Lucas 24
John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
Lucas 24
MacArthur adds "From its inception on the Day of Pentecost, the church’s triumphant message has been that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead and is alive forevermore (Acts 2:22-32; 3:14-15, 26; 4:10-12; 5:30; 10:40; 13:30, 33-37). Erich Sauer writes, “The message of the cross is at the same time a message of the resurrection (Acts 1:22; 2:32). In this lies its invincibility” (The Triumph of the Crucified [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1951], 40). The bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ was necessary for at least three reasons. First, it demonstrated Christ’s complete victory over sin. Sin brought spiritual death and physical death. If He only conquered spiritual death, He did not fully conquer sin. If He had not risen bodily, those who are His would not rise either. There would never be a restoration of the earth in millennial glory. Second, Christ’s bodily resurrection is necessary to demonstrate the purpose of God in humanity. Men and women were created to give glory to God. Their bodily resurrection, which is dependent on Christ’s, is necessary so that men and women in some bodily form may give glory to God as they were originally intended to do. Finally, and most significantly, the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ offers visible proof that God was satisfied with His sacrifice. Saving faith comes when one acknowledges Jesus as Lord, affirming that God raised Him from the dead, and thus demonstrated His approval of Christ’s atoning work on the cross. If the story of Jesus ended at the cross, the disciples’ hopes would have been shattered. They needed to know not only that He died, but also that He rose from the dead. The only way they would know that is to see Him in His physical, visible resurrected body. If they had not seen Jesus alive from the dead, they would not have carried the message any further. They would never have proclaimed the message of a dead, disappointing teacher. No one would have believed the Lord Jesus was the Redeemer, Savior, Son of God, and Lord if He hadn’t visibly risen from the dead." (See Luke Commentary) This was the essence of Paul 's message in the "resurrection chapter" in First Corinthians... But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. 15 Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; 17 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. (1 Cor 15:13-17+) THOUGHT - A mighty practical lesson is involved in our Lord’s dealing with the disciples, which we shall do well to remember. That lesson is the duty of dealing gently with weak disciples, and teaching them as they are able to bear. Like our Lord, we must be patient and longsuffering. Like our Lord, we must condescend to the feebleness of some men’s faith, and treat them as tenderly as little children, in order to bring them into the right way. We must not cast off men because they do not see everything at once. We must not despise the humblest and most childish means, if we can only persuade men to believe. Such dealing may require much patience. But he who cannot condescend to deal thus with the young, the ignorant, and the uneducated, has not the mind of Christ. Well would it be for all believers, if they would remember St. Paul’s words more frequently, “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak.” (1 Cor 9:22.) (See Luke 24) Charles Erdman - The appearances and disappearances of Jesus after his resurrection may have been mysterious or miraculous as was his walking upon the sea in the days of his previous ministry; but he gave his disciples to understand by every conceivable, sensible sign that he had risen from the dead in his actual, physical, human body. The theory that the resurrection can be explained as a hallucination, a vision, or an apparition is forever silenced by the testimony of Luke, the careful historian, the intelligent physician. Upon the foundation of the established fact of a literal, bodily resurrection, this superstructure of our Christian faith firmly stands. Forty Amazing Days - Luke 24:43 Read: Acts 1:1-11 | [He was] seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. —Acts 1:3 During the 40 days between His resurrection and ascension to heaven, Jesus appeared again and again to His disciples. What an amazing and significant time that was! It seemed as if He came out of nowhere, then just as mysteriously He would vanish from their sight. He spoke to them about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3), and even ate with them (Luke 24:43). These appearances were not some figment of their imagination. When I was a boy, I used to ponder those mysterious events. Where did Jesus come from when He appeared, and where did He go when He disappeared? I came to believe that Jesus was able to slip from heaven to earth and back again during those 40 days. Then on the 40th day He ascended and disappeared into a cloud to remain at the Father’s right hand until the time comes for Him to return (Acts 1:9-11; Ephesians 1:20-21). Mystery still remains, but I find comfort in the fact that the Bible records those events. They strengthen my faith in knowing that before Jesus’ disciples began to preach the gospel, they were absolutely sure He was alive. They also reassure me that heaven is near at hand. How wonderful to know that Jesus is alive and that heaven is only a step away! Jesus the Savior reigns, The God of truth and love; When He had purged our stains, He took His seat above. —Wesley No matter where we are, Jesus is only a prayer away. Luke 24:44 Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." These - Lu 24:6,7 9:22 18:31-33 Mt 16:21 17:22,23 20:18,19 Mk 8:31,32 9:31 Mk 10:33,34 while - Joh 16:4,5,16,17 17:11-13 that all : Lu 24:26,27,46 21:22 Mt 26:54,56 Joh 19:24-37 Ac 3:18 13:29-31,33 1Co 15:3,4 in the law - Ge 3:15 14:18 22:18 49:10 Lev 16:2-19 Nu 21:8 35:25 De 18:15-19 Joh 3:14 5:46 Ac 3:22-24 7:37 Heb 3:5 7:1 9:8 10:1 the prophets - Lu 24:27 Isa 7:14 9:6 11:1-10 28:16 40:1-11 42:1-4 49:1-8 50:2-6 Isa 52:13-15 53:1-12 61:1-3 Jer 23:5 33:14 Eze 17:22 34:23 Da 2:44 7:13 9:24-27 Ho 1:7-11 3:5 Joe 2:28-32 Am 9:11 Mic 5:1-4 Hag 2:7-9 Zec 6:12 9:9 11:8-13 12:10 13:7 14:4 Mal 3:1-3 4:2-6 the psalms - Ps 2:1-12 16:9-11 22:1-31 40:6-8 69:1-36 72:1-20 88:1-18 Ps 109:4-20 110:1-7 118:22 Joh 5:39 Ac 17:2,3 1Pe 1:11 Rev 19:10 Luke 24:44–49 The Great Commission: Proclaiming Forgiveness to the World, Part 1 - John MacArthur Luke 24:44–49 The Great Commission: Proclaiming Forgiveness to the World, Part 2 - John MacArthur Luke 24:44-49 Our Mission and How to Fulfill It - Steven Cole Luke 24:36-44 First Appearance of the Risen Lord to the Eleven - C H Spurgeon Luke 24:36-44 The First Appearance of the Risen Lord to the Eleven Luke 24:41-45 Joy Hindering Faith - C H Spurgeon Luke 24 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Greek Eipen (3SAAI) de pros autous: houtoi oi logoi mou ous elalesa (1SAAI) pros humas eti on (PAPMSN) sun humin, hoti dei (3SPAI) plerothenai (1SAAI) panta ta gegrammena (RPPNPA) en to nomo Mouseos kai tois prophetais kai psalmois peri emou. Amplified Then He said to them, This is what I told you while I was still with you: everything which is written concerning Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. LUKE'S VERSION OF THE GREAT COMMISSION Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must (dei) be fulfilled (pleroo) - All things... must be fulfilled. No exceptions. Written is grapho in the perfect tense indicating they were penned in the past and stand written and remain in effect forever! This statement applies to all Scripture, for as Jesus declared “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away." (Lk 21:33+). It follows that we can stake our life on the Scriptures. Note Law...prophets...psalms indicating that there is no part of Scripture that does not bear its witness to the Messiah. All Scriptures points to Him. This is the only place where this threefold division of the Old Testament is mentioned. THOUGHT - Have you begun to discover Jesus in the Old Testament or are you simply reading to complete your through the Bible in a year program. Stated another way, the entire Old Testament is like a giant "finger" pointing to the Messiah. J Vernon McGee used to say his goal was to discover Jesus on every page of the Old Testament. J C
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MacArthur adds that "From then on, believers set aside Sunday to meet and remember the marvelous resurrection of the Lord (see Acts 20:7; 1Cor 16:2). It became known as the Lord’s Day (Rev 1:10)." Early dawn (‘at the crack of dawn’) - Literally, "at deep dawn" or "or the dawn being deep." The adjective bathus (deep) was often used of time. This very idiom occurs in Aristophanes, Plato,etc. John 20:1 adds “while it was yet dark.” That is, when they started, for the sun was risen when they arrived (Mark 16:2). They could have accomplished nothing in the dark but were there as early as they could be to accomplish their supposed task of anointing Jesus' body. Vincent on early dawn (deep dawn) - Plutarch says of Alexander, that he supped “at deep evening;” i.e., late at night. Philo says that the Hebrews crossed the Red Sea “about deep dawn (as here), while others were yet in bed.” So Socrates, in prison, asks Crito the time of day. He replies, ὄρθρος βαθύς, the dawn is deep, i.e. breaking (Plato, “Crito,” 43). Robertson on early dawn - Literally, at deep dawn. The adjective bathus (deep) was often used of time. This very idiom occurs in Aristophanes, Plato, et cetera. John 20:1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, while it *was still dark, and *saw the stone already taken away from the tomb. Mark 16:1-2 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might come and anoint Him. Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. Matthew 28:1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. Early dawn (3721)(orthrios) means daybreak, early morning, literally of depth of early morning or at the first steak of dawn. Used 3x - Lk 24:1, John 8:2, Acts 5:21. Vine writes "Used with the adverb batheos, "deeply," in Luke 24:1, it means "at early dawn" (RV). In John 8:2 it is used in the genitive case, orthrou, "at dawn," i.e., "early in the morning." In Acts 5:21, it is used with the article and preceded by the preposition hypo, "under, or about," lit., "about the dawn," "about daybreak," RV (for AV, "early in the morning.")