 75 years old when he set out from Haran (12:4). This age was not as old as it sounds, since the Bible tells us that Abraham lived to be 175. He was able to have children past the age of 100. In today’s terms, we could say that Abram was in mid-life. His life situation was not extraordinary or impressive. Ironically, his name, Abram means “noble father,” even though he had no children when God called him.

Now let’s look at Genesis 12:1. “Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.”

We have no idea how God spoke to Abram. Was it an audible voice? Was it just in his mind? In any case, however it happened, mysteriously, God spoke to Abram. Could it be that God speaks to all of us, but many aren’t listening or we don’t care? I do believe that God speaks to us all.

What were God’s first words to Abram? The words were not a pep talk like: “You are going to do great things, Abram. Don’t despair. Don’t worry.” No, those were not his first words. At least not yet. God’s first words to Abram were a challenging command: “Leave your homeland, your people and your relatives, and go to a place that I’m going to lead you to.” Think about the challenges of this command.

Naturally, we want to settle down. We don’t want to move far away, especially to a place with a new culture and language. The Bible says that God called Abram while he lived in Ur of the Chaldeans. Scholars debate where Ur of the Chaldeans was located. Some place it near the Persian Gulf. Others put it further north. [MAP] In either case, if we look at a map of the Middle East, Ur or the Chaldeans was between 800-1200 miles from the place he was going to end up. And remember that Abram had no brochure, no photos, no GPS and no moving van to go where God was leading him. That would be like moving from Chicago to New York or Atlanta or Denver, by walking, with donkeys or camels. Plus, the people there would speak a different language.

I believe most of us wouldn’t mind moving to a new place if it meant an upgrade in life to a more luxurious, comfortable and convenient place, with nice people, gorgeous homes, and good weather. But Abram was given no details of where God was taking him. Think about missionaries who leave their homelands and go to an unknown place to start a new life for the cause of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Actually, many here in our church left Korea to come here to preach the gospel. Of course, I respect even more those who go to difficult or impoverished places, and move downward in living standards to serve God. One family in our church went as missionaries to Ukraine. Senior missionaries among us went to Uganda and Rwanda to proclaim Christ and shepherd people there.

So why would God command Abram to leave his culture, settlement, clan and even family members to go to an unknown place? I can think of 2 good reasons.

First, God wanted Abram to leave sin and ungodliness. Joshua 24:2 gives us a good clue about this. It says, “Long ago, your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates, Terah, the father of Abraham and of Nahor; and they served other gods.” God called Abram to leave other gods to worship and serve the living, one true God, who created heaven and earth.

Jesus called a woman caught in adultery to do similarly, saying to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” Jesus calls us out of darkness and sin into his light and righteousness. God calls us to live a holy life in Jesus Christ.

Second, God wanted Abram to trust and obey God. To get up and go to an unknown land and people and start a new life required great trust and faith in God. Our natural tendency is to depend on something else like money or education or hard work or our own effort. Or we can depend on people like our parents or siblings or teachers or friends. God wanted Abram to trust and depend on him. That’s what faith in God is. Abram had to believe that God would be with him and guide him.

Jesus also calls us into his kingdom through a love and trust relationship with him. This means trusting and depending on God, like Abram did, rather than depending on something or someone else. It means to listen to God and follow his guidance through his holy word in the Bible and through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes following God also includes receiving wisdom and counsel from godly, mature followers of Christ.

Third, God had a new life purpose for Abram. If we are clinging to the life we have now, we could very well be missing out on the life that God wants to give us. Apostle Paul said that Christians put off the old self and put on the new. Jesus said new wine is poured into new wineskins. God wants to give us all a new life in him. Many people fall into pessimism and self-pity when life seems to be the same-old stuff and boring. But God is always doing and making something new. Do we want the new? Or are you clinging to the old?

1. God’s Promises to Abram

Now let’s look at seven very great and precious promises that God gave to Abram in verses 2-3:

“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

First of all, God promised to make Abram a great nation, to bless him, to make his name great, and to make him a blessing. Sounds like a good deal, right? I mean who doesn’t want to be blessed? Aren’t we all seeking a “blessed” life? Of course, it depends on the blessings you are hoping for.

Let’s consider these blessings in more detail. God said, “I will make of you a great nation.” Imagine that! A great nation. And Abram didn’t even have one child at the moment; only a nephew and some servants. To become a great nation implies a tremendous impact on many people for the better. It means to have great historical influence on others. Physically, this great nation became the nation of Israel, the Jewish people, through his son Isaac. Did you know that Abram also fathered the Arab nations through his son Ishmael?

Even more, Christians are all spiritual descendants of Abram. Christians are the “holy nation” descended from Abraham. 1 Peter 2:9 says to Christians, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

Secondly, God said to Abram “I will bless you.” All people want to be blessed by God. So, one of the greatest farewells you say to someone is: “God bless you.” Everyone wants happiness, peace, joy, good fortune and favor from God. For the most part, don’t we study the Bible and pray and go to church so that we may be blessed by God? Deuteronomy chapter 28 details many blessings given to those who obey God. It also lists many curses for those who disobey and rebel against God.

Jesus said we will be blessed if we put his words into practice. We will be blessed like a wise man who builds his house on rock, which will withstand storms. At his Last Supper, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. When he had finished washing their feet, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (Jn 13:12-17).

After his resurrection, Apostle Thomas could not believe Jesus rose from the dead without seeing and touching Jesus for himself. Risen Jesus came and appeared to his disciples again, including Thomas. Jesus said to Thomas, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (Jn 20:29). Blessing comes through faith. And obedience comes from faith in and from love for Jesus.

Third, “I will make your name great.” We all want to be remembered by others for the good that we’ve done in our lives. All people, whether they say it or not, want to be honored and admired, not disrespected and shamed. Jesus did not negate the human desire to be great. Rather, Jesus explained how a person can become great, not in the worldly way of lording authority over others, but in the way of loving and serving God and others.

Fourth, “you will be a blessing.” This is often a marriage key verse. People want their lives and their marriages to be a blessing to others. They want to bring joy, peace and happiness into other peoples’ lives. People want to do something for others. Have you seen those short videos of social experiments where people help someone in need, and it’s so inspiring? People want not only to be blessed, but to be a blessing. God wants to bless others, even one person, through us. There’s a hymn that ends, “Make me a blessing to someone today.” It’s a good prayer that God wants to fulfill in our lives.

Fifth, “I will bless those who bless you…” We like when things go well for our friends who are kind and encouraging to us. God promised favor upon Abram’s friends and allies. If you want to bring blessing to those you love, seek God’s blessing and favor in your life earnestly.

Sixth, “him who dishonors you I will curse.” Sometimes we get discouraged or afraid of those who are against us, even against our faith and good intentions. Abram didn’t need to worry about his enemies and haters. God promised to deal with them. Basically, God was promising protection upon Abram. We don’t need to worry about or fight against those who are against us. Romans 12:14 says, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” Jesus echoed the same thing in Matthew 5:10-12, ““Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Christians must not be known for cursing, but rather for blessing, even to enemies.

Seventh, and this is the biggest blessing of them all: “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” God intended to bless the whole world through Abram. Isn’t that everyone’s greatest dream and vision, that all peoples on earth would be blessed through us? As noted already, this promise was partially fulfilled through the nation of Israel. It was ultimately and fully fulfilled through the descendant of Abraham, Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Savior of the world.

