Luke 24
The resurrection
How do we know that his death was effective in paying the penalty of sin?
His resurrection proves that. If God did not accept the penalty of death, there would still be a body in the tomb.
The empty tomb was seen by two women. The angels announce the resurrection of the Christ to the women, but their response is 'terrifying'.
Four appearances of the risen Christ:
1. To the two who are traveling to Emmaus
2. To Peter
3. To the ten gathered in the upper room
4. 40 days after resurrection, to the disciples at the time of ascension
Luke is the only one who talks about Jesus' appearance to the two people on road to Emmaus.
It appears that the two people did not believe the resurrection. They were not gullible people. They were convinced that Jesus was real. His resurrection body was real - he walked and talked, and ate food. The first interpreter of the cross was Christ himself. He explains the prophecy, the fact and interprets it for the two disciples.
The gospel will be preached to all nations. But first, they should be clothed with power from on high. Luke sets his narrative for the next book of his series - Acts of Apostles.
The following facts help us establish the resurrection of Christ unequivocally:
- the origin and existence of the Christian church. It is unbelievable that the disciples would come back to the world with such strength and resilience if not for their own conviction that Christ has indeed risen. It is inconceivable that the set back on the cross would have been usurped by such a tremendous act of sharing the gospel to the multitudes if not for the resurrection. Only a living Christ would have been able to convert these scared people into those who were willing to be martyred on the cross themselves.
- If Christ would not have risen, the NT would not have been written. Who would write about a man who preached such great things and then suffered the ignominy of a crucifixion.
- The empty tomb - if Jesus was not risen, his body would have been removed by either of two people - his enemies or his disciples. If his enemies had removed the body, when the disciples would have announced his resurrection, they would have brought back the body to defeat the claim. If his disciples would have removed the body, they would have been unable to do it because of the armed guards in the tomb, and besides how can they do what they did in the early church.
- the fact that the early church observed Sunday as the holy day, unlike Saturday which was already the Sabbath is quite a confirmation of the resurrection. The early disciples were Jews but they did dispense with the old means of Sabbath Saturday.
- the celebration of holy communion - held in memory of Jesus' death. If the death of Jesus was not followed by the resurrection, it would never be a celebration.
- the millions who confirm that Jesus has risen, the testimony of the Holy Spirit, all confirms that Jesus lives today, He walks with me, He talks with me, He lives within my heart.
Luke 23
The resurrection
How do we know that his death was effective in paying the penalty of sin?
His resurrection proves that. If God did not accept the penalty of death, there would still be a body in the tomb.
The empty tomb was seen by two women. The angels announce the resurrection of the Christ to the women, but their response is 'terrifying'.
Four appearances of the risen Christ:
1. To the two who are traveling to Emmaus
2. To Peter
3. To the ten gathered in the upper room
4. 40 days after resurrection, to the disciples at the time of ascension
Luke is the only one who talks about Jesus' appearance to the two people on road to Emmaus.
It appears that the two people did not believe the resurrection. They were not gullible people. They were convinced that Jesus was real. His resurrection body was real - he walked and talked, and ate food. The first interpreter of the cross was Christ himself. He explains the prophecy, the fact and interprets it for the two disciples.
The gospel will be preached to all nations. But first, they should be clothed with power from on high. Luke sets his narrative for the next book of his series - Acts of Apostles.
The following facts help us establish the resurrection of Christ unequivocally:
- the origin and existence of the Christian church. It is unbelievable that the disciples would come back to the world with such strength and resilience if not for their own conviction that Christ has indeed risen. It is inconceivable that the set back on the cross would have been usurped by such a tremendous act of sharing the gospel to the multitudes if not for the resurrection. Only a living Christ would have been able to convert these scared people into those who were willing to be martyred on the cross themselves.
- If Christ would not have risen, the NT would not have been written. Who would write about a man who preached such great things and then suffered the ignominy of a crucifixion.
- The empty tomb - if Jesus was not risen, his body would have been removed by either of two people - his enemies or his disciples. If his enemies had removed the body, when the disciples would have announced his resurrection, they would have brought back the body to defeat the claim. If his disciples would have removed the body, they would have been unable to do it because of the armed guards in the tomb, and besides how can they do what they did in the early church.
- the fact that the early church observed Sunday as the holy day, unlike Saturday which was already the Sabbath is quite a confirmation of the resurrection. The early disciples were Jews but they did dispense with the old means of Sabbath Saturday.
- the celebration of holy communion - held in memory of Jesus' death. If the death of Jesus was not followed by the resurrection, it would never be a celebration.