." Gilbrant - This adjective is the older form of its related term, orthrinos (3720). It is found in such literature of antiquity as the hymns of Homer (Seventh–Sixth Centuries B.C.), the Septuagint, Josephus, and in nonliterary papyri. An example of this is found in an Egyptian papyrus of the First Century B.C. which speaks of a man’s orthrios, i.e., his “first deed” or “morning greeting” (cf. Moulton-Milligan).The New Testament shows only one usage in this form, and that in the Textus Receptus of Luke 24:22 (with the older texts giving orthrinos). Here the two from Emmaus are telling Jesus, whom they do not recognize, that on the morning of the first day of the week “certain women...which were early” (orthrios) discovered the tomb to be empty. This signifies that this occurred at the first dawning. (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary) Orthros - 34x in 34v in the Septuagint (Lxx) - Read some of the uses below as some very famous and fascinating events occurred early in the morning! Gen. 19:15; Gen. 32:26; Exod. 19:16; Jos. 6:15; Jdg. 16:2; Jdg. 19:25; Jdg. 19:26; 1 Sam. 9:26; Neh. 4:21; Est. 5:14; Ps. 57:8; Ps. 63:6; Ps. 108:2; Ps. 119:148; Ps. 139:9; Prov. 7:18; Prov. 23:35; Song. 6:10; Jer. 7:25; Jer. 25:4; Jer. 26:5; Jer. 32:33; Jer. 35:14; Jer. 44:4; Hos. 6:3; Hos. 10:15; Joel 2:2; Amos 4:13 MacArthur - The Jews marked their days at sundown rather than midnight, so the Sabbath ended on Saturday evening around 6:00 P.M....At least two of (the women - see Mt. 27:61; Mk 15:47) observed Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus wrapping Jesus’ body with spices for His burial on Friday (John 19:39; cf. Mark 15:46). Yet they wished to prepare their own spices to anoint their Lord. Understandably, they desired one last opportunity to demonstrate their love. Because the Jewish people did not embalm the bodies of their dead, anointing was an act borne of necessity, to mitigate the powerful odors of a decomposing body. They came to the tomb - They refers to the women who Luke had described at the end of the previous chapter. Luke earlier had said that these women planned to return to the tomb in order to prepare Jesus' body for burial following the Sabbath, the Jewish day of rest." (Lk 23:54-56+) Clearly they knew exactly where the tomb was located because they had watched as Joseph and Nicodemus had laid His body in the tomb (Lk 23:54). This fact refutes skeptics who say they went to the wrong tomb and that is why it was empty. Scripture soundly refutes that weak argument. The names of those who traveled to the tomb are given in Luke 24:10+ (Mary Magdalene...Joanna...Mary the mother of James also the other women with them) J C
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MacArthur adds that "John notes that Mary Magdalene arrived earlier “while it was still dark” (John 20:1). Evidently all the women set out just before dawn while it was still dark, but Mary got to the tomb ahead of the others. (Luke Commentary) (Ed: "Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave." Mt 28:1) Faith Life Study Bible - First-century Jews understood the calendar day to begin at sunset. In accordance with Jesus’ predictions (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34), He remained buried for parts of three calendar days: the end of Friday, the entirety of Saturday (the Sabbath), and roughly the first half of Sunday (from sunset to sunrise). By Mark’s reckoning, Jesus died and was buried before sunset on Friday—the end of the 15th day of the month of Nisan. Sunset marked the beginning of the Sabbath (Saturday, the 16th of Nisan). The following sunset was the start of Sunday (the 17th of Nisan); later that day, as the sun was rising, the women visited the tomb. Bringing the spices which they had prepared - Recall that the body had already been anointed so this would have been additional anointing by the women. John MacArthur notes that "John reports that Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and almost certainly a member of the Sanhedrin (see John 3:1), joined Joseph at the tomb, “bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight.” Together, “they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews” (John 19:39–40). Unlike the Egyptians, the Jews did not attempt to embalm bodies but simply encased them in strongly perfumed burial cloths to help mask the stench of decay." (Matthew Commentary)
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MacArthur - All four gospel writers combine to report on the features surrounding Jesus’ resurrection. Though each author reveals unique elements that bear upon the narrative (a fact that contradicts the modern critical notion that the gospel writers copied from a common source), they harmonize perfectly because they share a common divine Author (cf. John 14:26; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21). Each of the Gospels explains that Jesus died on the cross on Friday afternoon and was buried that evening (Matt. 27:47–61; Mark 15:33–47; Luke 23:44–56; John 19:28–42). He remained in the tomb all day Saturday. But early Sunday morning, when the women arrived to anoint the body with burial spices, the tomb was empty. Their confusion turned to wonder when an angel appeared and explained to them that Jesus was alive. After that, the Lord Himself began to appear to His followers. (For a harmony of the gospel accounts of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances, see John MacArthur, One Perfect Life [Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2012].) (Mark Commentary) Leon
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MacArthur - The stone was far too heavy for them to maneuver, and the women had discussed the problem of how to move it while on their way to the tomb (Mark 16:3). They did not know of the guard detachment, which also would have prevented them from entering the tomb. It had been posted on Saturday (Matt. 27:62-66), when they were home observing the Sabbath. The guards, terrified by the earthquake and the appearance of the angels, had been rendered unconscious (Matt. 28:4). When they came to their senses they fled, and some reported what had happened to the Jewish leaders (Mt 28:11), who initiated a cover-up (Mt 28:12-15).
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MacArthur adds that "At first glance Mary Magdalene seems out of place in the group of eyewitnesses. According to John 20:1-2, she had seen that the Lord’s body was not in the tomb, jumped to the erroneous conclusion that grave robbers had taken it, and ran back to report her conclusion to Peter and John. Thus, she was not at the tomb with the other women. But her story does not end there. At some point she decided to go back to the tomb. " John 20:11-18 gives us the details of Mary Magdalene's second trip to Jesus' empty tomb... But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she *said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and *said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” ("a strengthened form of the word “Rabbi,” used here to express supreme honor and reverence to her beloved Teacher") (which means, Teacher). 17 Jesus *said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her. Related Resources: Fausset Bible Dictionary - Mary Magdalene Whyte's Bible Characters - Mary Magdalene Who was Mary Magdalene? How many Marys are in the Bible?
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MacArthur on Joanna - This woman is also mentioned in Lk 8:3 ("Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s [Herod Antipas son of Herod the Great. He ruled from 4 B.C.–A.D. 39, sharing the rule of his father’s realm with his two brothers] steward"), but nowhere else in Scripture. It is possible that she was a source for some of the details Luke recounts about Herod....Her husband was Herod’s steward. (cf. Lk 23:8, 12). Gilbrant has an interesting comment - That women should be the first witnesses of the empty tomb is characteristic of the gospel which regularly overturns society's expectations and systems. Women were generally excluded from giving legal testimony (see Sanhedrin 3.9, cited by Hauptman, pp. 187-211). Would their testimony that the tomb was empty and that Jesus had been raised just as He himself had predicted be accepted? Or would the disciples reject the women's testimony as the product of emotionalism or some feminine hysteria? The character of at least some of the women heightens the suspense as Luke names them. Mary Magdalene was a woman who had seven demons cast out of her (Lk 8:2)—could she be trusted? Joanna was the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward—was she part of some devious plot to trap the rest of Jesus' followers (cf. Lk 8:3 and Lk 13:31)? (Complete Biblical Library) MacArthur points out "That the resurrected Christ appeared first to women, elevated women, who held an inferior position in Jewish society (ED: THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED TO TESTIFY IN COURT). It was a testimony to their love, devotion, and courage. They had witnessed His death at Calvary and His burial, and had seen the empty tomb. John is the only disciple recorded to have been at the cross, but he did not witness the burial; Joseph and Nicodemus buried the Lord’s body, but they did not see the empty tomb. Now, with His appearance to the women, the evidence was complete, and only the women were eyewitnesses to the entire sequence of events. Luke may have specifically named three of them, Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James, again in light of the law’s requirement that “on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed” (Deut. 19:15). (See Luke Commentary) Apostles (652)(apostolos from apo = from + stello = send forth) (Click discussion of apostle) means one sent forth from by another, often with a special commission to represent another and to accomplish his work. Thankful For Skeptics When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. —Matthew 28:17 Jesus’ disciples were not easily convinced. When they heard the excited testimony of the women who had been to the empty tomb, “they did not believe them” (Luke 24:11). And when Jesus suddenly appeared to them that evening, “they still did not believe for joy, and marveled” (v.41). They were so overjoyed and stunned at the sight of their risen Lord that they questioned their own senses. Some time later, when Jesus appeared to His disciples in Galilee, even then “some doubted” (Matthew 28:17). This group likely included those followers who were seeing the resurrected Savior for the first time (1 Corinthians 15:6). Before worshiping Him, they had to be sure they weren’t seeing a phantom. For Further Study Read John 20-21 and 1 Corinthians 15. Read Did Christ Really Rise From The Dead? Honest skepticism can be the first step to a strong faith. Luke 24:11 But these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them nonsense. Luke 24:25. Ge. 19:14. 