Listen to what Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 3:8-9: “And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” Abraham brought blessing to all those who believe in Jesus Christ. And Jesus continues to bless those who believe in him.

How did Abram respond to God’s call? Look at verses 4-5. “So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan.”

God said “Go,” and Abram went. He obeyed, in spite of all the challenges and difficulties, fears and uncertainties. Listen to how Abram’s obedience and faith are described in Hebrews 11:8-10: “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going by faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.”

The call of Abram has significance in my life. Forty one years ago, when I was 18 and a few months into my college life, my Bible teacher asked me if I could participate in a Genesis Bible School. I said, “no,” because I was busy enough with my school studies. My Bible teacher, Missionary Pauline Park, told me that another student, who was older than I, was also participating. So I changed my mind and decided to participate. I wrote on God’s Call to Abram. While spending much time in prayer meetings and studying Genesis several nights a week, M.Pauline asked me what calling I had received. I said, “What do you mean? This is God speaking to Abram, not to me.” She said, “That’s true. But have you thought about how God might be calling you?” I said, “Not really.” She said, “Pray about it.” She also suggested that I stay in Evanston for the summer after my freshman year to participate in the Summer Bible Conference at Niagara Falls. I said, “no way.” She asked why. I said I had to go home to make money working at my family’s auto parts business. She said, “Oh ok. Please pray about it.” Actually, there was another reason I wanted to go home, which I didn’t tell M.Pauline about: I had a girlfriend I wanted to see. But I knew our relationship was not pure and right before God. Through my testimony, I made a conditional vow that if God gave me a good-paying summer job I would stay in Evanston for the summer. I could justify that I needed to work to make money, but I couldn’t justify the girlfriend situation. Fast-forward to Easter conference a few months later. I was asked by Dr.Samuel Lee if I could give a message. I said, as usual, “no,” since I didn’t want to spend that much time working on a message again. So he said, “can you dance?” Actually, I was a pretty good disco dancer. So I said, “yes.” I didn’t know he meant ballet. I danced my first ever ballet dance. At that conference, I received the living hope of Jesus’ resurrection. I also decided to stay unconditionally for the summer, since I experienced the joy and power of God’s word in my life. And you know what else? I got a good summer job that paid even better than my home job.The Call of Abram helped me on my own faith journey.

God made Abram, whose name means, “noble father,” a new man, Abraham, whose name means, “father of many.” Abram was somewhat of an ordinary man. And God made him a father of nations and a blessing to the whole world. God calls each of us to believe and obey God’s word by faith. And he promises to bless us, even to bless the world through us. God is calling each of us. Have you heard God’s call? Have you accepted it?

(QUESTIONS)

Luke 24:36-53 (Go to the ESV Bible verses)

Key Verse: 24:48, “You are witnesses of these things.”

1.  Describe the setting (33–36a). What happens (36b)? How do these people respond and why (37)? How does Jesus help them (38–40)? How do they react, and what does he do for them (41–43)?

2.  What is his next step in helping them believe (44–45)? How does he summarize the main point of the Scriptures (46)? What response is God looking for (47)? What important lessons about Bible study, teaching and preaching can we find here?

3.  What does Jesus tell these people, and why (48)? What does it mean to be “witnesses of these things”? How does he promise to help them (49a), and what command does he give (49b)? What can we learn here about a fellowship of believers?

4.  What does Jesus do next (50)? What happens (51)? How do they respond (52)? How does Luke conclude (53)? What else can we learn here about a Christian fellowship?

(MESSAGE)

Key Verse: 24:48, “You are witnesses of these things.”

Do you know who you are? We’re given a name at birth. It may have had some meaning at the time. Or it may’ve been chosen for its lovely sound. But our identity is more than a name. Our identity has many aspects. We may be a student or worker, a daughter or son, a brother or sister, a parent and spouse, all at the same time. We may think of our identity in terms of our ethnicity or nationality, or maybe based on what we’re good at, or not good at. There are other kinds of identity: a major at school, a job title at work, a reputation with friends, responsibilities at church. But what’s at the core of our identity? Who are we, really? Today Jesus says, “You are witnesses.” Is that really our identity? Is it the first way we’d identify ourselves: “I’m a witness of Jesus”? How does this identity become ours? Why do we need it? And what do we do with it?

In Luke’s Gospel this is the last resurrection appearance of Jesus, and it’s the climax. At first his followers are frightened. So Jesus has to prove that it’s really him. Then he explains from the Scriptures, once again, that he had to die and rise again. But this time, he goes on to say what his death and resurrection are for. When we hear the good news of his death and resurrection, we need to repent of our sins and accept the forgiveness of sins in his name. Ready or not, Jesus tells them that they are now his witnesses. He, as the Risen Christ, commissions them to proclaim his gospel “to all nations.” What a vision! He adds how they’ll be able to do it. They’re so weak, but when he sends them the Holy Spirit, they’ll be clothed with power from on high. The ending is glorious. Jesus blesses them and is carried up into heaven. Through all this, his followers are transformed. They find a new purpose to be together: to worship the Risen Lord Jesus, to rejoice and praise God. All believers are called into such fellowship. But in this study we especially want to reflect on his words, “You are witnesses of these things.” May our Lord Jesus speak to us through his word.

I. “It is I myself” (36–43)

As we saw in the previous passage, it’s Sunday, the third day after Jesus was crucified. It’s late in the evening, and everyone is gathered together with the eleven in Jerusalem. They’re marveling at the news that the Risen Jesus appeared to Simon Peter that day. The two on the road to Emmaus just shared their story of how he walked with them on the road, and how he made himself known to them when he broke bread. Look at verse 36 (ESV). Right as they’re talking, Jesus himself stands among them and says, “Peace be with you.” When we meet the Risen Jesus, he wants us to experience God’s peace. But they don’t yet have it. Look at verse 37. Even though he says this, they’re startled and frightened, thinking they’re seeing a spirit. It shows us the condition of our souls without encountering the Risen Jesus. The Bible says we all experience the fear of death like lifelong slavery (Heb.2:14–15). So we easily get spooked.

How does Jesus help them? Read verses 38–40. Though they’ve just been talking about his resurrection appearances, when he actually appears to them now, in person, they’re still troubled and full of doubts. So he shows them his hands and feet, where the wounds from the nails on the cross still are. He lets them touch him to see that he has flesh and bones. His resurrection body is real. Read verses 41–43. This final piece of evidence, his eating a piece of fish in front of them all, is even further proof that he really has risen. Added to the facts of the empty tomb, the linen cloths left by themselves, and the stories of those who met him, they now see his visible wounds from the cross, touch his body, and witness him eating a piece of fish. The truth is undeniable: it really is Jesus, raised from the dead. Resurrection faith is not wishful thinking or delusion; it’s based on concrete facts and multiple eyewitnesses encountering him––this time, it’s everyone at one time (cf. 1 Cor.15:5–6). But the story doesn’t end here.

II. “Witnesses” (44–49)

The resurrection is not just about physical facts and specific encounters. Jesus begins: “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you” (44a). Jesus repeatedly told his followers that he would suffer, die and be raised. And here he adds, “…everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (44b). It’s not just one or two obscure verses; he’s talking about the whole Old Testament. It’s all about Jesus, all pointing to him, on so many levels, in so many ways. Through the Old Testament prophets, it was actually the Spirit of Christ predicting his sufferings and the glories that would follow (1 Pet.1:11). Countless people in Israel’s history read these Scriptures and even memorized them. But now, when the one predicted actually appears, they don’t see it. Why? It’s because even though we have the Scriptures, there’s a veil over our hearts keeping us from understanding (2 Cor.3:14–16). Without the Spirit of God, even with our brilliant minds we cannot understand Scripture (1 Cor.2:12–14). In fact, in our sin we stubbornly refuse to understand. But just as he did for his disciples, the Risen Jesus can open even the most stubborn, doubting mind to understand Scripture (45).

