Promises Kept

                                          Sunday School Lesson
                   
Lesson: Luke 24:36-53                                                                                      

Golden Text: “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” (Luke 24:44).

INTRODUCTION.  For the Christian, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to our faith (see I Corinthians 15:3-8).  Jesus Christ made many promises and if there had been no resurrection, all those promises would have been worthless.  Since he did rise from the grave after three days, all those promises are promises kept.  Our lesson this week shows us how Jesus fulfilled in every detail what the prophets foretold about Him. 

II.  THE SKEPTICAL DISCIPLES (Luke 24:26-43).  This lesson is a continuation of last week’s lesson as we discussed the encounter the two disciples travelling to Emmaus had with Jesus.  After that meeting when the Lord revealed himself to them, He vanished and the two disciples returned to Jerusalem to share their experience with the other followers of Christ.  When thay returned to Jerusalem, they found the other disciples meeting behind locked doors out of fear of the Jewish leadership (see John 20:19).  This week’s lesson begins as the two Emmaus disciples were sharing with the others what happened as they travelled home earlier that evening.

A. The disciples are afraid (Luke 24:36-37).  
1. (vs. 36).  While the two disciples from Emmaus were telling the others that they didn’t recognize Jesus until He broke bread, Luke writes “And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.”  At that moment, Jesus appeared in the midst of those present in the house.  Since He didn’t enter through the locked doors, it’s apparent that Jesus’ glorified body didn’t have the limitations that the human body has.  Note: When we are resurrected like the glorified Lord, our bodies will not be subject to time or space.  We don’t know exactly what our bodies will be like, but we do know that we will be like Him (see Philippians 3:20-21; I John 3:2).  We also know that our new bodies will be spiritual, heavenly (see I Corinthians 15:35-50) and not subject to pain, disease, sorrow, or death (see Revelation 21:4).  When Jesus appeared, He greeted His followers in the typical Jewish manner saying “Peace be unto you.” 
2.(vs. 37).Even though Jesus greeted them peacefully, this verse says “But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.”When everyone saw Jesus appear before them they thought they were seeing a “spirit” or a ghost.  The disciples had mistaken Jesus for a ghost before (see Mark 6:49). We must remember that this was still the day that Jesus rose from the dead.
B.  The disciples are admonished (Luke 24:38-39).
1. (vs. 38).  Recognizing their fear, Jesus “said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?”  Of course Jesus knew what they were thinking so He asked them why they were troubled in their minds and hearts.  The truth is that if they had listened carefully to things Jesus had told them over the past six months they wouldn’t have been so surprised when it all came to pass.
2.  (vs. 39).  Then Jesus said to them “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”  The Lord told His followers to look at His hands and feet and to touch Him.  Once they saw the nail prints in His hands and feet they would be convinced that this was really the Lord and not a spirit or ghost, because spirits don’t have flesh and blood.  According to I John 1:1, the disciples did handle the Lord’s body.  As the disciples touched Jesus hands and feet they would be assured that the resurrection of Christ was literal, physical and bodily.
C.  The disciples assured (Luke 24:40-41).    
1. (vs. 40).  This verse says “And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.”   Having commanded them to handle His body, the Lord showed them His hands and feet.  Again the nail prints would prove that He was real and not just a spirit.  They would be touching flesh and blood.
2. (vs. 41).  At this point Luke writes “And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?”  Even though the disciples appeared to be convinced and were joyous, they still “wondered” or were amazed at seeing the risen Lord.  The truth of the resurrection was hard for them to grasp.  To further verify that a real resurrection had taken place, Jesus asked if they had anything to eat.
D. Further Affirmation (Luke 24:42-43).
1. (vs. 42).  After Jesus asked for something to eat, this verse says “And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.”  In response to Jesus’ request for food, the disciples gave Him a piece of fish and honey.  Of course a ghost would have no need for food so if Jesus ate it that would be further affirmation or proof of His resurrection.
2. (vs. 43).  When they gave Jesus the fish and honey, “he took it, and did eat before them.”  Jesus took the food and ate it in front of His disciples.  Note: Since these followers of Jesus would be given the mission of taking the gospel to the world (see Acts 1:8) they had to be absolutely sure that what they were preaching about the resurrected Christ was true.  It’s true that many people may die for false causes that they believe are true, but few people, if any, will die for a cause they know is not true.
III.  THE SCRIPTURE FULFILLED (Luke 24:44-47)
A.  Minds opened (Luke 24:44-45).  Many days may have elapsed between verses 43 and the rest of this text because Jesus and his followers travelled to Galilee and back before he returned to heaven (see Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-20; John 21; Acts 1:1-8).
1. (vs. 44).  As already mentioned this verse and the remainder of this text took place sometime after verse 43.  In this verse Luke writes “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.”  Jesus reminded His disciples that before He was crucified, He told them what things needed to be fulfilled about Him “which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms.”  Jesus’ reference to the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms was a way to describe the entire Old Testament.  Here Jesus was saying that the entire Old Testament (which is all they had during the time of Jesus) points to the Messiah.  For example, His role as prophet was foretold in Deuteronomy 18:15-20; His sufferings were prophesied in Psalms 22 and Isaiah 53; His resurrection was predicted in Psalm 16:9-11 and Isaiah 53:10-11.