2 Ki. 7:2. Job 9:16. Ps. 126:1. Acts 12:9. Luke 24:1-12 Empty Tomb with an Angelic Explanation - John MacArthur Luke 24:1-12 Witnessing Women and Doubting Disciples - John MacArthur Luke 24:1-12 The Foundation for Our Faith - Steven Cole Luke 24 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE UNBELIEVING DISCIPLES! But these words appeared to them (Literally "in their sight." enopion) as nonsense, and they would not believe them - Nonsense (only used here)(leros) means "silly talk," idle talk, "that which is totally devoid of anything worthwhile," (BDAG). A message that is simple incoherent and unintelligible. Leros was "Used in medical language of the wild talk of delirium." (Vincent) HCSB - In Jesus' day women were not considered to be credible witnesses. This is why the Eleven (the apostles who remained after Judas' act of betrayal) did not believe the women's report about what had happened at Jesus' tomb, viewing it as nonsense. (Borrow Holman Christian Standard Bible Study Bible) John MacArthur - No matter that the women’s stories were identical, indicating that they all saw and experienced the same reality. No matter that their story had cohesion, was consistent, and provided details for which there was no other plausible explanation. The disciples thought the whole thing was absurd, and they would not believe them (cf. Luke 24:23–25). (See Luke Commentary) Leon
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MacArthur adds that "The disciples’ unbelief offers further evidence that Jesus had risen. They would never have fabricated a resurrection, as the Jewish leaders falsely accused them of doing, since they were not expecting one. When the resurrection was reported to them by eyewitnesses, they scoffed at it and refused to believe. It was not until Jesus Himself appeared to them that they finally accepted that He had risen—and Thomas, who was not present when the Lord appeared to the other ten, refused to take their word for it. He would not believe until Jesus appeared a second time with him present." (See Luke Commentary)
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MacArthur - Luke added as a side note Peter’s visit to the tomb with John, which happened before the other women and Mary Magdalene returned. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb (Cf. John 20:3–6) - "But" introduces a contrast (term of contrast) which begs the question "What is Luke contrasting?" While the other disciples were skeptical of the women's report, Peter believed (some commentaries dispute this conclusion) what the Lord had prophesied about His resurrection and thus translated his belief into action (ran). While the others dismissed the report of the women, Peter got up and ran to the tomb, for he had learned to believe in what the Lord had said. John fills in some details - John also got up and in fact outran Peter to the tomb... John 20:3-10 So Peter and the other disciple (John) went forth, and they were going to the tomb. 4 The two were running together; and the other disciple (John) ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first; 5 and stooping and looking in (parakupto), he saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in. 6 And so Simon Peter also *came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he *saw the linen wrappings lying there (in contrast Lazarus' came forth in the grave-clothes - Jn 11:44 - Jesus' body was glorified and able to pass thru grave clothes), 7 and the face-cloth which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself (Ed: Not at all like grave robbers would have done! Upshot - No one stole the body!!! cp Mt 27:64- see Jesus' Body Stolen hypothesis). 8 So the other disciple (John) who had first come to the tomb then also entered, and he saw and believed (John saw the grave clothes which convinced him Jesus had risen) 9 For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. 10 So the disciples went away again to their own homes.11 But Mary (Mary Magdalene) was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; 12 and she *saw two angels (Lk 24:4) in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. John MacArthur explains that "Neither Peter nor John understood that Scripture said Jesus would rise (Ps 16:10). This is evident by the reports of Luke (Lk 24:25–27, 32, 44–47). Jesus had foretold His resurrection (Jn 2:19; Mt 16:21; Mk 8:31; 9:31; Lk 9:22), but they would not accept it (Mt 16:22; Lk 9:44, 45). By the time John wrote this gospel, the church had developed an understanding of the OT prediction of Messiah’s resurrection (cf. “as yet” Jn 20:9).....Christ suddenly appeared to (Mary Magdalene (Jn 20:11–18). That was His first appearance (Mk 16:9). Sometime soon after that, He met the other women on the road and appeared to them as well (Mt 28:9, 10). Later that day He appeared to two of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13–32), and to Peter (Lk 24:34). (See The NKJV, MacArthur Daily Bible) ESV Study Bible on linen wrappings in Jn 20:6 - The linen cloths lying there are clear evidence that Jesus’ body had not been taken by grave robbers (cf. Matt. 28:11–15) or by his disciples attempting to steal the body (cf. Matt. 27:62–66) or by his enemies, who would not have taken the time to remove these cloths (see John 19:40). The Greek text simply says that the cloths were “lying” (keimai, a common word). Though it is sometimes suggested otherwise, nothing in the text indicates that Jesus’ body passed through the cloths or that the cloths were lying in the shape of Jesus’ body. The NT elsewhere affirms the real physical materiality of Jesus’ resurrection body (see Matt. 28:9; Luke 24:30, 39, 42; John 20:17, 20, 27; Acts 10:41). Most likely Jesus unwrapped these cloths from his body when he awakened from death and left them behind. (ESV Study Bible - this resource can be borrowed) Stooping and looking in - "In most instances the entrance to such tombs was less than 3 ft (1 m) high, so that an adult would have to bend down and practically crawl inside." (NET Note) That may be true but I would propose he bent over to examine the evidence very closely! Stooping and looking in (one Greek Word)(3879)(parakupto from pará = beside, aside + kúpto = bend forward, stoop) means to stoop or bend beside or sideways in order to look into. It means to look at with head bent forward, to look into with the body bent, to stoop and look into and figuratively to look carefully into, to inspect curiously or with a focus on satisfying one's curiosity. The idea was to down and look into in order to see something exactly.
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MacArthur - Christ could appear and disappear bodily, as seen in this text. His body could pass through solid objects—such as the grave clothes (Lk 24:12) or the walls and doors of a closed room (Jn 20:19, 26). He could apparently travel great distances in a moment, for by the time these disciples returned to Jerusalem, Christ had already appeared to Peter (Lk 24:34). The fact that He ascended into heaven bodily demonstrated that His resurrection body was already fit for heaven. Yet it was His body, the same one that was missing from the tomb, even retaining identifying features such as the nail-wounds (Jn 20:25–27). He was no ghost or phantom. (Borrow The MacArthur Study Bible) Opened (1272)(dianoigo from dia = through, between, used here as an intensive + anoigo = to open, remove that which obstructs) means to open completely (wide, like "double folding doors" or as when Stephen in his last moments before martyrdom saw "the heavens opened up" Acts 7:56) and can speak of opening to one's understanding what is otherwise hidden to their intellect. To open the sense of Scripture and thus to explain the Scripture. To thoroughly disclose or cause one to thoroughly understand. Albert
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MacArthur - When the truth of Scripture becomes clear, the heart is set on fire for joy and for testimony. It was that blazing joy that prompted Henry Martyn to exclaim, “Now let me burn out for God”; David Brainerd to write in his diary, “Oh that I could be a flame of fire in the service of my God!”; and John Wesley to say of his conversion, “I felt my heart strangely warmed.” (See Luke Commentary) Someone once said "Sermons from burning hearts, set others aflame!" And that was likely the effect on the "eleven" and those with them! And as Amy Carmichael said "I would rather burn out than rust out." She also penned this powerful poem which was a prayer God honored in her life. Is there anyone reading this note who would have the Holy Spirit boldness to pray such a prayer? I pray so! Give me the Love that leads the way The Faith that nothing can dismay The Hope no disappointments tire The Passion that'll burn like fire Let me not sink to be a clod Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God. Explaining (dianoigo) is the same word used in the phrase "their eyes were opened" (dianoigo) in Lk 24:31 and opened their minds in Lk 24:45 (cf similar use in Acts 17:3+) Jesus opened the the Scriptures to them and opened the eyes of their heart to see Him in the Scriptures. We too need the Spirit of Jesus today to open the Scriptures to us lest we fall into the trap of reading them mechanically (making sure we get through our "Thru the Bible in a Year" reading for the day!) We too need to see Jesus in the Scriptures!