Jesus sums up the message of the whole Bible for them: “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (46–47). It’s amazing that a book as complex as the Bible, written by so many authors over such a long period of time, has this one major point. Because Jesus suffered and rose from the dead, all people of all nations should hear about it and repent so that they can receive the forgiveness of sins in his name. It’s that simple. And all Jesus’ servants, including all of us here, should be proclaiming this good news to all the nations. People from all the nations are all around us, right here in Chicago, right here in this neighborhood. And this good news is accessible to all of them, through faith. From the beginning, when he called Abraham, God wanted to bless all the nations through him, to learn his faith (Gen.12:1–3; Gal.3:8–9). So how can all these people from all nations learn this saving faith in the good news of Jesus?

Read verse 48. It all starts with witnesses. These first witnesses of Jesus are known as the apostles. Without them, we couldn’t be sure if any of what Jesus said or did really happened. Their role as his eyewitnesses is so important (1:2). God preserved their eyewitness testimonies about Jesus in the New Testament Scriptures. So we no longer need the Risen Jesus to keep appearing to us and keep proving that he’s alive. The apostles’ testimony is enough. We have the facts about the Risen Jesus’ multiple appearances, the Scriptures that all point to him, and the written testimony of the apostles he had chosen. How much more do we need, in order to know that this gospel message is the truth?

And we need to appreciate what great witnesses the original apostles were. As Jesus predicted, people laid their hands on them and persecuted them; they were delivered to synagogues and prisons, and brought before kings and governors; still, they bore witness to our Lord Jesus (21:12–13). Apostle John explains how the witnesses of Jesus in history have conquered: “…for they loved not their lives even unto death” (Rev.12:11b). They loved Jesus more. The book of Acts shows how the original apostles faithfully bore witness to Jesus (1:8,22; 2:32,40; 3:15; 5:32; 10:39–43; 13:31). God also chose Apostle Stephen and Apostle Paul to be his witnesses (22:15,20; 26:16). The Apostle John describes even Jesus Christ himself as “the faithful witness” (Rev.1:5a). At the cost of his own life, he came to the world to bear witness to the truth (John 18:37). Our Lord Jesus has had countless other faithful witnesses down through history (Rev.2:13; 6:9). The Bible describes them as “so great a cloud of witnesses” that surround us (Heb.12:1). They’re cheering us on, to run the race of faith and be Jesus’ witnesses to the end. Today the Risen Jesus is telling us all: “You are witnesses of these things.” By his grace he includes even us, giving us a new identity.

Let’s think more about what it means to be “witnesses.” First, witnesses are those who know the truth. As we know, there are too many false witnesses, people who spread falsehood, or half-baked lies. But the witnesses Jesus mentions here are those who know the truth. How so? They don’t have hazy, superficial knowledge; these witnesses have mastered all the facts. In this case, it’s the facts about Jesus. What’s more, they’ve thoroughly studied all the Scriptures and had their minds opened to understand them. They’ve fully digested the testimony of the original apostles. Most of all, they’ve abided in Jesus’ words until they’ve come to know the truth and been set free from their own sin (John 8:31–32). The more we know the facts, the Scriptures, and the saving power of Jesus in our souls––the most important truth of all––the better witnesses of Jesus we become.

Second, witnesses are those who’ve experienced his grace. Peter, John and Paul were top apostles in the New Testament. But they all experienced the life-changing, forgiving grace of Jesus. They were nothing but sinners saved only by the grace and love of Jesus. Paul especially stands out as a witness, who, even with all his great learning and knowledge, freely testified to what a sinner he was and how great was the grace of Jesus in his life (1 Tim.1:12–17). He writes that he’d been a blasphemer, persecutor and insolent opponent, but the Risen Jesus chose him to be his servant. This shocking grace in his life actually made it undeniable that he truly was Jesus’ witness. Like Paul, we too, despite all our sins, receive grace and apostleship to be Jesus’ witnesses (Rom.1:5).

Third, witnesses have a Christ-like character and lifestyle. As is so well-known, one of the greatest obstacles in being Jesus’ witness is ourselves, our sinful nature, our tendency to follow the ways of the world. We can know all the truth and even experience his amazing grace, but still have trouble following his example practically. Instead of making it about our ego, ability or willpower, we need to humbly depend on the Spirit to produce in us the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal.5:22–23). Growing in the inner character of Jesus changes our lifestyle and makes us his witness to those around us in so many invisible, unspoken ways.

Fourth, witnesses are unafraid to testify about Jesus. The original apostles spoke the word of God boldly (Acts 4:31). After his conversion, Paul, too, spoke boldly in the name of Jesus (Acts 9:27–28). The Book of Acts ends with Paul in Rome “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness” (Acts 28:31). Witnesses don’t say what people want to hear, or talk a lot about themselves or their own ideas. Witnesses stay focused on Jesus. They witness about Jesus. He’s the good news of great joy for all the people (2:10b). We especially need to open our mouths and tell people about his death and resurrection, and how everyone needs to repent and receive the forgiveness of sins in his name. We need to share this good news with all kinds of people, great or small, rich or poor, of any race or religion. To testify about Jesus, we need the courage to come out of our comfort zone.

How can we be such bold and focused witnesses of Jesus? It doesn’t mean just to be pushy or obnoxious. Apostle Peter wrote, “…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” (1 Pet.3:15). Apostle Paul wrote to his spiritual son Timothy, “Therefore do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God…” (2 Tim.1:8). We can’t be bold witnesses for Jesus if we’re afraid of suffering. But by God’s power we can be willing to share in suffering for the gospel.

How do we come to have this new identity? Let’s read what the Risen Jesus says to them and to us in verse 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.” He is promising the coming of the Holy Spirit. As we’ll see in the Book of Acts, it’s the coming of the Spirit that helps his followers to internalize their new identity as his witnesses and to live out this calling practically. The Holy Spirit convinces us of the truth, helps us experience his grace, conforms us to the image of God’s Son (Rom.8:29), and gives us real boldness.

III. “And they worshiped him” (50–53)

Read verses 50–51. This is known as the ascension of Jesus. Luke will tell us more about it in the opening chapter of Acts. Basically, it shows how Jesus, exalted at the right hand of God, is our Risen Lord. He’s exalted above all (Heb.7:26). He’s the one who pours out the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33). He’s the one who’s our real Leader and Savior, the one who truly gives repentance and forgiveness of sins (Acts 5:31). How do his followers respond to what they see? Read verses 52–53. Experiencing the Risen and Exalted Lord Jesus totally changes them. They’re no more startled, frightened, troubled, doubting and disbelieving. They’re worshiping, filled with great joy, faithfully praising God in his house, and obeying their Lord’s direction to stay. It’s a picture of what a church of Jesus should look like. Above all else, it’s a place focused on worshiping the Risen Jesus with great joy. It’s how we become his witnesses as a community.

