Jesus Teaches

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Scripture: Luke 24:44-49 (ESV)

44 Then [Jesus] 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 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.”

Devotion:

            Jesus calms the fears and removes the misunderstandings about Himself and His mission that the first disciples and we have in this passage. It was commonly thought that the Messiah would be a military and political leader who would restore the nation of Israel to independence from foreign control. Today, people still use Christ’s life and legacy for political and military aims. Jesus desired to fulfill what was written about Him in the Hebrew scriptures.

            Verse 49 of this passage is often overlooked. In it, Jesus expressly tells His followers to wait. People like us sometimes are too anxious to act without power from on high. We tell the Holy Spirit that we can do without Him. We need the Spirit’s help to accomplish what Jesus wants us to do. Fortunately for us, those first disciples waited until the power came upon them at Pentecost to act in Jesus' name with the power of the Spirit to help them.

            Let us not overlook the significance of Jesus’ final teaching, as recorded here by Luke. He urges us to delve into the scriptures, just as He invited His first followers to do. It is through this study that we find guidance for our actions. And, when we are empowered by the Spirit, we can confidently go forth and make disciples in all nations. We must not underestimate the importance of the Spirit's power in our lives as we strive to do God's work. Let us, therefore, seek God’s guidance and empowerment through prayer.

Prayer:

            Lord, let us follow the pattern You have set in Your word. Let us wait and receive Your anointing by the Holy Spirit. And, once we have received it, let us go out boldly to make disciples wherever we find receptive hearts. We should not shy away from speaking the name of Jesus, just as the first disciples did. Their fearless proclamation of His name led to the spread of the Gospel. Help us, therefore, to carry out Your kingdom's work in the world today. Amen. 

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