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MacArthur - Because of His sacrifice on the cross, men and women could now have peace with God (Rom. 5:1) and enjoy the peace of God (Phil. 4:6–7). Peace in Luke's writings - Lk. 1:79; 2:14, 29; 7:50; 8:48; 10:5f; 11:21; 12:51; 14:32; 19:38, 42; 24:36; Acts 7:26; 9:31; 10:36; 12:20; 15:33; 16:36; 24:2; He Stood in the Midst He stood in the midst of His chosen, At Easter He stood at e’en; The wounds that were made by the iron In the hands and the feet were seen. And he showed where the barbarous spearhead, Transfixing His heart, had been. He stood as the sun ’mid the planets, Enriching their orbs with light; He stood as a captain inspiring His soldiers to brave the fight; And He stood as a rose in a garden, Its ornament and delight. He stood to revive the drooping, He stood to sustain the frail; He stood to infuse fresh courage In those that begin to fail; As a guide and a help to the pilgrims Who traverse this tearful vale. In the midst of the Church He standeth, A fountain whence virtue flows; He lightens, He leads, He pastures, His sheep by their name He knows; And wherever His flock He leadeth, Before them the Pastor goes. In the midst of the fiercest battle He standeth with succor near; In the blackest and wildest tempest, A beacon the tossed to cheer. I walk through the valley of shadows; I see Him, and I have no fear. Luke 24:36-44 First Appearance of the Risen Lord to the Eleven - C H Spurgeon They are as slow of heart and as fearful as ever. If they are convinced that Jesus has risen from the dead, it must be so. If they go forth to tell the tidings of his resurrection and to yield up their lives for it, you may be sure that their witness is true, for they are not the sort of men to be deceived. In our day there has been a buzz about certain miracles of faith, but the statements usually come from those whose impartiality is questionable, credulous persons who saw what they evidently wished to see. I know several good people who would not wilfully deceive, who nevertheless upon some points are exceedingly unreliable, because their enthusiasm is prepared to be imposed upon. Any hawker of wonders would expect them to be buyers; they have a taste for the marvellous. As witnesses, the evidence of such people has no value in it as compared with that of these eleven men, who evidently were the reverse of credulous or excitable. In the apostles’ case the facts were tested to the utmost and the truth was not admitted till it was forced upon them. I am not excusing the unbelief of the disciples, but I claim that their witness has all the more weight in it, because it was the result of such cool investigation. These apostles were in special manner to be witnesses of the resurrection and it makes assurance doubly sure to us when we see them arrive at their conclusion with such deliberate steps. These were men like ourselves, only perhaps a little less likely to be deceived: they needed to be convinced by overwhelming witness: ever afterwards they declared boldly that their crucified Lord had indeed risen from the dead. He Is Here Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, "Peace to you." —Luke 24:36 Surprise! Surprise! The eleven apostles had gathered together on the day of Jesus’ resurrection. They were discussing the strange happenings of the past few days, and had just listened to a report from two men who said they had seen Jesus. Suddenly He was there! Then the Savior said, “Peace to you” (Luke 24:36). I wonder if we realize when we meet together—at church, in our home, in our prayer meetings, in our gatherings with friends—that Jesus is also there. He said, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Do we really believe He is with us and listens to every word we say, and that He sees all we do? Some scholars were discussing the great authors of the past. One asked, “What if Milton should suddenly enter the room?” “Ah!” replied another. “We would honor him and compensate him for the little recognition he received in his day.” A third man commented, “What if Shakespeare entered? Would we not all stand and proclaim him King of the Poets?” Then someone ventured, “And if Jesus Christ should enter?” There was a long silence, until finally one said: “But gentlemen, He is here!” Yes, remember that Jesus is here! He sees, He hears, and He knows! Although we cannot see our Lord, We know that He is here; His promise is dependable: He always will be near. —Hess Our greatest privilege is to enjoy Christ's presence. David Reed - Jehovah's Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse Luke 24:36–39 While they were speaking of these things he himself stood in their midst.… But because they were terrified, and had become frightened, they were imagining they beheld a spirit. So he said to them: “Why are you troubled, and why is it doubts come up in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; feel me and see, because a spirit does not have flesh and bones just as you behold that I have.” (NWT) In contrast to the above words in their own Bible, Jehovah’s Witness leaders teach that the resurrected Christ is a spirit and that: “The human body of flesh, which Jesus Christ laid down forever as a ransom sacrifice, was disposed of by God’s power, but not by fire on the altar of the temple in Jerusalem. The flesh of a sacrifice is always disposed of and put out of existence, so not corrupting” (Watchtower book Things in Which It Is Impossible for God to Lie, 1965, p. 354). They also say: “Following his resurrection, Jesus did not always appear in the same body of flesh [perhaps to reinforce in their minds the fact that he was then a spirit]” (Watchtower book Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, p. 335). Obviously, the Jehovah’s Witness organization would have us believe the opposite of what Scripture teaches on this point. They insist that Christ’s body was not resurrected but disposed of, and that he became a spirit. If that were true, then his statements at Luke 24:36–39 would have been lies; and his showing the disciples the nail scars in his hands and feet, and inviting them to feel his flesh and bones, would have been a clever trick to deceive them. Besides discussing the above, you might also ask Jehovah’s Witnesses to read the verses where Jesus had originally foretold what would happen to his body: “In answer Jesus said to them: ‘Break down this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ Therefore the Jews said: ‘This temple was built in forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But he was talking about the temple of his body” (John 2:19–21, NWT). The Witnesses have a choice to make—to believe what Jesus said about his bodily resurrection, or to believe what the Watchtower says. (From Jehovah's Witnesses : answered verse by verse - borrow this book. See other related books by this American lawyer dealing with cults - including Mormonism). He Stood in the Midst Peace to My Soul Peace upon Earth Luke 24:37 But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit. ESV But they were astartled and bfrightened and cthought they saw a spirit. KJV But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. NET But they were startled and terrified, thinking99 they saw a ghost. NIV They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. NLT But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! Lu 16:30 1Sa 28:13 Job 4:14-16 Mt 14:26,27 Mk 6:49,50 Ac 12:15 Luke 24:33-43 The Living Christ Dispels All Doubt - John MacArthur Luke 24:36-43 Too Good to be True, But True! - Steven Cole Luke 24:36-44 First Appearance of the Risen Lord to the Eleven - C H Spurgeon Luke 24:36 Peace Be Unto You - C H Spurgeon Luke 24:36-44 The First Appearance of the Risen Lord to the Eleven Luke 24:36. A Divine Visitation - Sermon Notes Luke 24 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DISCIPLE'S "SPOOKED" BY JESUS' DRAMATIC APPEARANCE But - Term of contrast. Always pause to ponder what is Luke contrasting? Jesus had just said "Peace be to you," even repeating the blessing of John 20:19-20, BUT this did not deflect their frightened reaction. Normally when one said "Peace to you," there would be a response, but Luke records none, for they were struck speechless from fear! The reaction of the disciples reminds us of a similar reaction when they were on the sea in the midst of a raging storm for "When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear." (Mt 14:26) Of course, no one even cried out. It is worth noting that we have no details from the Gospel writers regarding whether Jesus post-resurrection form differed from His appearance in His earthly life (except we can be sure of the scars on His hands and feet). MacArthur - Since no human being could suddenly materialize out of nowhere into a locked room, they panicked and thought they were seeing a ghost (cf. Acts 12:9+). They were startled and frightened - So striking is the reaction of the disciples that Luke uses two words to describe the effect of His appearance. And keep in mind that they had believed that Jesus had risen from the dead (Lk 24:34, 35). J C Ryle on startled and frightened - It is striking to remark, both here and elsewhere in Scripture, how invariably the appearance of any supernatural being, or any inhabitant of another world, appears to strike terror into the heart of man. It seems an instinct of human nature to be afraid on such occasions, and is a strong indirect proof of man’s utter inability to meet God in peace without a mediator. If man is afraid of spirits and ghosts, what would man feel if he saw God Himself? (Luke 24) Envision the transition of this scene - one moment the disciples are filled with joy and talking about the fact that Jesus was alive, but then, in a moment, fear overwhelms them when they actually see Him. It makes me ponder what it will truly be like for us when one day we pass from this life to the next and we finally and fully see our risen, glorified, majestic Lord Jesus Christ? I can remember the very first time I listened to Mercy Me's classic Christian song "I Can Only Imagine," and as I listened all I could do was cry and sob almost the entire song. We will see Him some day! But I can only imagine... Pause and Ponder the great day when your eyes first see His glorious face as you listen to... "Will I sing Hallelujah or will I even be able to speak at all?" "I Can Only Imagine" Startled (4422) (ptoéō) means to terrify, frighten, scare. In the pass., to be terrified. Only passive voice (external source exerting this effect) in the NT = be startled, alarmed = only 2 uses = Luke 21:9; 24:37. This Ptoeo - 31x in the Septuagint - Exod. 19:16; Deut. 31:6; Jos. 7:5; 1 Chr. 22:13; 28:20; 2 Chr. 20:15, 17; 32:7; Job 11:16; 23:15; 32:15; Prov. 13:3; Isa. 31:4; Jer. 1:17; 4:25; 8:9; 17:18; 21:13; 23:4; 46:5, 27; 49:37; 51:56; Ezek. 2:5, 7; 3:9; Amos 3:6; Obad. 1:9; Hab. 2:17; 3:7, 16; Frightened (1719)(emphobos from en = in + phobos = fear) literally means "in fear" and then alarmed, startled, terrified, thrown into fear, very afraid. All five uses are associated in some way with supernatural manifestations. Used in 5 verses - Of the women at Jesus' tomb "were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground" when they saw two men suddenly stand near them in dazzling apparel. (Lk 24:4,5) Of the 11 disciples who were frightened when Jesus suddenly stood in the room as the 2 on the road to Emmaus were relating what had occurred (Lk 24:33-36). Of Cornelius reaction to the angel. Of the reaction of Felix fearful reaction as Paul "was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come." (Acts 24:25) Felix's reaction was not misplaced and one wanders if this man ever bowed the knee to Jesus and was saved? Finally In the Revelation (probably at the middle of the seven years of Daniel's seventieth week) there was a great earthquake in Jerusalem killing 7000 and leaving the "rest terrified." (Rev 11:13).There are no uses in the Septuagint. Emphobos is used only 5x in the NT (no uses in Lxx). Thought that they were seeing a spirit - NET = "thinking they saw a ghost"! This is surprising because the disciples believed that Jesus had risen from the dead in Luke 24:34. But when He now suddenly stood in the room before their very eyes, they were terrified. Thought (Supposed) is in the Imperfect active = they kept on thinking so (again and again, over and over).