Read verse 48 again. May God help us deeply accept our identity as witnesses of our Risen Lord Jesus. May God help us share this good news of repentance and forgiveness with people of all nations.

(QUESTIONS)

Luke 24:13-35 (Go to the ESV Bible verses)

Key Verse: 24:29, “but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them.”

1.  What happens that very day, and who are these two (13–14; cf. 10:1)? How is their encounter with Jesus described (15–16), and why can’t they recognize him?

2.  What does he ask (17a)? How are they described (17b)? What does Cleopas ask (18)? What do they share about Jesus and what’s happened to him (19–20)? What has been their hope (21a)? What day is it, and what else do they share (21b–24)? Despite these facts and eyewitnesses, why can’t they understand?

3.  How does Jesus respond (25)? Why was it “necessary” for him to suffer and enter his glory (26; cf. Heb.2:9–10; 1 Pet.1:3)? How else does he help them (27), and why is such Christ-centered Scripture study necessary (see verse 45; cf. Acts 17:2–3)?

4.  As they draw near Emmaus, what happens (28)? Read verse 29. What do these two do, and how does Jesus respond? What does this word “stay” mean, and why is his “staying with them” so vital (1 Cor.1:9; 1 John 1:3; Rev.3:20)? What happens at their meal (30–31), and why does this happen only now?

5.  What do they say, and why (32)? What do they do (33a) and find (33b)? What good news do they hear (34)? What do they share (35)? How do these separate eyewitness accounts help us believe Christ has risen?

6.  Why do you think these two disciples are such a prominent part of Luke’s account? Review the steps Jesus uses here to help them. In light of this, how can we open our eyes to the Risen Christ and experience such a change? How can we help others as he did?

(MESSAGE)

Key Verse: 24:29

“…but they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.’ So he went in to stay with them.”

Are you urgent about anything? Something you really want, or think is really important? Too often, we’re urgent about things that are not so important. Usually it’s something we think we have to do, a task that, if it doesn’t get done, we imagine will be a catastrophe. But is that really true? In today’s unique Bible passage, after he’s crucified, the Risen Jesus comes and walks alongside two of his followers as they’re leaving Jerusalem. They’re not from among the twelve; they’re just two ordinary followers of his. At this point, they’re confused, sad, and hopeless. But on a long walk on a Sunday afternoon, Jesus helps them, of all people, and in such a gentle and patient way. He invests so much time in being with them. Through encountering the Risen Jesus, these two gain a clear understanding of the gospel and their hearts burn. This encounter shows that no matter who we are, we can experience the Risen Jesus like they did. But how? Also, we want to learn from our Lord Jesus how to help others. Most of all, today’s passage highlights the point of the gospel: to have Jesus come and stay with us. Today we want to reflect on what his “staying with us” means. Is this what we’re most urgent about: Jesus, please stay with us!? Let’s see what God does for those who experience the Risen Christ in this way.

1. Jesus draws near to them (13–16)

Look at verse 13 (ESV). The phrase “That very day” refers to the first day of the week, Sunday, at early dawn (verse 1). That was when the women went to the tomb with the spices they had prepared. There, they heard from angels that Jesus had risen, just as he said (6–7). That morning the women returned to all the others and told them these things (9). But the men responded in unbelief (11). Now, a bit later, two of them are heading for Emmaus, about seven miles away. After the crucifixion, these two don’t find any reason to stay in Jerusalem. They’re discouraged, and probably scared to stay among his enemies.

Look at verse 14. As they walk along, they’re still talking with each other about all the things that have happened. In verse 15 Luke adds the word “discussing,” which literally means “inquiring together.” It’s not a casual but an intense conversation. Why are these two still inquiring, still asking? It’s because it’s all been so unexpected and hard to understand. Obviously they’ve given their hearts to following Jesus. But his life ended so abruptly, so violently. What did it all mean? Even as they keep going over it, they can’t find answers.

Look at verse 15. When they’re so helpless, Jesus himself shows up. He doesn’t stay aloof; it says he “draws near.” He comes to help them when no one else can. Luke adds that he “went with them.” We’re supposed to go with Jesus, but in this case, Jesus went with them. They’re leaving Jerusalem, which seems to be the wrong direction, yet Jesus still goes with them. Look at verse 16. It often happens that Jesus is with us, but we can’t recognize him. It’s the same Jesus they’d been with for over three years, so why can’t they recognize him? It’s because they don’t just need to see the miracle that he’s risen (16:30–31); they first need to understand what his death and resurrection mean.

2. A conversation with the Risen Jesus (17–27)

In verse 17 Jesus initiates the conversation. He asks what they’re talking about. How do they respond? It says, “And they stood still, looking sad.” Why are they sad? Obviously, after Jesus is killed, they’re so disappointed. In fact, they’re full of sorrow. It’s written all over their faces. Even all their talking can’t alleviate their sadness. Then one of them, named Cleopas, speaks up: “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” (18) What just happened in Jerusalem is the biggest news ever. How can this stranger not know about it? What rock has he been living under? Jesus asks quietly, “What things?” (19a) Of course he knows; what they’re talking about is all about him and what he’s just been through. But he asks in order to engage them, so that they can open up and eventually begin to hear him.

Read verse 19b. “And they said to him, ‘Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people…” They say great things about him, but at this point they see him only as a man, a prophet. Still, they love him. Who he was and what he did for over three years was so amazing, all the people know it. Read verse 20. “…and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.” Luke again points out that Jesus was popular with the people; it was the leaders who had him killed. But these two are wondering, “How could God allow this to happen to Jesus?” To them, what their leaders did to him was evil. Then they share what’s in their hearts. Read verse 21a. “But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” They’re tired of living under Roman oppression. Because Jesus was full of God’s power, they were hoping he would be the one to rescue them. But when he was crucified, this hope was totally crushed. Losing hope is no small matter. In fact, to lose hope is dangerous. If we lose hope, we start saying and doing the wrong things, and going in the wrong direction.

They continue. Read verses 21–24. They don’t remember that Jesus said he would rise in three days. They know what happened to the women, but they don’t realize how it proves that Jesus has risen. They don’t see it even when some of them go to the tomb and find things just as the women said, confirming that it’s true. Without spiritual understanding, even the facts make no sense.

What does Jesus do? Read verses 25–27. Jesus gently rebukes them for being so foolish and slow of heart to believe God’s words. Then he patiently goes over the whole Bible with them. He teaches what it all says about himself. He teaches that his death and resurrection actually had to happen; it was God’s will. Through his death and resurrection God finally accomplished his world salvation plan he’d been promising all along. Jesus went through the whole Old Testament, from Genesis to Malachi, and how it all points to his suffering, death and resurrection. In light of the Holy Scriptures, what happened to Jesus was far from a failure; it was God’s greatest victory, victory over the power of sin and death, and it promises all who believe a living hope in the kingdom of God. Just as the angels reminded the women of the words of Jesus, so Jesus reminds these two of all the Scriptures. It tells us that just knowing all the facts about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection is not enough. We need to see what it all means based on Scripture. And even that is not enough. We need to have our eyes opened (31a).

3. “He went in to stay with them” (28–32)

After a long Bible study with this stranger while walking on the road, they finally draw near the village of Emmaus (28a). Verse 28b says of Jesus, “He acted as if he were going farther…” Why does he do that? Is he trying not to inconvenience them? No, he’s showing an important principle. Only those who really want to be with him can actually know him. In the big picture, knowing the Risen Jesus personally doesn’t depend on our will or exertion but on God who has mercy (Rom.9:16). But during his ministry Jesus did say, repeatedly: “Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks he has will be taken away” (8:18; cf. 19:26). If we want to experience the Risen Jesus and his presence, we need the strong desire to know him.

