Luke 24:44-53

 Luke 24:44-53

We cannot understand what the scriptures mean apart from the resurrected Christ.  This is the second time since the resurrection that Luke specifically points out that Jesus explains the Old Testament as pointing to Him.  First to the other two disciples on the road to Emmaus where “He opened their minds…” to understand the scriptures.  This didn’t happen during the three years of ministry but in the forty days after the resurrection.  That gives us a picture of the centrality of the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ.

While it is true that the Bible gives us insight for practical living, that is not the point of Scripture.  The Bible has wonderful wisdom for marriage, family, wealth management and a host of other issues.  These are, however, secondary.  They are implication or applications of the central truth.

The central truth is that Jesus Christ had to suffer, die, and be resurrected in order that His disciples could preach/proclaim/tell about repentance and forgiveness of sin to the whole world.  We are sent by the Father and empowered by the Father.  The message of the Gospel is not our subjective experience, not how we feel or what we think, it is most certainly not about how to live the good life now.   It is the death and resurrection of Christ and the repentance and forgiveness we can have in Him. 

The understanding of what we call the great commission is profoundly impactful in the way we live.  The disciples we see coming to Jerusalem, the ones we see during the passion, at the crucifixion and on Easter morning are somewhat pathetic.  But  after the Great Commission while far from perfect they are bold, worshiping and joy filled.  Let us repeat this pattern.  The Resurrection means everything.

“Lord, help me to live daily in the Resurrection. AMEN”