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MacArthur - Christ’s resurrection body was capable of conforming to any realty, physical or spiritual. It was a real, physical body with flesh and bones, which could be seen, speak, be touched, and eat, yet it could also pass through walls. Jesus could one moment be absent and in the next present, at one moment standing on the Mount of Olives conversing with the disciples, and the next ascending into heaven. Resurrected believers will have bodies like His resurrected body (Phil. 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2; 1 Cor. 15:35-44). (Luke Commentary) Gilbrant - At least one of them, John, had been present at the Crucifixion. John 19:25-27 tells of Jesus' asking "the disciple... whom he loved" to take care of His mother. John had watched as the Roman soldiers drove the crucifixion nails through the hands and feet of his Master. Now he could observe the fresh scars caused by His death on Calvary. The "hands" would include the wrist area, through which the nails would have been driven, attaching the hands to the wood of the cross. Some scholars believe the feet were nailed separately; others, that the feet were crossed, and one nail put through them. At any rate, both feet would bear the scars. (The Complete Biblical Library – Luke) QUESTION - What is Docetism? Docetism was an early Christian heresy that promoted a false view of Jesus’ humanity. The word Docetism comes from the Greek dokein, which meant “to seem”; according to Docetism, Jesus Christ only seemed to have a human body like ours. Docetism allowed that Jesus may have been in some way divine, but it denied His full humanity. Hardcore Docetists taught that Jesus was only a phantasm or an illusion, appearing to be human but having no body at all. Other forms of Docetism taught that Jesus had a “heavenly” body of some type but not a real, natural body of flesh. Docetism was closely related to Gnosticism, which viewed physical matter as inherently evil and spiritual substance as inherently good. The problem with Docetism is that it denies the core truths of the gospel, namely, the death and resurrection of Christ. If Jesus did not have a real body, then He did not really die (Docetism teaches that His suffering on the cross was mere illusion). And, if Jesus had no physical body, He could not have risen bodily from the dead. Without the actual death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have no salvation, we are still in our sins, and our faith is futile (1 Corinthians 15:17). Docetism also denies the ascension of Christ (since He had no real body to make the ascent). On the matter of Jesus’ humanity, the Bible could not be clearer. Jesus went out of His way to prove His bodily resurrection to the disciples who thought at first they were seeing a ghost: “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have” (Luke 24:39). The apostle John warned the early church against the false doctrine of Gnosticism, which embraced Docetism’s error: “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist” (1 John 4:1–2). Note the apostle’s emphasis on Jesus being “in the flesh.” Denial of Jesus’ humanity was heresy. John repeats the warning in another epistle: “Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist” (2 John 1:7, emphasis added). Early church fathers fought valiantly against Docetism, especially Ignatius of Antioch (c. AD 35–107). Ignatius rightly taught that, if Jesus had not actually shed His blood on the cross, then His death was meaningless. Ignatius saw that there was no possible way to align the deception of Docetism with the truth of Christianity. Docetism must be rejected because it is not a biblical view of Jesus’ nature. In fact, Docetism stands in flat denial of biblical truth. Jesus Christ did not simply appear human; He was truly human, as well as truly God. He came from heaven and took on human flesh and bone, and He lived the life of a normal man in this world—a Spirit-filled man, to be sure, and a man who always obeyed the Father, but a man nonetheless. His suffering on the cross was real, and His death was an actual death. He shed real blood to pay the real price for our real sin in order to grant us real forgiveness. GotQuestions.org He's Alive by Don Francisco The gates and doors were barred and all the windows fastened down, I spent the night in sleeplessness and rose at every sound, Half in hopeless sorrow half in fear the day, Would find the soldiers crashing through to drag us all away. Then just before the sunrise I heard something at the wall, The gate began to rattle and a voice began to call, I hurried to the window and looked down to the street, Expecting swords and torches and the sound of soldiers feet, There was no one there but Mary so I went down to let her in, John stood there beside me as she told us were she'd been, She said they moved him in the night and none of us knows where, The stones been rolled away and now his body isn't there. We both ran toward the garden then John ran on ahead, We found the stone and the empty tomb just the way that Mary said, But the winding sheet they wrapped him in was just an empty shell, And how or where they'd taken him was more than I could tell. Something strange had happened there but what I did not know, John believed a miracle but I just turned to go, Circumstance and speculation couldn't lift me very high, Cause I'd seen them crucify him and then I'd watched him die, Back inside the house again all the guilt and anguish came, Everything I'd promised him just added to my shame, But at last it came to choices I denied I knew his name, Even If he was alive it wouldn't be the same. But suddenly the air was filled with a strange and sweet perfume, Light that came from everywhere drove shadows from the room, Jesus stood before me with his arms held open wide, And I fell down on my knees and clung to him and cried, He raised me to my feet and as I looked into his eyes, Love was shining out from him like sunlight from the sky, Guilt and my confusion disappeared in sweet release, And every fear I'd ever had just melted into peace. He's alive, He's alive, He's alive and I'm forgiven, Heavens gates are open wide. He's alive, He's alive, He's alive and I'm forgiven, Heavens gates are open wide. He's alive, He's alive, He's alive and I'm forgiven, Heavens gates are open wide. He's alive! He's alive! He's alive! C H
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MacArthur - It seemed too good to be real, and they were torn between hope and skepticism, just like those praying for Peter’s release from prison would later be (Acts 12:12-16). (See Luke Commentary) Spurgeon on still could not believe - Does joy stop faith? Beloved, anything stops faith if we will let it. Faith is a divine miracle. Wherever it exists, God creates it, and God sustains it; but without God, anything can hinder it: “while they yet believed not for joy,”- That is a singular combination. At first, they believed not for grief; and now the pendulum swings the other way, and they believe not for joy. There is a kind of unbelief that is begotten of excessive delight. We know something to be true, and yet there comes the recoil, and the doubt, “Surely it is too good to be true; can it really be so?” See how Jesus convinced them that he was not a spirit: “while they yet believed not for joy,” (Exposition) Morrison - Then a great joy, like a tide, swept over them. And they could not believe, they were so glad. Not long ago Christ found them sleeping for sorrow (Luke 22:45), and now He found them disbelieving for joy. Do not forget, then, that joy can hinder faith. It may be as great a foe to faith as sorrow sometimes is.”
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MacArthur writes that the disciples' "evangelism was to be biblically based, so they needed clear understanding of the Scriptures related to Christ. The Old Testament promised the Messiah would come through the line of Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3; cf. Gal. 3:16), the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10; cf. Rev. 5:5), and the line of David (2 Sam. 7). Isaiah 7:14 predicted that He would be born of a virgin; Micah 5:2 that He would be born in Bethlehem. He would be betrayed by a close, trusted friend (Ps. 41:9); He would be beaten, spit on, and have His beard pulled out (Isa. 50:6; Mic. 5:1); the soldiers would gamble for His clothing (Ps. 22:18); He would be crucified (Ps. 22) and pierced (Zech. 12:10); His death would be vicarious (Isa. 53), and He would rise from the dead (Isa. 53:10; Ps. 16:8-11). The Christ of gospel history did not invent Himself, nor is He the invention of some people in the first century. He is the unmistakable fulfillment of divine prophecy." (See Luke Commentary) Must (1163)(dei) speaks of that which is under the necessity of happening, in this case describing a "divine necessity." God said it and that settles it -- it will happen! This is the same verb Luke used earlier quoting Jesus' declaration “Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” (Lk 24:26) (Ed: Implies an affirmative response). Dei in Luke and Acts - Lk. 4:43; Lk. 9:22; Lk. 11:42; Lk. 12:12; Lk. 13:14; Lk. 13:16; Lk. 13:33; Lk. 15:32; Lk. 17:25; Lk. 18:1; Lk. 19:5; Lk. 21:9; Lk. 22:7; Lk. 22:37; Lk. 24:7; Lk. 24:26; Lk. 24:44; Acts 1:16; Acts 1:21; Acts 3:21; Acts 4:12; Acts 5:29; Acts 9:6; Acts 9:16; Acts 14:22; Acts 15:5; Acts 16:30; Acts 17:3; Acts 19:21; Acts 20:35; Acts 23:11; Acts 24:19; Acts 25:10; Acts 25:24; Acts 26:9; Acts 27:21; Acts 27:24; Acts 27:26 Fulfilled (complete) (4137)(pleroo) means to make complete in every particular. Every jot and tittle will be fulfilled. Pleroo in Luke and Acts - Lk. 1:20; Lk. 2:40; Lk. 3:5; Lk. 4:21; Lk. 7:1; Lk. 9:31; Lk. 21:24; Lk. 22:16; Lk. 24:44; Acts 1:16; Acts 2:2; Acts 2:28; Acts 3:18; Acts 5:3; Acts 5:28; Acts 7:23; Acts 7:30; Acts 9:23; Acts 12:25; Acts 13:25; Acts 13:27; Acts 13:52; Acts 14:26; Acts 19:21; Acts 24:27 Related Resource: Messianic Prophecy Norman Geisler - When Critics Ask LUKE 24:44—Was the OT divided by the Jews of Jesus’ day into two or three parts? PROBLEM: The Jewish Bible is divided into three sections—the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. Many believe that Jesus is alluding to this threefold division in the phrase “the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms.” However, the standard NT way of referring to the entire OT by Jesus and the NT writers was by the phrase “the Law and the Prophets” (cf. Matt. 5:17; Luke 24:27). Which is correct? SOLUTION: The earliest reference to divisions or sections in the OT is twofold—Law and Prophets. This is true during the period of the Jewish exile (6th century _._.), as indicated by Daniel (9:2, 11, 13), and also after the exile (Zech. 1:4; 7:7, 12; cf. Mal. 4:4, 5). References to the OT continued between the OT and NT in the Apocrypha (1 Mac. 4:45; 9:27; 2 Mac. 15:9), as well as in the Qumran community (Manual of Discipline 9.11). Also, as indicated, this is the standard way to refer to the divisions of the OT in the NT (cf. Matt. 5:17; Luke 24:27). Furthermore, this phrase “Law and Prophets” included the whole OT (all 39 books), since Jesus said it referred to “all the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27). It also includes everything God revealed through prophets up to John the Baptist (Matt. 11:13). Indeed, the emphatic manner in which Jesus referred to not a “jot or tittle” of the OT passing away from the “Law or the Prophets” (Matt. 5:17–18) indicates He is referring to the entire OT. However, there apparently was an early alternate way of dividing “the Prophets” into two sections which came to be known as Prophets and Writings. The “Prologue of Ecclesiasticus” (ca. 132 B.C.) uses a threefold division, as did the Jewish philosopher Philo (ca. A.D. 40). So did the Jewish historian Josephus (A.D. 37–100) just after Jesus’ time (Against Apion, 1.8), even though he did not place the exact same books in this division as later Jewish groups did. The modern threefold classification into Law, Prophets, and Writings found in today’s Jewish Bibles is derived from the Babylonia Talmud (ca. A.D. 4th cent.). So Jesus’ reference in Luke 24:44 may or may not refer to this threefold division. It is interesting that He did not call the third group “Writings,” but referred only to the Book of “Psalms.” Some believe that He may have singled it out only because of its messianic significance. At any rate, Jesus had just referred to the standard twofold division of Law and Prophets calling it “all the Scriptures” (in Luke 24:27). Andrew