Read verse 29. “…but they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.’ So he went in to stay with them.” In a sense, they’re practicing good hospitality for a stranger; they don’t want him to have to go out into the night with no place to stay. But their urging is so much more than that. They’ve begun to enjoy the way this man has been explaining the Scriptures to them. And they’re not satisfied with what they’ve already heard. They want to know him more. So they strongly urge him to stay. In Acts, Luke uses this same Greek word to describe how Lydia got Apostle Paul and his team to come to her house (“prevailed upon us” [Acts 16:15b]). So, in light of these two followers’ urgent request, how much do we really want Jesus to stay with us?

Verse 29b says, “So he went in to stay with them.” This is written in understatement. But this one sentence captures the goal of the gospel, God’s goal––that God might stay with us, dwell with us.^[1] God is holy; we are sinful. But now, through the death and resurrection of Jesus his Son, God can stay with us, dwell with us, forever. God dwelling with human beings is not just for special people; it’s for every ordinary believer who knows and loves Jesus. Our Lord Jesus once said, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23). Jesus said “anyone.” The Bible tells us that Christ dwells in each believer by faith, through the Holy Spirit (e.g. Rom.8:9–11; Eph.3:17a). The Apostle Paul said that God, in his faithfulness, has called you “into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor.1:9). The Apostle John wrote: “…that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). Intimate personal fellowship with the Risen Jesus is available to every believer. This is what our focus should be.

Actually, it’s only through such genuine fellowship with him that we can serve him. When God brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, they wanted to use God to get them to the promised land flowing with milk and honey. But with such a lack of interest in being with God, God didn’t want to go with them; he was ready to send them on ahead without him (Ex.33:3). Like them, we often want to just use Jesus to bless us, heal us, help us, make our ministry fruitful. But above all else, he wants to come in and stay with us. Do we want fellowship with Jesus most of all, more than anything else? Such fellowship can’t happen by just looking at the Bible for an hour once a week, only talking or debating about it. It happens when we invite Jesus into our lives, into our relationships, and want him to stay with us, dwell with us. We do this not only privately and personally; like these two, we invite him to stay together with us. We can do it as a couple, as a family, and as a fellowship. Only when we really want to know Jesus and urge him to come and stay with us will his presence become real among us and truly bless us. Frankly, so many people when they were children were wounded, because everyone was too busy to stay with them. Spending time with people, listening, sharing and eating, can seem like a waste of time, but it’s not. In light of this passage, we need to prioritize “staying with” his people, developing deeper personal relationships in Christ.

What happens next? Look at verses 30–31. It seems that during his ministry, whenever they ate meals, Jesus had a trademark way of breaking bread. Obviously these two had seen him do it before. Only Jesus broke bread like that! And at this moment, God finally opened their eyes to see him. It was Jesus risen from the dead that they’d been with all along!

How do they respond? Read verse 32. Before the Risen Jesus drew near to them, they had been sad (17b). They had lost hope (21a). And their hearts had been slow to believe (25). But after encountering the Risen Jesus and hearing him explain the Scriptures, now their hearts are burning (32). Jesus’ Bible study lit a fire under them. Now they’re so comforted, excited, and full of hope––all at the same time. May the Risen Jesus himself bless our Bible studies to give us a deep understanding of the gospel, and of his own presence, until our hearts burn within us.

5. They returned to Jerusalem (33–35)

Without being told, these two realize what God wants them to do. Though it’s a scary place to them, they rise that same hour and return to Jerusalem (33a). They find the eleven and those who are with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” (33b–34) They’re talking about Simon Peter. Then these two get to tell their own story, how they studied the Scriptures with the Risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus, and how they recognized him when he broke the bread (35). Clearly, it’s the Risen Jesus holding them all together and making their fellowship possible. And he’s not done; he’s about to prepare them all for a brand new mission.

Let’s read our key verse, verse 29 again. May we urge the Risen Jesus strongly to stay with us, dwell with us, and fill our hearts with faith, hope, and joy.

^[1] Cf. Ex.29:46; Lev.26:12; 2 Cor.6:16b; Rev.21:3.

(QUESTIONS)

Luke 23:50-24:12 (Go to the ESV Bible verses)

Key Verse 24:6a, “He is not here, but has risen.”

1. 1.  Who is Joseph, what does he do, and how is he a good role model (50–54)? What do the women from Galilee do, and how do they confirm Jesus’ identity and death (55–56)?

   2. When they arrive, what do they find, and how do they respond (24:1–4a)? Who do they encounter (4b), what do they ask the women (5), and how can this question help us?

   3. Read verse 6a. In what ways are the words “he has risen” good news (Acts 2:26–27; 5:30–32; 26:23)? How should we respond to this good news (Rom.10:9; Acts 16:31)?

   4. How do the angels help the women (6b–8; cf. 9:22)? To believe that Jesus has risen, why do we all need to remember the facts, the witnesses and the words?

   5. What do the women do (9–10)? How do the apostles respond to them (11), and why? What happens to Peter (12), and what does this tell us?

(MESSAGE)

Key Verse: 24:5b–6a, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but has risen.”

What are you really seeking? Some might say meaning in life. Others would say good relationships. Still others might say success, or health, or security. Some would say, “I just want to be happy.” These all seem nice. But frankly, when the reality of death comes knocking, all these pursuits begin to look rather vain. In today’s passage we see how Jesus’ followers respond to his death. They are still so devoted to him. But they are perplexed, frightened, and in shock and disbelief. At the tomb God sends angels to tell the women the good news that Jesus has risen. But some think the resurrection of Jesus has nothing to do with life today. In the angels’ words we learn that the resurrection of Jesus is so relevant, it actually affects us to our core, even what we’re seeking. Like these faithful women, we can be seeking something living among the dead. Or we can be seeking the Living One, even as we live in this perishing world. So, how can we believe in Jesus’ resurrection? What does it matter? And how does believing this change what we seek? May God speak to us through his word.

      I.          Jesus is buried (23:50–56)

Luke has just described Jesus’ death. Jesus’ suffering and death on a cross was not just a sorrowful story; it was God’s just punishment for all human sin and rebellion, so that God could forgive us of all our unforgivable sins. Also, in his suffering and death on a cross our Lord Jesus showed us how to live as Christians: how to forgive, how not to save ourselves so that we can save others, and how to finish our lives on earth by faith, committing our spirits to God. To follow in the steps of Jesus our Lord may look like too much suffering and self-sacrifice, but it’s such a glorious life. Now, right after his death, Luke describes several people who do some beautiful things for him. Their presence in these moments not only proves that Jesus really did die; they also show us how to live as servants of Christ in even the darkest of times.