2. (vs. 45).  Luke goes on to write “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.”  It’s one thing to hear and read the Bible, but it’s another thing to really understand it.  Therefore, Jesus opened the disciples’ minds to be able to comprehend the Scriptures.  This was absolutely necessary for these believers who were going to carry the gospel message to the ends of the earth (see Acts 1:8).  Note: The Bible can be understood by all, but to fully comprehend its messages, divine inspiration and illumination is required (see II Timothy 3:16-17).  This took place on Pentecost when Peter preached the Word, but the Spirit convicted hearts (see Acts 2:37).  Likewise Paul preached the gospel in Philippi and the Lord opened the heart of Lydia (see Acts 16:14).
B. Mission outlined (Luke 24:46-47).
1. (vs. 46).  After opening up the disciples understanding of the Scriptures, this verse says “And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.”  Here Jesus was reaffirming that the Old Testament Scriptures foretold that Christ had to suffer death and rise from the dead three days later.  This is the essence of the gospel message: that Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead.  This is normally what Paul meant when he used the word “gospel” in his letters (see I Corinthians 15:1, 3-4).
2. (vs. 47).  In this verse Jesus continued to confirm what the Scriptures said about Him.  It included the fact that “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”  This was part of the Great Commission that Jesus gave to His disciples before His ascension into heaven.  Matthew, Mark and Luke all give this Commission, but in slightly different forms.  However, it’s the same Great Commission (see Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).  Here Luke stresses the idea of repentance.  The word “remission” means to release or set free from sin.  In the Greek, the idea behind this word is pardon or forgiveness.  In giving the Great Commission, our Lord intended that the gospel should be preached in the name of Jesus throughout the world.  The preaching of the gospel should lead to repentance and forgiveness of sin.  It’s true that only as people turn from sin and turn to God---that is truly repent---can they expect to be pardoned from sin.  Repentance does not earn salvation; instead repentance puts us in the position to receive salvation.
IV. THE HOLY SPIRIT PROMISED (Luke 24:48-49)
A. Witnesses (Luke 24:48).  As believers, we all are to bear witness of the truth of the Bible.  However, we are not witnesses in the same sense that the original apostles were.  They could give eyewitness testimony about the miracles as well as the teachings of Jesus.  In addition, seeing the risen Lord and being able to examine His wounds put them in a unique category of witnesses and believers.  As believers today, we are in a different category.  We are in that blessed group who have not seen yet believe (see John 20:29).  Note:  When it was time to find a replacement apostle for Judas, one of the qualifications necessary was that the person had to have seen the risen Lord (see Acts 1:22).  This is what qualified Paul to be an apostle (see Acts 9:1-17; 26:12-20: I Corinthians 9:1).  This also indicates that one who had not seen the risen Lord either then or now could not be an apostle.
B. Wait for the Promise of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49).  In order to carry out this Great Commission, the apostles needed spiritual power, so Jesus said “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.”  The Lord told His disciples to remain in Jerusalem and wait until they were endowed with spiritual power before they attempted to carry out their mission.  On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus gave them the necessary teachings about the coming Holy Spirit (see John chapters 14-16).
V. THE SAVIOUR ASCENDS (Luke 24: 50-53)
A. The final blessing (Luke 24:50-51).
1. (vs. 50).   Having prepared His followers for their mission Luke writes that Jesus “led them (His disciples) out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.”  At this time Jesus was about to say His final goodbye to His followers.  They all walked the two miles east of Jerusalem to Bethany where Jesus raised His hands over them and blessed them.  None of the gospel writers tell us what words Jesus spoke when He blessed His disciples, and we would do the Scriptures an injustice if we try to imagine what was said.  What we do know is to bless someone simply means to speak well of them.
2. (vs. 51).  This verse says “And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.”  Luke tells us that while Jesus was blessing His disciples, He was “carried up into heaven.”  Note: As we read Luke’s account of Jesus’ last days, it appears that Jesus ascended to heaven soon after the resurrection.  Unlike the other gospel writers, Luke only relates a few of Jesus’ resurrection appearances.  The other gospel writers give more detailed appearances of Christ, even in Galilee (see Matthew 28:7; John 21:1-14).  In addition, the book of Acts tells us that Jesus was “seen of them (the disciples) forty days” (see Acts 1:3) meaning that Jesus appeared to His disciples on a number of occasions over a forty day period.  After those forty days Christ ascended into heaven.
B. The Followers’ return (Luke 24:52-53). 
1. (vs. 52).  As Jesus ascended into heaven, Luke writes that “they (the disciples) worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.”  The fact that the disciples worshipped the Lord at this point indicates that they were now fully convinced, that this was Jesus and that He was not dead but alive, and headed back to be with His Father.  All of this caused them to demonstrate “great joy” as they returned to Jerusalem.
2. (vs. 53).  Our final verse says that when they returned to Jerusalem, the disciples “were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.”  Jesus had commanded His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit.  However, they just didn’t sit around; they continually worshipped in the temple.  What are you doing while you are waiting on Jesus to return?   I’m convinced of one thing we should be doing: continually worshipping our God (see Psalms 34:1-3).
                         
VI. Conclusion.  The Old Testament pointed to the Messiah and Jesus was the fulfillment of what those Scriptures foretold.  The world does not have to search for a Messiah anymore.  He is already here just as God promised.  The Bible says that “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (see Numbers 23:19).  So when God makes a promise, it’s certain that He will fulfill it.  God promised the Holy Spirit’s coming in Joel 2:28-31; Jesus confirmed it in John 14:16, 26 and indeed it happened.  I thank my God for “Promises Kept.”