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MacArthur observes that "The disciples for the first time understood the messianic meaning of the Old Testament prophecies and used them immediately in their own interpretation of events (Acts 1:15-20), as well as their preaching and evangelism. In his sermon on the Day of Pentecost, Peter cited Joel 2:28-32 and Psalm 16:8-11, among others (Acts 2:14-36; cf. 4:23-26). Addressing the Sanhedrin, Peter cited Psalm 118:22 (Acts 4:10-11). Both Stephen (Acts 7) and Philip (Acts 8:26-35) employed sweeping features of the Old Testament in their evangelism, as did the apostle Paul (Acts 13:16-41; 17:1-3; 28:25-27)." (See Luke Commentary) Here are some parallel passages related to opening their minds.... Psalms 119:130 The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. Acts 16:14 A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. Acts 26:18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’ 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 (3:14) But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ. But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Revelation 3:18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and [that] the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Exodus 4:11 The LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes [him] mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Job 33:16; 17 Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction, That He may turn man aside [from his] conduct, And keep man from pride; Isaiah 29:10-14 For the LORD has poured over you a spirit of deep sleep, He has shut your eyes, the prophets; And He has covered your heads, the seers. 11 The entire vision will be to you like the words of a sealed book, which when they give it to the one who is literate, saying, “Please read this,” he will say, “I cannot, for it is sealed.” 12 Then the book will be given to the one who is illiterate, saying, “Please read this.” And he will say, “I cannot read.” 13 Then the Lord said, “Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned [by rote,] 14 Therefore behold, I will once again deal marvelously with this people, wondrously marvelous; And the wisdom of their wise men will perish, And the discernment of their discerning men will be concealed.” Adrian Rogers - Once your eyes are opened and your heart is stirred by claiming and embracing the Word of God, your mind is going to be enlightened. Psalm 119:73 says, "Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding so that I can learn Your commands." How often in my sermon preparations have I put down my pencil and bowed my head to say, "O, my God, help me to understand this. Lord, give me Your understanding." When we pray like this, our hearts are moved and our minds are enlightened to grasp, apply, and understand the Word of God. Ian Paisley - Entrance Requirements for Christ's College "Then opened He their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures" Luke 24:45 We have looked at the Crash Course in Christ's College. Today we ponder the entrance requirements for that best-of-all schools. All schools have their entrance requirements but Christ's College, is unique. No education standards will open its doors. The most scholarly of humans, loaded with parchments and degree certificates cannot enter here. No financial standard will give you enrolment. Money cannot buy either admittance to its halls or guarantee of instruction within its gates. No testimonial will smooth the way to your enrolment. In fact human ability, instead of opening the doors will only bar the entrance. The doors of the college only open to those who have first their understandings opened by Christ. This is the prime prerequisite. Only the spiritual can learn Christ's College lessons. Only those who are spiritually quickened will be in Christ's college learning. Those with dull wits and feeble understandings opened by Christ become honours scholars in this school, while the learned of the world are debarred from entering and remain forever ignorant of eternal things. Pray that Christ Himself today will open your understanding that you may understand the Scriptures. Such an opening will open the Bible mysteriously, miraculously and marvellously for you. Its Old Testament will become a New Testament and its New Testament a newer Testament. (A Text A Day Keeps the Devil Away) Hebert Lockyer - To appropriate to the full all the promises associated with Scripture, certain definite, positive attitudes toward it must be constantly observed. For instance— • Our steps must be ordered by it. Psalm 119:133 • We must not be mere hearers of it. James 1:22 • It must be fully believed. John 2:22 • Obedience to its demands must be given. Psalm 119:158; Luke 8:21; 11:28 • The Spirit alone can unfold its truths. John 18:13; I Corinthians 2:10-11; Luke 24:45 • It must be grasped as a whole. I Peter 1:20 (Scofield margin) • It must be accepted as the divine Word. I Thessalonians 2:13; Psalm 119:42 • We must daily search it. John 5:39; 7:52 with Acts 17:11 • Its awesomeness must be recognized. Psalm 119:161 • Remembrance of it is enjoined. Isaiah 66:2; Psalm 119:16 • It must not be handled deceitfully. II Corinthians 4:2; 2:17 • Its truths must not be twisted. II Peter 3:16; Jeremiah 36:29-32: I Peter 2:8 (All the Promises of the Bible)
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MacArthur - Repentance is the foundational biblical, spiritual act that moves the heart in the direction of salvation. It is turning from sin’s presence, power, dominance, and consequences to righteousness. Repentance involves a desire to leave sin behind and pursue righteousness. It is not simply feeling bad about one’s circumstances, or condition, or the consequences that resulted from one’s sins, but mourning over the reality of sin. Repentance is prompted by the Holy Spirit (John 16:8), who came to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and is granted by God (2 Tim. 2:25; cf. Acts 11:18). Forgiveness (859) (aphesis from aphiemi = action which causes separation and is in turn derived from apo = from + hiemi = put in motion, send) literally means to send away or to put apart, a letting go, a leaving behind, a removal. Aphesis is most often translated remission as when one remits (pardons, cancels) a debt (see definition of English word below). The act of releasing someone from an obligation. To release from captivity. Aphesis - 9/16 uses of aphesis in the NT are by Dr Luke - Matt. 26:28; Mk. 1:4; 3:29; Lk. 1:77; 3:3; 4:18; 24:47; Acts 2:38; 5:31; 10:43; 13:38; 26:18; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; Heb. 9:22; 10:18 Remission of sins means once and for all taking them away, removing the guilt, punishment and power of sin. And so to release one’s sins, is not just release from the ("legal" or forensic) charge and the just penalty of sin but also release from the power and dominion of sin (and in Heaven the release from the presence of sin and the pleasure of sin). And so we see that Wuest translates Col 1:14 as "the putting away of our sins" (Wuest) The OT gives us a beautiful picture of the meaning of aphesis in the celebration of the Year of Jubilee. In fact there are 11 uses of aphesis in the Septuagint translation of Leviticus 25 (Lev 25:10-13, 28, 30-31, 33, 40, 41, 50, 52, 54) where aphesis is frequently substituted for the Hebrew word Jubilee, so that instead of the phrase Year of Jubilee the Lxx translated into English reads "Year of the Release" in Lev 25:13 (or "Jubilee of Release in Lev 25:11). One aspect of the Year of Jubilee involved the setting free of indebted servants or slaves (cf Lev 25:10). It is interesting that the OT release from debts was associated with a time of celebration. How much more should we as NT saints daily celebrate and revel in the truth that we have been released from our sin debt! I fear I do not ponder this profound truth often enough and begin to take it for granted and become complacent and even indifferent which makes me vulnerable to committing sin! We need to remember that the Year of Jubilee was an OT picture which pointed to and was fulfilled in the crucifixion of the Messiah Whose fully atoning, substitutionary death made release from sin, Satan and death possible for all who receive this truth by grace through faith. Here is an example from Leviticus 25... Leviticus 25:10 You shall thus consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim a release (Hebrew = deror = a flowing, liberty; Lxx = aphesis) through the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, and each of you shall return to his own property, and each of you shall return to his family. Leviticus 25:12 'For it is a jubilee (Hebrew - yobel = ram's horn; Lxx = aphesis + onmasia = shouting, a day for blowing the trumpets - The beginning of this year was marked by the blast of the Shofar [Jewish Encyclopedia] or ram's horn); it shall be holy to you. You shall eat its crops out of the field. Mounce writes that aphesis "almost always refers to divine forgiveness, and its meaning is usually clarified by adding “of sins.” In Eph 1:7; Col 1:14, Paul defines redemption as specifically related to “the forgiveness of sins.” The forgiveness of sins is a central feature of the Christian message and witness, standing at the heart of the gospel. Also, the divine initiative in the forgiveness of sins creates a forgiving spirit in the life of the Christian. As Christ forgave us, so should we forgive others (Mt 5:38–48; Ro 12:19–21).(Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words.) Aphesis is followed by sin (hamartia) in this passage and in 11/17 uses in the NT (Mt 26:28, Mk 1:4, Lk 1:77, 3:3, 24:47, Acts 2:38, 5:31, 10:43, 13:38, 26:18, Col 1:14), where Sin is depicted as a "master" that has bound and enslaved all mankind (cf "slave of sin" Ro 6:20). Paul writes "thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin Sin (see discussion of Sin personified as a "Slavemaster"), you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. (Ro 6:17-18) Aphesis releases (so to speak) a man from the cords of Sin, the power of Sin. Jesus declared that one of the goals of His ministry was to "release [aphesis] the captives" (Lk 4:18). Here the word captives is aichmalotos which refers to prisoners of war, and in context refers to all men as in a state of captivity to Sin as a result of having inherited Adam's sin nature (Ro 5:12). The root meaning of forgiveness is to put away an offense. In secular Greek literature, the related word aphiemi was used to indicate the sending away of an object or a person and came to include the release of someone from the obligation of marriage, or debt, or even a religious vow. In its final form this word group came to embrace the principle of release from punishment for some wrongdoing. Aphesis is used in medical language of the relaxation (remission) of disease. Both Luke and John use the kindred verb aphiemi, in the same sense. See Luke 4:39 (Fever left her); John 4:52 (the fever left him). Steven