- the millions who confirm that Jesus has risen, the testimony of the Holy Spirit, all confirms that Jesus lives today, He walks with me, He talks with me, He lives within my heart.
Luke 23
The crucifixion
As the chapter 23 quite interestingly describes, several enemies become friends at Christ's trials. No one wants to pull the trigger of his death but everyone conspires together. Pharsiees are religious fanatics. Sadducees are political animals, who are compromising with Romans unlike Pharisees. These two groups plot Jesus' death together. Herod and Pontius Pilate are arch rivals, but now they become friends. Sanhedrin and Romans hate each other. But here they work together.
Coming to the actual trials, the Sanhedrin violates their own rules in the shady scam trial. They want to kill him, therefore they bring the issue of blasphemy which carries capital punishment. But the Jews lost the right to execute such a punishment to the Romans. So they have to take Jesus to the roman court as well. Over there, blasphemy is no sin. So they bring up new charges which can carry capital punishment - that Jesus claimed he was King and that he was anti-Caesar.
The Sunday crowd that welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem constitutes religious pilgrims. The crowd in this trial that shouted "crucify him" are likely to be a mix of religious bigots, fanatics and paid thugs. So, the argument that Jesus was less popular at the end of the week does not stand on strong evidence.
Now moving to Simon the Cyrene - according to the gospel of Mark, he has two sons - Rufus and Alexander. Apostle Paul mentions that Rufus was a leader of the early church. It is likely that Simon became a follower of Christ with the one-time rendevous with Jesus on the road to Golgotha.
In summary, Jesus coming was prophesied as early as 1000 years before his actual coming (Psalms 22 - King David and Isaiah 53). Then he came and laid down his life for us. Apostle Paul and rest of his disciples then help interpret Jesus' death and resurrection and it's importance to us through the rest of New Testament.
Finally, focus on three individuals -
- the thief on the cross who asked Jesus to let him be in paradise with him
- the roman centurion who praised Jesus while he was on the cross
- Joseph of arimathea who did a courageous act as a Sanhedrin by following Jesus
Luke 22
The sad state of Judas
We start with Judas. He is one person described in the bible as having been taken over by satan. How did Judas, one of Jesus' closest disciples end up in this state? Was it a problem with greed? Or was he attempting to go political with Jesus, trying to force him to lead the people against the Romans? How did he not understand Jesus and what he stands for, and came for? The bible does not give us an answer why Judas betrayed the Christ. But one thing is clear:
Being close to Jesus is not a sign of genuine relationship. Mere proximity to Jesus is no proof of a relationship with him. One can be a church leader and yet not know him. Are you like that? Are you a modern day Judas?
Satan controlled Judas. But he certainly made the choices that allowed Satan to control him. Like deciding to go meet the high priest.
If there is one thing that is obvious about Jesus' last week, it is that he was in total control of everything. The Pharisees did not want Jesus to be crucified on Passover time. They were worried about setting off a riot. They wanted to ensure a quick and private judgement. But Jesus controlled the timing of his death. Based on the narrative, there was no lamb at the Passover meal that he had. If we examine it, we can see that Jesus himself became the lamb on a Passover day. He is our Passover lamb.
More on how Jesus controlled everything at a different time. The word to remember is CONTROL. He exerts the same control on today's life situations and the world too. It may seem that evil is winning, but appearances are deceptive as one can see from the last week of Jesus. What the Romans and Pharisees saw as a victory was eventually their absolute defeat.
The second aspect of this passage is the institution of the communion. The concept of the bread and wine actually representing the actual body of Christ (Eucharist) is not theologically sound. It is instead used as a metaphor. One should remember Jesus' coming, his sacrifice for our sins and the resurrection often. That's why Jesus instituted such a simple ceremony or sacrament.
Finally, Peter has an important role in this chapter. Read about it. Read Jesus' conversation with Peter as well. Jesus mentions that Peter will be sifted like wheat. But he also says that Jesus is praying for Peter. He also instructs Peter to pray so he will not fall into temptation. But Peter slept off. And eventually fell into the temptation of denying Jesus. So, pray that you do not fall into temptation.
Can you be a modern day Peter? Can Jesus build his church (small groups) on your shoulders?
Luke 21
The passion week - The widow's offering
Sunday - comes to Jerusalem to adoring crowds
Monday - cleanses the temple
Tuesday - confrontation with religious jews
Despite these important debates and confrontations, Jesus still notices the widow. Luke, as is typical with him, makes it a point to note this down in his documentation. Jesus uses his omniscience to know that the widow has only 2 coins left. Two lessons for us:
1. Spirit of giving is the important thing - Paul says in 2 Cor 8:12 - for if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable.
