This Week with the Word

The Uniform Lesson for April 19
Background & Commentary by Sam E. Stone

When Jesus used the term “witnesses” to describe the work of his disciples, he chose a term that is still applicable when speaking of Christians 2,000 years later. While we cannot give firsthand testimony that we saw the resurrected Savior as the apostles did, we can affirm the difference he has made in our lives.

Last Sunday’s lesson dealt with Christ’s first appearance on that resurrection morning. Luke next described Jesus’ conversation with the two men on the road to Emmaus (24:13-35), and his subsequent appearance to the entire group of disciples later that day (vv. 36-43). At first they thought they were seeing a ghost (v. 37). To help convince them, Jesus invited them to touch his hands and his feet. “While they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, ‘Do you have anything here to eat?’” (v. 41). He then ate some broiled fish, providing still more evidence of his bodily resurrection. Today’s printed text begins at that point.

Enlightened Now/Luke 24:44-48

Jesus reminded them he had predicted that these things would happen as he taught them for the past three years (see Luke 9:22, 44; 18:31). His death and resurrection had been prophesied throughout the Old Testament. It was commonly divided into three sections—the Law, the prophets, and the “writings” (of which Psalms was the first book). He then opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures (v. 45). Jesus explained the meaning of relevant Scripture passages, so that all would become clear (vv. 27, 31, 32).

Lewis Foster notes, “The difficulty the disciples had in understanding Jesus’ prior statements about his suffering, death, and resurrection may not be entirely because of dullness or stubbornness on the part of the disciples. From this statement in Luke, it would seem that God had formerly kept these matters from being discerned clearly, just as the eyes of the two from Emmaus had been kept from recognizing Jesus until the proper time arrived.”

Luke continues by summarizing Christ’s Great Commission, “Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (v. 47). Luke actually provides two accounts of the commission: the first in the city of Jerusalem (vv. 44-49); the second, just before Christ’s ascension from the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem (vv. 50-53; Acts 1:6-11). During his 40 days with them between his resurrection and ascension, Jesus must have often emphasized the apostles’ responsibility to take the message of salvation to the world (Acts 1:2, 3).

Jerusalem—the scene of his death, burial, and crucifixion—was where they were to begin. Even those who helped put him to death were graciously given the opportunity to repent and be saved (see Acts 2:23, 38).

Empowered Later/Luke 24:49-53

Jesus told the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they received power from on high (Luke 24:49). Years before, the prophet Joel had predicted this event (Joel 2:28-29). The promise was fulfilled some 10 days after the ascension, on the Day of Pentecost when the church began. God baptized the apostles with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4) and they began witnessing as Jesus had instructed them (v. 14).

With the coming of the Spirit, the apostles received fuller understanding of the significance of the facts about Jesus. The Spirit also provided assurance that they spoke only truth, and could remember accurately all that Jesus had said and done (John 14:16, 26). The baptism of the Holy Spirit also gave to the apostles power to forgive sin, drive out demons, heal the sick, and even raise the dead. Mark’s account specifies some of these miraculous powers (Mark 16:17-20).

Jesus led his followers out to the Mount of Olives, near Bethany, on the eastern side of Jerusalem. His last recorded act on earth was to lift his hands and bless them (v. 50). While this was happening, Christ began to ascend into Heaven. In the book of Acts, Luke adds that a cloud then received him out of their sight (Acts 1:9). The disciples worshiped him. Suddenly two angels appeared, reminding them that they had a mission to accomplish—winning the world for the ascended Savior! With great joy they returned to Jerusalem, staying continually in the temple area and praising God.

Knowles Shaw captured the spirit of the scene when he wrote,

We walked not with the chosen few,
Who saw Thee from the earth ascend;
Who raise to Heaven their wondering view,
Then low to earth all prostrate bend;
But we believe that human eyes
Beheld that journey to the skies. |L

Sam E. Stone is the former editor of Christian Standard. He continues his writing and speaking ministry from his home in Cincinnati, Ohio.