In the following article you will find a brief commentary on Luke 24 that goes along with our Riverside Church Two Year Bible Reading Plan (Volume 1 & Volume 2). This plan will allow you to read the New Testament and Psalms once every year and the Old Testament once every two years.
Luke 24:44–49 (ESV)
44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
When we think of the commission that Jesus gives to his disciples and to us his followers we most often go to Matthew 28:18-20. Sometimes this commission is overlooked, but it brings an emphasis and clarity that complements well other such charges.
Here is our basic “to do” in life. We are called to go and proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus. We are to go to all the nations, beginning right next door.
We are witnesses. We may not be eye-witnesses, but we are witnesses still. We have seen Jesus and his atonement in the scripture through the eye-opening work of the Holy Spirit. We have seen him turn us and forgive us. We are witnesses!
And as always, Jesus’ commands come with promises and power. We do not do this on our own or in our own strength. We go clothed with power from on high! Lord Jesus, empower us today with the Holy Spirit that we might effectively and powerfully make you known throughout the world!