2. The value of the offering to God is not measured by the amount, but by the sacrifice involved.
The fig tree
"He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near."
Jesus prophesies events happening in two different time periods in Luke 21:
- "no stone in temple will be left unturned" - happened in AD 70 when Romans destroyed the temple; persecutions - occured before 70 AD
- when he will return in cloud in power and glory - will happen in future
Luke 21:10 "Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven." - may have been deliberately left ambiguous so that every believer across the ages will be watchful and be prepared.
Luke 21:32 “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. - various interpretations exist
1. could be related to AD 70 - unlikely since Jesus did not reurn in this time point (preterism or historicism)
2. related to the state of Israel's creation - will end soon (futurists or dispensationalist)
3. The actual word for generation also means 'race'. The end of the race of Jews. The generation of Jews will last until the last day when He returns. This third version sounds more real.
Regardless of what we believe, the point is - we should eagerly watch and wait for his return. It will help with our preparation of the persecutions. Just as the early Christians were able to manage those tough days.
Read this for further information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Futurism_(Christianity)
The passion week - The widow's offering
Sunday - comes to Jerusalem to adoring crowds
Monday - cleanses the temple
Tuesday - confrontation with religious jews
Despite these important debates and confrontations, Jesus still notices the widow. Luke, as is typical with him, makes it a point to note this down in his documentation. Jesus uses his omniscience to know that the widow has only 2 coins left. Two lessons for us:
1. Spirit of giving is the important thing - Paul says in 2 Cor 8:12 - for if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable.
2. The value of the offering to God is not measured by the amount, but by the sacrifice involved.
The fig tree
"He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near."
Jesus prophesies events happening in two different time periods in Luke 21:
- "no stone in temple will be left unturned" - happened in AD 70 when Romans destroyed the temple; persecutions - occured before 70 AD
- when he will return in cloud in power and glory - will happen in future
Luke 21:10 "Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven." - may have been deliberately left ambiguous so that every believer across the ages will be watchful and be prepared.
Luke 21:32 “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. - various interpretations exist
1. could be related to AD 70 - unlikely since Jesus did not reurn in this time point (preterism or historicism)
2. related to the state of Israel's creation - will end soon (futurists or dispensationalist)
3. The actual word for generation also means 'race'. The end of the race of Jews. The generation of Jews will last until the last day when He returns. This third version sounds more real.
Regardless of what we believe, the point is - we should eagerly watch and wait for his return. It will help with our preparation of the persecutions. Just as the early Christians were able to manage those tough days.
Read this for further information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Futurism_(Christianity)
Luke 19-20
To Seek and to Save the Lost
Story of Zaccheus
One of the key stories in Luke's gospel - key verse:"son of man came to seek and to save the lost."
He is a great example that in Christ you are a new creation. The story shows the Joy that a man has when he comes to Christ. Salvation came to his household.
Additional points:
- Jesus using the title 'Son of Man': See Daniel 7:13 - Jesus is promising to fulfill that prophecy.
- The arrival on a donkey: Zechariah 9:9 - fulfillment of another prophecy.
- Luke 19:41-44 was fulfilled in AD 70 when Jerusalem was overthrown by Romans under Titus.
- Sadducees = liberalized and politicized Jews who collaborated with Romans.
- Luke 20:17 is seen in Psalms 118:22
- Luke 20:41-43 is seen in Psalms 110:1
To Seek and to Save the Lost
Story of Zaccheus
One of the key stories in Luke's gospel - key verse:"son of man came to seek and to save the lost."
Can we have this as our mission statement too?
Although it is hard for a rich man to be saved (see Luke 18), Jesus shows how a rich man can be saved through the Zaccheus story. The key word is REPENTANCE. He is a great example that in Christ you are a new creation. The story shows the Joy that a man has when he comes to Christ. Salvation came to his household.
Additional points:
- Jesus using the title 'Son of Man': See Daniel 7:13 - Jesus is promising to fulfill that prophecy.
- The arrival on a donkey: Zechariah 9:9 - fulfillment of another prophecy.
- Luke 19:41-44 was fulfilled in AD 70 when Jerusalem was overthrown by Romans under Titus.
- Sadducees = liberalized and politicized Jews who collaborated with Romans.
- Luke 20:17 is seen in Psalms 118:22
- Luke 20:41-43 is seen in Psalms 110:1
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