45Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24)
Thoughts: There are four parts to this great commission found in Luke.
1) The Gospel message- Jesus suffered, died, and rose on the third day.
Just going and doing mission without the basis for that mission is not enough.
Jesus was really human- suffering and dying; He was really God- rising from the dead; It was really real- happened in history- in time- three days.
2) The Gospel applies- repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all.
This makes a difference in that we can have forgiveness. Forgiveness means an escape from our shame and guilt but also a restoration of relationship and innocense.
3) The Gospel reminder- you are witnesses.
We share this because we have, as John said, experienced it with our eyes and touched it with our hands. It is because of this experience that the love of Christ compels us to witness.
4) The Gospel power- the promise of power from on high- the Holy Spirit
We do not speak on our own- the Spirit reminds us (Jn. 16); We do not go with our own direction- the Spirit leads us; We forget much- but the Spirit reminds us. We are not motivated on our own- otherwise we common folk would be afraid.
The Gospel is worth sharing. Luke reminds us the content, the context and the call.
Prayer: Lord, remind me of my need and call to go.
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