Look at 23:50. Luke introduces us to Joseph of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, meaning the Sanhedrin. It was the council that had decided to put Jesus to death. This council took the entire nation in the wrong direction. But unlike his peers, Joseph was a good and upright man. In Greek, “upright” is the same as the word “righteous.” Here, at the end of this Gospel, Luke describes Joseph of Arimathea in the same way he described Zechariah and Elizabeth at the beginning––“upright,” or “righteous” (1:6). And Luke has some specific idea of what this means. Look at verse 51. Joseph of Arimathea did not consent to the decision and action of the council. He refused to give in to their pressure. Why? Because Joseph could see how evil what they were doing was. Luke adds, “…and he was looking for the kingdom of God.” In Greek, “looking for” is the same as “waiting for.” Just as Simeon and Anna in the temple were waiting for “the consolation of Israel” and “the redemption of Jerusalem,” so Joseph of Arimathea was “waiting for” the kingdom of God. He was really seeking it. Joseph of Arimathea is one of the remnant people who refused to follow the corruption of the times, who put his hope firmly in the promises of God.

Yet he’s not hiding from the world; he expresses his faith in action. Look at verse 52. “This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.” It was a bold and daring move. Though everyone had decided against Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea took a clear stand on the side of Jesus. He asks this partly because, as a good and upright man, he wants to follow God’s law not to leave a dead body hanging after sundown (Deut.21:22–23). But mainly it’s because he wants to honor Jesus. Jesus had been vehemently accused, viciously shamed and disgraced, but Joseph wants to honor him as his King, the true King of the Jews.^[1] He doesn’t care what anybody thinks of him personally. This request for the body of Jesus would surely break any relationships Joseph may have had with the other council members. But he does it with faith and hope in the kingdom of God. Look at verse 53. “Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid.” On the cross, Jesus’ body was stripped, covered with blood, and sweat, and wounds. But Joseph is willing to do this messy, unpleasant task. He treats the dead body of Jesus with such dignity and respect. Without Joseph’s help, the Romans would have thrown the body into a mass grave nearby, where it would be further dishonored and ravaged by raptors, and impossible to identify. But Joseph lays the body of Jesus in a tomb fit for a king, unused by anyone else. Matthew tells us that it was Joseph’s own tomb (Matt.27:60). Joseph gives his very best to Jesus our King. May God raise a new generation of men of God like Joseph. 

Look at verse 55. “The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid.” These women are like Joseph, in that they had been providing for Jesus and his disciples “out of their own means” (8:3, NIV). They stayed at his cross after everyone else left, standing at a distance and watching until Jesus died (49). These women are not wildly emotional; they are sober and astutely watching. Now, they follow Joseph of Arimathea to this tomb and watch him lay the body of Jesus in it. This is a crucial detail. These women serve as multiple eyewitnesses to identify that it truly was Jesus who died on that cross. It was the Jesus they’d so closely known, loved and served for several years. It was this Jesus who’d been crucified, this Jesus who’d been laid in this tomb. There was no mistake about it. Look at verse 56a. “Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.” This was how the Jews prepared bodies for burial. On this day of Preparation, when the Sabbath is beginning (54), these women are preparing for the eternal Sabbath rest Jesus would enjoy. We can only imagine all that’s going on in their minds and hearts on this day, but they are doing what they can for him. God still uses such faithful people who do what they can for Jesus, despite their tiredness, broken hearts and discouragement. May God raise a new generation of young women devoted to Jesus like these women. Look at verse 56b. Just as the law of the Lord was carefully followed when Jesus was born (2:22,24,27,39), so now, at his death, the law of the Lord is also carefully followed. In mentioning this, Luke is showing his Gentile audience that Jesus did not come to abolish God’s law but to fulfill it.^[2]

    II.          The resurrection (24:1–12)

Look at 24:1. It’s the first day of the week, Sunday, early dawn. These women are bringing the spices they’ve prepared. They want to serve Jesus as soon as possible. Probably they haven’t slept all night. But when they get to his tomb, they’re shocked. Look at verse 2. The stone that sealed the entrance has been rolled away, and when they go in they do not find the body of the Lord Jesus. It says they’re “perplexed” (4a). They don’t know which way to turn, what to do. At this moment, it says, “…behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel” (4b). Later we’re told they’re angels of God (23). In their presence the women are frightened and bow their faces to the ground (5a), realizing they’re in the holy presence of God. The angels say, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen” (5b–6a). It’s good news––the stone rolled away, the empty tomb, and now, even a message from angels: Jesus has risen! Still it’s not easy for these women to believe. They stood near his cross witnessing all the horrible things done and said to him, right until he died. They’ve been brokenhearted and grieving for him ever since. They’ve been preparing spices and ointments to wrap his body properly. What they find at his tomb is not at all what they expect. So the angels continue: “Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise” (6b–7; cf. 9:22). 

Luke is sharing here the basis for resurrection faith. It’s not a blind leap of faith. The basis for resurrection faith is the evidence at this tomb, the angels’ words, and, most of all, the words of Jesus himself. He once said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (21:33). We can’t always trust what people say, but we can be 100% sure of the words of Jesus. Jesus had said that on the third day he must rise, and that’s exactly what happened. It’s always best to base our faith not on our feelings, ideas, opinions, or even on dreams, but on the words of our Lord Jesus Christ.

All four Gospels tell us of the empty tomb on Sunday morning. But only Luke adds the angels’ words: “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” It’s suggesting that when we come to know Jesus, who has risen, what we seek changes. We no longer seek the living among the dead. Here, “the living” refers to the Risen Jesus, and “the dead” refers to all the things and people of this fallen world. The Risen Jesus appeared to the Apostle John at the end of his life and said, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Rev.1:17b–18). Our Risen Lord Jesus is the Living One. He is alive forevermore. In him we have no fear, because he controls life and death and all the power of hell. As we encounter him, the Living One, we no longer seek the dead things of this world.

How does this happen? The Apostle Peter wrote, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you…” (1 Pet.1:3–4). It’s our living Lord Jesus Christ who gives us a living hope in heaven. This wonderful change happens when we repent of our sins, believe in Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit. It’s so simple! The Holy Spirit changes our inner person, including even what we seek, what we hope for. As we get to know Jesus, the Living One, through the Holy Spirit, the living hope of his kingdom grows brighter and brighter in us. In light of this living hope, the things of the world start looking perishable, defiled and fading, like rotting vegetables, not at all worthy to be seeking. 

Still, in our earthly nature we all can get drawn back to seeking the dead hopes of this world. They might be our possessions, or human relationships, achievements, career, or even ministry. They’re trying to rule our hearts. So we need a constant reminder of who is “the living” and what is “the dead.” The Apostle Paul explained, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom.6:3–4). When we’re close to him, united with him, our Risen Lord Jesus Christ empowers us to walk in newness of life. What is that? There are so many aspects to it. But elsewhere Paul writes, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col.3:1–2). Let’s read these verses together. Walking in newness of life in the Risen Christ means having a new mindset, a new heart. It means seeking new things, things “that are above.” It means setting our minds on these things, not on things that are on earth. What are these things? Paul adds, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Col.3:3–4). What an amazing living hope! The world, our sin, and the devil constantly try to steal our minds and hearts away from the Living One and the living hope he gives. We need encouragement from each other, from the Scriptures, and from God himself, to seek the things that are above, the things of the Risen Christ, the Living One. Let’s read verses 5b–6a: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.”

After the angels’ message, what do the women do? Read verses 8–10. They immediately act in faith based on the word they received. The historical fact is, God gave the good news that Christ is risen first to the women. It really is God’s grace. These women have been the backbone of his ministry beginning in Galilee (8:1–3). But when they tell these things to the eleven and all the rest, the response is not good. Look at verse 11. Luke has just called these men “the apostles.” But they do not yet believe the good news. They still need God’s help. And in verse 12, we see Peter, the one who denied Jesus three times, suddenly take action based on what the women said. God is helping him. Peter runs to the tomb and sees that the stone is rolled away, and that the tomb is empty, but he also notices the linen cloths by themselves. It looks as if the Risen Jesus just took them off as he left. It’s further evidence to believe. Peter does not yet understand, but it says he went home “marveling at what had happened.” Peter is on the way to being restored as the spiritual leader for all the others.

