October 19, 2016
CAN I GET A WITNESS?
Luke 24:36–53
Laura Smith
Central Truth
Spending time with Jesus changes everything about us—our thoughts, words, and actions and how we spend our time, talent, and treasure.
Key Verse | Luke 24:45–48
Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things." (Luke 24:45-48)
Luke 24:36–53
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 1 24:42 Some manuscripts add and some honeycomb 43 and he took it and ate before them.
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 for 2 24:47 Some manuscripts and the 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.”
The Ascension
50 And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God.
Dive Deeper | Luke 24:36–53
My best friend in college was the first person I was around with a “Texas drawl.” The word “y’all” was an integral part of her vocabulary and became part of mine as our friendship grew. When I went back to Oklahoma for summer break after my freshman year, all my high school friends commented on the fact that Texas had broken me. They said there was no turning back. (They were right!) It was amazing how the people I spent a lot of time with influenced my speech and way of thinking!
The disciples were witnesses to everything Jesus did while on earth—living a perfect life, performing miracles, teaching with authority, forgiving sins, dying on the cross, and rising from the dead—and then they were given the responsibility to go and tell others about repentance and forgiveness. They all experienced firsthand the amazing things Jesus said and did, and He told them to not be silent. Jesus used them to further His kingdom. I’m thankful they were obedient; otherwise, I might not know about or have the incredible gift of Jesus’ grace!
After those young men spent three years with Jesus, they had a new way of speaking and a changed way of thinking. Religious leaders recognized that Peter and John had been with Jesus because of their boldness (Acts 4:13). And Jesus didn’t tell the disciples to do anything He hadn’t done Himself. He first went through a huge area preaching repentance and forgiveness, and then He told the disciples to follow suit. We are called to do the same (Matthew 28:19-20). God’s Word is in our mouths and hearts to share with others (Romans 10:8)!
Just like my vocabulary expanded to include “y’all” after spending time with my friend, my knowledge of God’s Word grew after spending quality time in it. I have experienced the Lord’s work in my life in amazing ways, and I want to be a responsible witness with what He’s given me! I pray His words come out of my mouth instead of mine. Pray for the Lord to open your heart and mind to His Word, then get ready to go!
Discussion Questions
1. Whom do you know who are strong witnesses for the Lord? What do you think makes them that way?
2. Based on your words and actions, do you think people can tell that you’ve been with Jesus? Why or why not?
3. Who have you shared the gift of grace and forgiveness with lately? Who in your life have you not shared with who needs to hear about it? Pray for the Lord to give you His words to say, then share lovingly and boldly (Ephesians 6:19-20)!