Lectionary Text: Luke 24:44 Yeshua said to them, “This is what I meant when I was still with you and told you that everything written about me in the Torah of Moshe, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds, so that they could understand the Tanakh, 46 telling them, “Here is what it says: the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day; 47 and in his name repentance leading to forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed to people from all nations, starting with Yerushalayim. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 Now I am sending forth upon you what my Father promised, so stay here in the city until you have been equipped with power from above.”
50 He led them out toward Beit-Anyah; then, raising his hands, he said a b’rakhah over them; 51 and as he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 They bowed in worship to him, then returned to Yerushalayim, overflowing with joy. 53 And they spent all their time in the Temple courts, praising God.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Luke 24:44-53
Verse 44
[44] And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
And he said — On the day of his ascension.
In the law, and the prophets, and the psalms — The prophecies as well as types, relating to the Messiah, are contained either in the books of Moses (usually called the law) in the Psalms, or in the writings of the prophets; little being said directly concerning him in the historical books.
Verse 45
[45] Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
Then opened he their understanding, to understand the Scriptures — He had explained them before to the two as they went to Emmaus. But still they Understood them not, till he took off the veil from their hearts, by the illumination of his Spirit.
Verse 47
[47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Beginning at Jerusalem — This was appointed most graciously and wisely: graciously, as it encouraged them, greatest sinners to repent, when they saw that even the murderers of Christ were not excepted from mercy: and wisely, as hereby Christianity was more abundantly attested; the facts being published first on the very spot where they happened.
Verse 49
[49] And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Behold I send the promise — Emphatically so called; the Holy Ghost.
Verse 50
[50] And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
He led them out as far as Bethany — Not the town, but the district: to the mount of Olives, Acts 1:12, which stood within the boundaries of Bethany.
Verse 51
[51] And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
And while he was blessing them, he was parted from them — It was much more proper that our Lord should ascend into heaven, than that he should rise from the dead, in the sight of the apostles. For his resurrection was proved when they saw him alive after his passion: but they could not see him in heaven while they continued on earth.
Daily Devotion:
Monday, May 11, 2015
Text to read: Luke 24:44-53
- Describe the most important
mission you have ever received.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Text to read: Luke 24:44-53
- Tuesday - How does Jesus
encourage his disciples as he leaves them?
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
- Wednesday - What did Jesus promise the disciples?
- Why is it important?
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Text to read: Luke 24:44-53
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Verses 46 and 47 describe the mission. - How do we do that?
Friday, May 15, 2015
- What do you make of the reaction to Jesus’ ascension?
Saturday, May 15, 2015
- Read Acts 1:1-11[Acts 1:1 Dear Theophilos:
- Different?
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Pray for all those waiting on help or hope today.
First United Methodist Church
2111 Camino del Rio South
San Diego, California 92108 United States
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Sermon Story "Lessons About Jesus from The Hebrew Scriptures" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 17 May 2015 with Scripture: Luke 24:44 Yeshua said to them, “This is what I meant when I was still with you and told you that everything written about me in the Torah of Moshe, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds, so that they could understand the Tanakh, 46 telling them, “Here is what it says: the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day; 47 and in his name repentance leading to forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed to people from all nations, starting with Yerushalayim. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 Now I am sending forth upon you what my Father promised, so stay here in the city until you have been equipped with power from above.”
50 He led them out toward Beit-Anyah; then, raising his hands, he said a b’rakhah over them; 51 and as he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 They bowed in worship to him, then returned to Yerushalayim, overflowing with joy. 53 And they spent all their time in the Temple courts, praising God.
As I read this Scripture, I am reminded of the fact of the number of Christians who have said we are a New Testament Church. I believe this is true, but the New Testament was not around in Jesus' day or the life of the early church. We have a couple of passages where Jesus explains to His Disciples the Torah of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms how He, the Messiah was to suffer, die, and be resurrected from the dead after three days. Some of us wonder why we do not have these teachings written for us as Jesus taught them to His disciples. The early church leaders realized that they had what Jesus taught in the Hebrew Scriptures and were teaching the new disciples of Jesus how to read these Scriptures with the Holy Spirit guiding them. Yes, we have the New Testament, the the New Testament points us to the Old Testament to allow us to see Jesus as God-incarnate and the Jewish Messiah who taught what the Father taught the Israelites and what we should learn to live our lives as Jesus lived and taught with Holy Love and Trusting God for everything in our lives. Then, the question of how certain people reacted to Jesus as well as Mother, Brothers, and Sisters who realized after His Resurrection that Jesus is who He said He is. How would you react to the teachings Jesus taught before His ascension back to the Father? How do you react to reading the Old Testament even when you do not understand all of what is written? How do you trust the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hear and read? We come to realize the importance of the Old Testament even when we may not understand the whole of the written Scriptures as we come to remember Jesus' life, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension taking His Body and eating along with His Blood we drink through our participation in the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist singing the Hymn "O Christ, When You Ascended"
1. O Christ, when you ascended, you took your rightful throne;
Your time on earth had ended — yet we weren't left alone.
You reign o'er earth and heaven; your Spirit guides our way.
Your prayers uphold your people; you lead your church each day.
2. We look at earthly rulers and see what they command:
We note their years of power, the borders of their land.
Yet, Lord, you are not bounded by things like time and space;
Your reign is never-ending, you rule in every place.
3. We're tempted. Lord, to leave you in stories nicely told;
Sometimes we don't believe you and say your ways are old.
Sometimes we feel so lonely and live in doubt and fear —
But your ascension means, Lord, you're present with us here.
4. It's often quite a challenge to follow in your Way;
We're easily distracted! It's hard, Lord, to obey.
Sometimes we give you Sundays — an hour, maybe two —
But your ascension means, Lord, all life belongs to you.
5. One day, O Lord, we'll know you, as we are fully known;
One day this world of sinners will bow before your throne.
One day, God's whole creation will sing and praise your name;
On earth as now in heaven, we'll celebrate your reign.
____________________________4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1
San Diego, California 92104-1844 United States
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