September 19 He Said to Them

Luke 24:44-49 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
 
IF you’ve ever wondered, “Do I need to read the entire Bible?” I hope this passage transforms your question into, “I have read the entire Bible.” or the second time on Resurrection Day, our risen Lord taught from all the Scriptures, just as he had taught during his earthly ministry.
    Jesus always taught from the Law, the prophets - the Scriptures. He demonstrated to his closest disciples, the Jewish authorities and the Gentiles God’s eternal plan for the world. He taught how this plan was being fulfilled through his life, death and resurrection. As the Savior prepares to return to heaven, he remained committed to declare the kingdom has come, God’s will is being done. He even said his teaching would continue as they would be clothed with power from on high.
    The disciples are beginning to see it all. Jesus’ resurrection has given them a new personal experience with Jesus. Their eyewitness to the Lord Jesus Christ will empower them to teach and preach the Word with fervent, sure faith. Now they know the most important truth: the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms are fulfilled in Jesus Christ of Nazareth. And they understand Jesus’ self-declaration John 11:25 “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” Now they understand what Jesus meant by the sign of Jonah. (Luke 11:29) They can also clearly see John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. And they know without question Matthew 16:21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 
    Jesus’ disciples must know the Scriptures to know Jesus. Disciples must believe he is risen. They are to understand his resurrection power. Jesus called and still calls disciples to be his church. Disciples are to be the Lord’s witnesses. We must tell of our life-changing experiences with Jesus. The world must know Jesus is alive!
 
Prayer: I pray, Lord, I am your true disciple, a fervent witness to your glorious life, death, resurrection and ascension. Amen.