Today on Easter Sunday we celebrate the good news: Jesus is not here, but has risen! May God help each of us personally accept the angels’ words, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” May God wake up from our dead hopes, and help us set our minds and hearts on things above, where our Lord Jesus, the Living One, is reigning, waiting to give us his kingdom.

^[1] 1:33; 19:14–15,38; 22:29–30; 23:2–3,38,42.

^[2] Matt.5:17; Luke 1:1,38,45; 4:21; 9:31; 18:31; 21:22,24; 22:16,37; 24:44; Acts 1:16; 3:18; 7:17; 13:27,33; 26:7.

(QUESTIONS)

Luke 23:26-49 (Go to the ESV Bible verses)

Key Verse: 23:34a, “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.”

1.  What happens to Simon of Cyrene (26), and how does this help us understand what is going on? Who else does Luke describe (27), and what does this show us? What does Jesus predict to these women (28–31), and why (19:41–44; cf. Hos.10:8b)?

2.  Who is with him, where are they crucified, and why like this (32–33; cf. Isa.53:12)? Read verse 34a. What do we learn in this about Jesus (6:27–28; cf. Isa.53:5–6)? How does his prayer still speak to us today (Eph.1:7; 4:32)? What do the soldiers do, and what does it show about them (34b; cf. Ps.22:18)?

3.  Who else is described (35), and why do they do this? How do the soldiers join in, and why (36–37; cf. Ps.22:7–8)? What is the purpose of the inscription over him (38)? Note the repeated taunts to save himself (35,37,39); why does he not do so (19:10; 9:24)?

4.  Compare and contrast the two criminals also hanging there (39–41); what do we learn from this? What does the second man say (42), and how could he ask this? What does Jesus promise him (43), and why (Eph.2:8)?

5.  What other responses to the crucifixion are recorded (44–45), and what do they mean? How does Jesus die (46; cf. Ps.31:5)? Why is a centurion there, how does he respond (47), and why? How does this event end (48–49)?

6.  Review in this passage all the responses to crucified Jesus. What is the right response to his crucifixion? What effect can his crucifixion have on us?

(MESSAGE)

Key Verse: 23:34a, “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’”

How do you feel about forgiving others? Not just nice people, sincere people, but really “difficult” people? It’s hard to forgive when people have been foolish. It’s harder still when what they’ve done is morally or ethically wrong. And it’s most difficult when they’ve personally hurt us. Today’s passage describes the crucifixion of Jesus. Its meaning is at the core of our Christian faith. It all centers on his prayer from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” How do his words speak to us? Why is it so important to know that on the cross Jesus brought us God’s forgiveness? And how does his forgiveness impact our lives? This Easter, may God help us newly experience his forgiveness.

Luke has just recounted Jesus’ arrest and so-called “trial.” Held in custody, Jesus is first mocked, beaten, and blasphemed (22:63–65). Led away to their council, the religious leaders try to intimidate him with their questions (22:66–71). With manipulation and sheer lies they bring him to the Roman governor Pilate (23:1–2,5). Afterwards, they follow him to Herod (6–7), where they vehemently accuse him (10), and where Herod and his soldiers treat him with contempt and mockery (11). Jesus makes no answer and endures it all silently (23:9). Both Pilate and Herod try to pass Jesus off to each other, but in the end, Pilate has to decide. He declares Jesus not guilty three times (4,14,22) and desires to release him (20). But the religious leaders keep shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” (21), and their demand with loud cries prevails. Pilate agrees to have Barabbas, a convicted murderer and political rebel, released, and innocent Jesus, God’s Son, sentenced to death. It’s the worst travesty of justice ever.

Look at verse 26 (ESV). Luke begins his account of the crucifixion with a man named Simon of Cyrene—a place in North Africa. It says Jesus is being “led away,” taken out of Jerusalem to be executed. Simon, on the other hand, is “coming in from the country,” meaning he’s just arrived, most likely to worship God at Passover. All of a sudden Simon is “seized,” grabbed violently. They “laid on him the cross,” probably just the horizontal beam of it, and now Simon has to turn around and go back outside the city with all these strangers carrying this heavy piece of wood. Jesus, after all he’s been through, has probably been struggling to carry it. And the Roman soldiers are in a hurry. But to Romans, publicly carrying a cross is dishonorable, so they make Simon do it. And Simon virtually has no other choice. Such injustice is always the way of the world. Luke says quietly that Simon carries the cross behind Jesus. He’s drawn close to him through their common humanity and shared experience of injustice. In history Simon of Cyrene has inspired so many Christians to carry our cross, whatever it is, behind our Lord Jesus. Normally, people are not forced into following Jesus. But although this event is so unfair to him, it’s likely that God used it to lead Simon of Cyrene to faith in Jesus, and to help bring the gospel to his family (Mark 15:21), and eventually to a whole new continent.

 Look at verse 27. Here we find “a great multitude of the people” following Jesus, as well as women “mourning and lamenting for him.” Despite the religious leaders’ hatred, so many people loved Jesus. But what’s really motivating these women’s tears? Is it all just an act? Are they just being nationalistic, weeping for a Jewish man being humiliated by Roman oppressors? In any case, Jesus, who’s been so silent, begins to speak to these women. Read verses 28–31. He doesn’t receive their sympathy; instead, he warns them of their future. He’s enduring his own brutal suffering, but he’s not vindictive; he’s grieving over his people’s future (19:41–44). His words become reality in just a little over 30 years, when the Jews will revolt against Rome. The Roman army will surround Jerusalem and cut off all its food supplies. It will become a time of such starvation that families will resort to eating their own children. It will be so horrible, people will just want to die quickly. That famous fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 was just a preview of what God will do to the unrepentant when Jesus comes again someday (Rev.6:16).

For now, the injustice against Jesus is outrageous, and wicked people seem to be getting away with it. But not forever. One day, God will surely judge this world in righteousness through the one who suffered the greatest injustice (Acts 17:31). Among the Gospel writers, Luke actually mentions forgiveness the most. He’s writing to Gentiles who’ve lived in sin without God’s law and really need to know God’s forgiveness. But for Luke, God’s divine justice is essential to the meaning of the cross. In fact, it’s God’s justice that makes the cross of Jesus necessary (Rom.3:25). In the cross of Jesus, God’s holiness and justice as well as his great mercy for helpless sinners are perfectly combined and expressed.

Look at verse 32. When news came that Jesus would be crucified, they brought out these two. Luke calls them “criminals.” The Greek word is actually “evildoers.” Look at verse 33. Crucified in between these two men, they’re trying to make Jesus look guilty in the eyes of the people. As Jesus said earlier, it would fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy, “He was numbered with the transgressors.” Jesus is the only holy, sinless one. But he quietly allows himself to be crucified in between evildoers, like a lamb among wolves. Why? It’s to take our shame, our guilt upon himself. Nobody wants to take our shame and guilt, but Jesus willingly did so. We live in a time of “cancel culture” and public shaming. It’s vicious. But on that cross in between two evildoers Jesus bore all our shame and guilt. Only in him can we find real healing from the shame and guilt of our sin. Crucified Jesus heals all our shame and guilt.