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MacArthur has an excellent summary statement - Luke’s gospel began with the story of the Lord Jesus Christ’s arrival on earth, and ends with His departure from it. His life began with condescension and ended with ascension; it began with incarnation and ended with exaltation; it began with expectation and ended with consummation; it began with the Son of God being born of a virgin and descending to earth, and ended with the Son of God being born from the dead and ascending to heaven; it began with hope unrealized and ended with hope fully realized; it began with a promise and ended with a fulfillment and a new promise; it began with the praise of Mary, Zacharias, Simeon, Anna, and the angels in anticipation of Messiah’s arrival, and ended with the worship and praise of those who witnessed Messiah’s departure. When did He lead them out? In Acts 1:3 we learn that forty days had elapsed between His resurrection and His ascension. To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. Leon
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MacArthur - Never has so little been said about such a monumental event. Only Enoch (Gen. 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11) had been taken to heaven in their physical bodies. Unlike what happened in Emmaus, where Jesus suddenly vanished, here He rose up into heaven in a physical, literal form as they watched. In the account of this scene in Acts 1:10-11, two angels asked the disciples, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking [longingly, as if they were losing someone] into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven”; in other words, in the same physical form. His bodily ascension and return shows that heaven is a place that accommodates humans in their glorified, resurrected bodies. It is also a preview of the bodily resurrection of believers. And although He left, the Lord would still be with them and all believers (Matt. 28:20) through the indwelling Holy Spirit. (See Luke 1-24 MacArthur New Testament Commentary) Was carried away into heaven - The Ascension occurred 40 days after His resurrection. In 10 days it would be Pentecost (50 days after His resurrection). Carried away is imperfect and divine passive, "and was being borne into heaven," which pictures Him going up and up and up! Luke gives a more detailed account in Acts 1:9-11+ And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was departing, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them; and they also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way (visually, in a cloud in the air) as you have watched Him go into heaven." Parted...carried (1339)(diistemi from dia + histemi - stand) Friberg - (1) transitively (first aorist), strictly set at an interval from a former position; idiomatically literally set (the ship) at an interval, i.e. sail a little farther ( Acts 27.28); (2) intransitively (second aorist) go away, depart from someone (LkU 24.51); of a time interval pass (Lk 22.59) (Borrow Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament by Friberg, Timothy) BDAG - 1. to move from, separate from, or take leave of, go away, part; 2. to cause separation through movement, go on 3. to mark the passage of time, pass. Only 3x in NT - Lk. 22:59; Lk. 24:51; Acts 27:28. Uses in Septuagint - Ex 15:8; 2Ki. 2:14 (Elijah dividing the waters); Esther 8:12; Pr 17:9 ("separates intimate friends"); Isa. 59:2; Ezek. 5:1.Note that diistemi is used in Exodus 15:8 to describe the parting of the Red Sea ("the waters were piled up"). In Isaiah 59:2 it says " your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God." Holman Bible Dictionary - Ascension - Act of going to heaven in bodily form from earthly life. Experienced by Enoch (Genesis 5:24 ) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:1-2 ) but supremely by Jesus Christ (Acts 1:9 ). Jewish literature outside the canon of the Bible developed long stories and explanations of the ascension of many religious heroes. See, for example, the Assumption of Moses. The Bible gives only brief notices. Still, the ascension of Jesus provides important theological foundations. It concluded the earthly ministry of Jesus, allowing eyewitnesses to see both the risen Christ on earth and the victorious, eternal Christ returning to heaven to minister at the right hand of the Father. The ascension expanded Christ's ministry from its geographically limited earthly dimensions to its universal heavenly dimensions. The ascension (1) allowed Jesus to prepare a heavenly place for His followers (John 14:2 ), (2) return to the Father (John 16:5 ), (3) send the Holy Spirit to the disciples (John 16:7 ) to bring conviction of sin, open the way to righteousness through faith, and condemn the devil, (4) comfort those suffering for Him through visions of the Ascended One (Acts 7:54-60 ), (5) call persons to fulfill His missionary task (Acts 9:1-18 ), (6) open doors of ministry for His people (2 Corinthians 2:12-14 ), (7) demonstrate God's power and His rule over all who would exercise power and authority on earth or in heaven (Ephesians 1:20-23 ), (8) give gifts for ministry to His people (Ephesians 4:7-12 ), (9) give hope to troubled followers showing they would join Him in glory (Colossians 3:1-4 ), (10) rescue His servants from persecution so they can preach His gospel (2 Timothy 4:16-18 ), (11) demonstrate that glory, not death, is God's final word for the Son and for disciples (Hebrews 2:9 ), (12) exercise a heavenly priesthood (Hebrews 4:14 ), (13) make revelation of future trials and final victory possible (Revelation 1:1 ), (14) discipline His church so He may have fellowship with it and provide final full fellowship in ruling with Christ (Revelation 3:19-22 ). Most of all the ascension combined with the resurrection exalted Christ (Philippians 2:9 ). Contrasted to Christ's act of humbling Himself to move from heaven to earth and especially to the cross (Philippians 2:5-8 ) is God's act of exalting Jesus to the highest position in the universe, in charge of everything that exists and all that happens. Thus in ascension Jesus showed He had defeated death for good and made eternal life possible. The ascension thus calls on all people to bow in worship and obedience to the Ascended One (Philippians 2:10 ). (Holman) Related Resources: Nave Topical Bible Ascension Thompson Chain Reference Ascension of Christ Torrey Topical Textbook Ascension of Christ, the CARM Theological Dictionary Ascension Easton's Bible Dictionary Ascension Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Ascension Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Ascension Ascension (2) Morrish Bible Dictionary Ascension Hawker's Poor Man's Dictionary Ascension Watson's Theological Dictionary Ascension of Christ 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica Ascension International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Ascension Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Ascension The Jewish Encyclopedia Ascension Jamieson, Faussett, Brown on He blessed...parted - Sweet intimation! Incarnate Love, Crucified Love, Risen Love, now on the wing for heaven, waiting only those odorous gales which were to waft Him to the skies, goes away in benedictions, that in the character of Glorified, Enthroned Love, He might continue His benedictions, but in yet higher form, until He come again! And oh, if angels were so transported at His birth into this scene of tears and death, what must have been their ecstasy as they welcomed and attended Him “far above all heavens” into the presence-chamber, and conducted Him to the right hand of the Majesty on High! Thou hast an everlasting right, O my Saviour, to that august place. The brightness of the Father’s glory, enshrined in our nature, hath won it well; for He poured out His soul unto death, and led captivity captive, receiving gifts for men, yea for the rebellious, that the Lord God might dwell among them. Thou art the King of glory, O Christ. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, be lifted up, ye everlasting doors, that the King of glory may come in! Even so wilt Thou change these vile bodies of ours, that they may be like unto Thine own glorious body; and then with gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought, they shall enter into the King’s palace! QUESTION - What is the meaning and importance of the ascension of Jesus Christ? See video ANSWER - After Jesus rose from the dead, He "presented Himself alive" (Acts 1:3) to the women near the tomb (Matthew 28:9-10), to His disciples (Luke 24:36-43), and to more than 500 others (1 Corinthians 15:6). In the days following His resurrection, Jesus taught His disciples about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). Forty days after the resurrection, Jesus and His disciples went to Mount Olivet, near Jerusalem. There, Jesus promised His followers that they would soon receive the Holy Spirit, and He instructed them to remain in Jerusalem until the Spirit had come. Then Jesus blessed them, and as He gave the blessing, He began to ascend into heaven. The account of Jesus’ ascension is found in Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1:9-11. It is plain from Scripture that Jesus’ ascension was a literal, bodily return to heaven. He rose from the ground gradually and visibly, observed by many intent onlookers. As the disciples strained to catch a last glimpse of Jesus, a cloud hid Him from their view, and two angels appeared and promised Christ’s return "in just the same way that you have watched Him go" (Acts 1:11). The Ascension of Jesus Christ is meaningful for several reasons: 1) It signaled the end of His earthly ministry. God the Father had lovingly sent His Son into the world at Bethlehem, and now the Son was returning to the Father. The period of human limitation was at an end. 2) It signified success in His earthly work. All that He had come to do, He had accomplished. 3) It marked the return of His heavenly glory. Jesus’ glory had been veiled during His sojourn on earth, with one brief exception at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9). 4) It symbolized His exaltation by the Father (Ephesians 1:20-23). The One with whom the Father is well pleased (Matthew 17:5) was received up in honor and given a name above all names (Philippians 2:9). 5) It allowed Him to prepare a place for us (John 14:2). 6) It indicated the beginning of His new work as High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16) and Mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:15). 