TEXT: LUKE 24: 44 - 49
READING: AMATTHEW 28: 1-20
SUBJ: The post-resurrection ministry of our Lord with an especial emphasis on the manner and message of the continuation of the work of salvation from that day to this.
AIM: That we, having been enabled to understand the scriptures, might give faithful attendance to the study of the Word and dutiful attendance to declaring repentance and remission to all.
INTR: Having considered the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and having begun to deal with His ministry among them following the resurrection, we would consider that which remains of the work of the Gospel among us.
1. The forty days following the resurrection are important as we consider our relationship to the Gospel even now.
2. We would first understand that it was critical that the fact of the resurrection be established.
3. But we would also understand the substance of what was to be preached and how it was to be accomplished.
THESIS: The very nature of the Gospel communicates the strong necessity that it be told to others with and that with urgency. We are witnesses to Him in our own salvation and that of others.
I. Understanding opened (vv. 44-45)
1. There is debate as to the timing of this passage.
1) As we read here it might appear that this was related to them on resurrection Sunday.
2) Some see it as happening at another time altogether.
3) One saw it as a summary of what was related to them during this ministry.
4) Luke has placed it between His revelation to them bodily and His ascension.
2. He referenced what He had told them while He was with them:
1) It has all occurred as He had said and,
2) He was telling them that He will not resume the previously ministry.
3. He had already opened the understanding of the two on the road to Emmaus. It is important that we note that the He addresses the whole of the Old Testament:
1) The fulfillment of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms so that,
2) We may know that the Bible is one book, and that Christ is the center of it all.
4. Now, He opened their understanding with specific reference to the Scriptures:
1) We note that He directed them to the scriptures alone - Sola Scriptura.
2) While unmentioned, all issues are to be brought to the inspired Word.
5. They were given the ability to understand here; the power would follow.
II. Necessity pressed (vv. 46-47)
1. He pressed the necessity of the authority of the Scriptures - Thus it is written!
1) To be impressed on them and on us.
2) He was Himself submitted to that authority.
2. Paul spoke of necessity being laid upon Him. It was more so with Christ:
1) Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:17)
2) All that He did was ordained of God, there was no other to do it, and the love for His people drove Him to the cross and the victorious resurrection.
3) This He had finished.
3. The story does not end there; it continued then, and it continues now.
1) The Gospel is summarized in Repentance and Remission.
2) Both are freely declared and promised and find their authority in the Word.
3) Both are matters of necessity satisfied in the application of the grace of God in Christ.
4. All is to be in the Name of Christ Jesus our Lord - with due reference to all He has done and as it is set forth in the Word.
1) To be preached - to be heralded to all nations beginning where they were but spreading to the whole world.
2) This my task as a preacher, ours as a church, and yours as an individual.
III. The application (vv. 47-48)
1. They had, no doubt, wondered at what they were to do - many are still wondering.
2. They were to be witnesses:
1) These were eyewitnesses to much but no more than we through faith.
2) Witnesses tell what they have seen and know to be true.
3) They may also point to the sources of their information - we understand the Scriptures.
4) They know what has happened to themselves - consider the answer of the man born blind or the witness of Lazarus.
3. While they were to wait for the full manifestation of the Holy Spirit in power, they would be endued (provided) with power (ability) to carry out what they were to do.
4. When Pentecost was fully come, they knew, and such ability remains among the Lord's people t this day.
5. We know the Scriptures, we know Him, and we know from what we are delivered. Are we witnesses?
