March 10, 2020
Powerful Proof and Purpose in the Palms of Jesus
Luke 24:36-53
Ben Judy
Central Truth
Peace personified. Prophecies fulfilled. Proof of Jesus' identity. Pleading and prevailing wounds. Patience practiced. Power projected. Promise of God's presence.
All point to my purpose: preach repentance and proclaim the name of Jesus!
Key Verse | Luke 24:47
"[A]nd that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem."
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
Jesus shows His wounded hands and feet to His disciples in an intimate moment packed with emotion, revelation, and a call to action. Let's observe and apply:
Peace personified. Jesus begins with, "Peace to you!" The Good Shepherd calms His troubled sheep with His presence. How I need His peace today!
Prophecies fulfilled. I imagine the disciples' heads spinning as the risen Lord recounts how "everything written about me" is fulfilled. I know mine is.
Proof of Jesus' identity. John later recalls, "We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands." (1 John 1:1b, NLT) This man who appeared like a spirit is, indeed, "the one who is eternal life." (1 John 1:2b, NLT) I must also believe He who overcame death is He who gives new life to me.
Pleading and prevailing wounds. Charles Spurgeon beautifully articulates another purpose for Jesus' wounds. "When [Jesus] rises up to pray for his people, he needs not speak a word; he lifts his hands before his Father's face; he makes bare his side, and points to his feet. These are the orators with which he pleads with God. . . . His wounds plead and prevail."
Patience practiced. Luke finally records his first mention of the disciples worshiping Jesus in the last sentence of his book. All the while, Jesus waits patiently. I'm so grateful for His patience with my doubting heart.
Power projected. The one who had taken the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5-11) departs with demonstrations of infinite power: defeating death, suddenly appearing in a locked room (John 20:19), and visibly ascending to sit at the right hand of the Father (Colossians 3:1). I can only worship in awe of His unmatched power.
Promise of God's presence. Jesus promises His followers they will be empowered by the Holy Spirit. (See Luke's sequel, the Acts of the Apostles.) I must yield to the Spirit and let Him be my strength today.
Proclamation is my purpose. Jesus commissions His disciples to call everyone to repentance and receive forgiveness of sins in Jesus' name. I must share the good news!
Discussion Questions
1. What else do you see in these closing paragraphs of Luke's story? It's okay if your observations don't start with a P!
2. Which of these observations do you struggle to believe? Many people reject the literal resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Some of us wrestle continually with a lack of peace. Pray that God's Holy Spirit would convict your heart of the truth so that you may go "with great joy."
3. Do doubts arise in your heart in times of trouble? (That's another way of asking, "Are you a normal human being?") If so, are you gathering together with other disciples, "talking about these things," and encouraging each other to take comfort in the Prince of Peace?
4. Have you ever repented of your sins and asked God for forgiveness? Do you recognize that the sinless Son of God suffered mortal wounds because you could not bear the penalty for your sins—only He could? Are you ready to believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord? (Romans 10:9-10)
5. If you have turned from your sins and you do believe in Jesus, what will you do today to proclaim His name to all nations?