7) It set the pattern for His return. When Jesus comes to set up the Kingdom, He will return just as He left-literally, bodily, and visibly in the clouds (Acts 1:11; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 24:30; Revelation 1:7). (ED: AND TO THE MOUNT OF OLIVES - Zech 14:4+). Currently, the Lord Jesus is in heaven. The Scriptures frequently picture Him at the right hand of the Father-a position of honor and authority (Psalm 110:1; Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 8:1). Christ is the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18), the giver of spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:7-8), and the One who fills all in all (Ephesians 4:9-10).GotQuestions.org Related Resource: Where is Jesus now? Is Jesus in heaven? Gotquestions.org A Departing Blessing While He blessed them, . . . He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. —Luke 24:51 A cancer-stricken believer was dying. I was in his room as his family gathered around him. One by one he spoke to his children, to their spouses, and to his young grand children. He gave each a loving, tender blessing. Even his warnings were spoken with gentleness. He reminded them to keep the Lord in the center of their lives. We wept together, knowing that soon he would no longer be with us. A few days later he was gone. Our Savior was doing much the same thing just before He ascended to heaven. Rather than weep as they saw Him leave, His disciples were filled with great joy, even though they understood only dimly how they would experience His blessings. But Jesus would soon send the Holy Spirit to indwell them (Acts 1-2). He would carry on a ministry of intercession for them “at the right hand of God” (Romans 8:34). And the promise of His return would comfort them (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). As we think about our Savior ascending to heaven, let’s rejoice in the blessings He left us. And as we have occasion, let’s encourage our loved ones to keep Jesus at the center of their lives. Someday we will depart from this earth, and our example and words may be the most precious blessing we can leave behind. Your parting words, O Lord, give hope, They're filled with promise, joy, and love; Help us to share what You have done With grace and power from above. —D. De Haan Christ departed so that the Holy Spirit could be imparted. Why The Ascension? Read: John 16:5-15; Luke 24:50-53 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 13-15; Acts 19:21-41 If I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. —John 16:7 God raised Jesus from the grave and exalted Him to His right hand in heaven (Ephesians 1:20). Yet for 40 days Jesus made many bodily appearances to His disciples. But the 40th day was different. With His disciples looking on, He slowly ascended into the sky until a cloud hid Him from view (Acts 1:9). Why didn’t Jesus continue His visible appearances on earth? He had told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would not begin His work until after He left (John 16:7). The time had come for His followers to trust His word instead of relying on their physical senses (20:25,29). Their Master’s slow, visible, and final ascent was a dramatic way of saying to them that a new era was about to begin. From heaven Jesus would send the Holy Spirit to replace His bodily presence. Christ would form the church and rule as its Head (Ephesians 1:22-23). By His Spirit, He would live within His followers and fill them with peace and power. In heaven He would intercede for them before the Father’s throne (Hebrews 7:25). He would no longer be visibly present, but He would still be with them in a very real way (Matthew 28:19-20). The same is true for every believer today. That’s why we can be thankful that Jesus ascended to heaven. He who came to save us, He who bled and died, Now is crowned with glory at His Father's side; Nevermore to suffer, nevermore to die, Jesus, King of glory, is gone up on high. —Havergal Jesus ascended to heaven that He might continue His work on earth. The Ascension I go to prepare a place for you. . . . I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. —John 14:2-3 The repeated appearances of Jesus after His death and resurrection brought His followers so much joy that they must have wanted the visits to continue indefinitely. But on the 40th day after His resurrection, having given His disciples final instructions, Jesus slowly ascended and a cloud hid Him from view. Jesus could have vanished instantly, as He had done previously (Luke 24:31). But He chose to ascend visibly to impress on His followers that this was the end of His visits. His bodily presence would soon be replaced by “another Helper,” the Holy Spirit promised in John 14:16. Jesus’ ascension marked the dawn of a new era. In His glorified human body, the Lord Jesus ascended, entered heaven, sat down at the right hand of God, sent the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-18; Acts 2:33), and now intercedes for us (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25). He permeates the whole universe with His spiritual presence and power (Col. 1:15-23; Eph. 4:10). An ancient writing says that Jesus ascended bodily into heaven “our entrance to secure, and our abode to prepare.” That’s true. But it’s also true that as God, He is always spiritually present with us and will be “to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). What a wonderful Savior we have! The Lord ascended bodily From earth to heaven’s throne; Now He is there to intercede For those who are His own. —Sper Jesus went away so the Holy Spirit could come to stay. Octavius Winslow - Morning Thoughts "And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven." Luke 24:51 How touching and instructive was the parting interview! Oh, how worthy of Himself was this His final blessing! How harmonious with every previous act of His life was this its closing one! Blessing to the last, and while with outstretched hands that blessing was yet breathing from His lips, "received up into glory." Oh, how full of grace and love is our adorable Immanuel! What a heart of overflowing tenderness and blessing is His! Knowing this, knowing it from observation and from experience, supported by the innumerable proofs which crowd every page of the New Testament, is it not a marvel that we should seek our blessing from any other source than Jesus, or that we should breathe our sighs, or pour our sorrows, or repose our aching head, on any other bosom than His? Ah! our acquaintance with Him- our best, our dearest, our most loving Friend- is so limited, we walk with Him so coldly, we follow Him so distantly, we believe in Him so feebly; the greatest wonder is; that in the midst of all, His patience forbearance, tender and unchangeable love, towards us should still be so unwearied and so great. But who can describe the parting interview and the last blessing? Clustering around Him a lonely timid band, saddened as they must have been by the thought that they were about to separate forever on earth from Him whom they loved- as many of them afterwards proved- better than life itself- to whom they had been wont to look for guidance, on whom they had leaned for strength, and to the shelter of whose bosom they had fled in danger and in sorrow, they needed His blessing- they needed that which none but Jesus could give to them. They were oppressed, and He only could undertake for them. They were in sorrow, and He only could comfort them. They were tried and perplexed, and He only could sustain and counsel them. And what, may we suppose, would that blessing contain, which He now breathed over them? The richer anointing of the Spirit to fit them for their work- a larger measure of grace to shield them in temptation, and to uphold them in trial- increased light in the understanding respecting the spiritual nature of His kingdom, and the meaning of the Holy Scriptures of truth; and- what to them, at that moment, would be of unspeakable preciousness- a deeper discovery of His own pardoning love, a fuller assurance of their personal acceptance in Himself, and a richer bestowment of the "peace of God, which passes all understanding." Thus blessing, He was "parted from them, and carried up into heaven," to intercede for them there; and thus blessed, "they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy," to spread the fragrance and to manifest the power of His name through all the world. Oswald Chambers - His ascension and our union And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. Luke 24:51. We have no corresponding experience to the events in Our Lord’s life after the Transfiguration. From then onwards Our Lord’s life was altogether vicarious. Up to the time of the Transfiguration He had exhibited the normal perfect life of a man; from the Transfiguration onwards—Gethsemane, the Cross, the Resurrection—everything is unfamiliar to us. His Cross is the door by which every member of the human race can enter into the life of God; by His Resurrection He has the right to give eternal life to any man, and by His Ascension Our Lord enters heaven and keeps the door open for humanity. On the Mount of Ascension the Transfiguration is completed. If Jesus had gone to heaven from the Mount of Transfiguration, He would have gone alone; He would have been nothing more to us than a glorious Figure. But He turned His back on the glory, and came down from the Mount to identify Himself with fallen humanity. The Ascension is the consummation of the Transfiguration. Our Lord does now go back into His primal glory; but He does not go back simply as Son of God: He goes back to God as Son of Man as well as Son of God. There is now freedom of access for anyone straight to the very throne of God by the Ascension of the Son of Man. As Son of Man Jesus Christ deliberately limited omnipotence, omnipresence and omniscience in Himself. Now they are His in absolute full power. As Son of Man Jesus Christ has all power at the throne of God. He is King of kings and Lord of lords from the day of His Ascension until now. Christ’s Ascension. Luke 24.51-53; Ps. 68.18 1 Now for a theme of thankful praise To tune the stammerer’s tongue; Christians, your hearts and voices raise, And join the joyful song. 2 The Lord’s ascended up on high, Decked with resplendent wounds; While shouts of victory rend the sky, And heaven with joy resounds. 3 See, from the regions of the dead, Through all the ethereal plains, The powers of darkness captive led, The dragon dragged in chains. 4 Ye eternal gates, your leaves unfold! Receive the conquering King; Ye angels, strike your harps of gold; And saints, triumphant sing. 5 Sinners, rejoice! he died for you; For you prepares a place; Sends down his Spirit to guide you through With every gift of grace. 6 His blood, which did your sins atone, For your salvation pleads; And, seated on his Father’s throne, He reigns and intercedes. Luke 24:52 And they, after worshiping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, Amplified - And they, worshiping Him, went back to Jerusalem with great joy; ESV And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, KJV And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: NET So they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, NIV Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. NLT So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. YLT and they, having bowed before him, did turn back to Jerusalem with great joy, they (KJV): Mt 28:9,17 Joh 20:28 with (KJV): Ps 30:11 Joh 14:28 16:7,22 1Pe 1:8 Luke 24:50-53 The Significance of the Ascension - John MacArthur Luke 24:50-53 Why the Disciples Rejoiced at Jesus’ Ascension - Steven Cole Luke 24:50-53 Our Lord’s Posture in Ascension - C H Spurgeon Luke 24:50. Our Lord's Attitude in Ascension - Sermon Notes - scroll down - C H Spurgeon Luke 24:52-53 Joy in Christ's Ascension - George Everard Luke 24 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE REACTION TO THE THE ASCENSION OF JESUS After worshiping Him - They were bowing down to the ground in reverence to their Lord. Did they have a protracted "worship service?" The text does not elaborate. The point is that even though Jesus was not in their midst, they worshiped Him as the Living Lord. Before they had seen their risen Lord, they fretted and doubted behind a closed door. But the sight of Jesus changed their perspective from temporal to eternal, from fear to worship. And time with our Lord in His Word will have the same impact on His disciples today. So the simple question is are you daily in His Word Matthew also describes the disciples' worshiping the risen Lord... Matthew 28:9; And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. Matthew 28:17 When they saw Him, they worshiped [Him;] but some were doubtful.