Jesus crucified in between evildoers also reveals the evilness in humanity. When God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and power, Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil (Acts 10:38). Everybody came to know how Jesus of Nazareth showed mercy to those who were sick and hurting. But in the end, people still allowed such evil to be done to him.

As they crucify him, what does he do? Read verse 34a. “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’” In the Old Testament, King David prayed for his enemies, “O God, break the teeth in their mouths” (Ps.58:6a). But Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” His prayer is not just for the soldiers crucifying him, but for the religious leaders who put him there, his disciples who failed him, and really, for all those in the world doing evil today. When someone hurts us, even if it’s slightly or unintentionally, we get angry. We may lash out or fight back. Or, we may quietly judge and resent the person and use passive aggressive behavior as vengeance. But Jesus, in his first response to being crucified, his initial reaction, his visceral reflex, prays, “Father, forgive them…” His prayer boggles the mind and challenges the heart. Just these three words of his prayer reveal his character, his very nature, as the Son of God. They also reveal his understanding of what he’s doing. These people know not what they do, but Jesus knows why he’s suffering on the cross: it’s to bring sinful people God’s forgiveness.

In this prayer, Jesus our Lord is our role model. Early on in his ministry, he said some famous words: “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (6:27–28). He also said: “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven” (6:37). Now, while he himself is suffering such humiliation, pain, hatred, curses, and abuse on a cross, he actually does what he taught others to do.

Let’s think about his words, “…for they know not what they do.” Of course these people know they’re crucifying him. What they don’t know is that he’s the Son of God. They can’t see the extent of the crime they’re committing. Sin makes us that blind, too: We sin so easily, but we can’t see that our sins are really against God himself (15:21). When we choose to sin, we cut ourselves off from God and become spiritually ignorant (Rom.1:21ff.). When we “know not what we do,” we become confused and foolish. When we “know not what we do,” we go after all the wrong things. When we “know not what we do,” we hurt those who’ve been so good to us. When we “know not what we do,” we’re lost. In an ultimate sense, every time we sin, whether we realize it or not, we’re actually crucifying Jesus (Heb.6:6), in that we make his crucifixion necessary. Yet even in our sin-sick state, Jesus sees us not with criticism and judgment but with compassion. He sees us like sheep who’ve gone astray (Isa.53:6). And he deeply knows the Father’s heart, who longs for his prodigal children to come home (15:20). He doesn’t hate or give up on us or consider us too expensive or risky. Jesus came to this world to seek and to save the lost (19:10). So, even while suffering on the cross, he prays, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” As those who claim to follow him, we need to learn to see sinful people as he does, and to pray for them as he did. Like our Lord Jesus, we all need to become well-known as forgiving people, not judgmental people.

Let’s also think about the word “forgive.” In Greek it means to “let it go.” It’s like wiping a slate clean, or even canceling a huge debt. Forgiveness is actually that radical. But Jesus praying for forgiveness from the cross is still hard for some people to understand. They wish God could just forgive, without Jesus having to go to the cross and suffer so much. But God who’s so forgiving is also so just. In order for the Holy and Righteous God to forgive, there has to be a just payment for sin. In God’s sight, Jesus on the cross is the only one who could take the punishment our sin deserves. The Bible says he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed (Isa.53:5). So, the Holy God crucified his own Son so that we could be forgiven and healed of sin. We’re so sinful; we in no way deserve it; but God our Father loves us that much.

Jesus’ forgiveness on the cross is like salve to our wounds. Sometimes it’s people who wound us, but it’s our own sins that wound us the most. Until we accept that Jesus suffered on the cross for my sin, we can’t really know forgiveness. We can’t forgive ourselves, and we can’t forgive others, either. In our wounded state, we tend to wound others. We have no capacity to forgive. But when we taste the forgiveness of Jesus on the cross, our wounds, our bitterness, our hatred melt away. We begin to see God as our loving Father. We begin to have his love and his hope, for ourselves, for others, and even for the world.

So how do we experience his forgiveness on the cross? If we’re self-righteous, we can’t. Only as we realize how Jesus had to be crucified because of my sins can we begin to see how sinful we are. And only as we realize our utter sinfulness can we begin to appreciate his forgiveness. On the other hand, sometimes we think we’re too sinful for God to ever forgive. But when we see sinless Jesus suffering so much on the cross in our place, we realize it’s enough. We find that his forgiveness is even for me. We need to hear the voice of our Lord Jesus praying for us personally, “Father, forgive them.”

Knowing his forgiveness is as essential to spiritual life as food is to physical life. To be spiritually healthy, each day we need to remember how Jesus gave his life on the cross to forgive all my sins. And each day we need to be showing his forgiveness to others. If anyone hurts us, no matter how painful or unfair, we should not suppress or ignore it; we should forgive. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you.” And among all the good things we pray for others, we need to be praying for them most of all to know the forgiveness of Christ.

Luke goes on to show how the soldiers, the people, the rulers, the criminals, nature, the centurion, and the women respond to crucified Jesus (34b–49). The responses are varied. It tells us that not everyone responds well to his crucifixion. The soldiers who crucified him just cast lots to divide his garments (34b). They are heartless. The people stand by, watching, but the rulers scoff at him (35). The soldiers also mock him (36–37). Even the inscription above him mocks his kingship (38). They repeatedly taunt him, “He saved others; let him save himself” (35,37,39). Actually, Jesus could have saved himself, even now while on the cross (cf. Matt.26:53). But he resisted this temptation. It’s a powerful example for us, that Jesus did not save himself so that he could save others.

One of the criminals crucified next to Jesus also rails at him (39). But the other criminal rebukes him, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong” (40–41). Then he turns to Jesus and says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (42). We don’t know how he knows all this. But after hearing Jesus pray “Father, forgive them,” his heart and his spiritual eyes open. He gains a glimmer of faith. But life itself is ebbing away. In his condemned state, and near death, only by faith can he ask Jesus this. People see this man as a cheater, trying to edge his way in at the last minute. But Jesus says to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (43). Despite all the obvious sins in this man’s life, Jesus accepts his faith in him and forgives him. What’s more, in his forgiveness Jesus unashamedly takes this man with him back to paradise. Even on the cross our Lord Jesus saves a lost one and enters eternal glory with him. It’s unforgettable. It’s a message that God’s kingdom is never a place of human boasting or achievements; it’s always the place where God’s forgiving grace reigns supreme. Only those who know this grace get in. God’s forgiveness in Jesus is still for totally unworthy sinners. All we need to do is turn to Jesus by faith and receive his forgiveness through his cross. So, what are we waiting for?

Next, Luke tells us that nature responds to this injustice with darkness (44–45). The temple curtain is also torn in two, showing that God’s presence has left there, and that now we can come into God’s presence directly through Jesus (Heb.10:19–20). Then Luke describes how Jesus died. Read verse 46. It’s such an inspiring example. Like our Lord Jesus, we need to finish our life on earth with such faith and spirit and commitment. And there’s one more man. Read verse 47. Though many responded poorly to Jesus on the cross, this unlikely man, a Roman centurion, opened his spiritual eyes to see who Jesus really is and to praise God. That’s the power of the cross.

Let’s read verse 34a again. “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’” This Easter, may God move our hearts to receive his forgiveness through Jesus’ death on the cross, and to pray to forgive everyone who sins against us.