Luke 24:36-53

YOU ARE WITNESSES

Keywords 24:48

You are witnesses of these things.

 

1. Jesus’ glorious resurrection (36-43)

 While the two were still talking to the disciples, Jesus appeared among them.

They were startled, thinking he was a ghost. He showed his pierced hands, feet,

and side. He also ate a broiled fish. Jesus showed his glorious and transformed

body. We will also be transformed at the last day!

 

2. You are witnesses (44-53)

 Jesus taught the main points of all the scriptures: The Messiah must suffer,

die, and be raised. The repentance for the forgiveness of sins must be preached

to all nations. Jesus appointed his disciples to be his witnesses to the ends

of the earth. He promised to send the Holy Spirit to enable them to carry out

their mission. It seems best for Jesus to stay here. Yet the task was given to his

weak and vulnerable disciples while he was taken up into heaven. What we are

supposed to do until he comes again? We should not only enjoy the grace of the

forgiveness of sins but also strive to be his witnesses. Through the Holy Spirit we

are enabled to be witnesses through our life of joy, hope of the kingdom of God,

and courageous faith.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for showing us your glorious image, which we will also

have. Use me to preach the forgiveness of sins through Jesus’ death and

resurrection to all nations.

One Word I am witness of the risen Jesus!

Luke 24:13-35

ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS

Keywords 24:26

"Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"

 

1. The lost dream (13-24)

 Two of the disciples fled to Emmaus. But the risen Jesus walked along with

them. Jesus asked, “What are you discussing?” They shared their broken dream

for Jesus to redeem Israel. They even talked about the women who said Jesus

was alive. They look like many Christians who know many things about Jesus but

whose real hope is personal well-being and success through Jesus. The risen

Jesus walks along to help such people with broken dreams. He can renew their

hope with a greater vision of God through deep Bible studies.

 

2. A bigger dream in Jesus (25-35)

 Then Jesus strongly rebuked them for their unbelief. How foolish they were!

Jesus kindly began to teach them Moses and all the prophets. He showed the

focal point of the scriptures is Jesus the Messiah who must suffer, be raised, and

enter his glory. Soon, their hearts were burning. Their eyes opened to recognize

the Jesus. They returned to Jerusalem to witness to the risen Jesus.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for walking along with me, teaching the scriptures until I

could meet the risen Jesus in my hopeless and despairing life. Make me

a witness of Jesus for the salvation of the world.

One Word The scriptures are about Jesus’ death and resurrection

Luke 24:1-12

HE HAS RISEN!

Keywords 24:6

He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:

 

1. Remember how he told you (1-8)

 Jesus’ resurrection was like the early morning sun that broke the darkness of

death. But the women came to the tomb with sorrow and no hope because they

did not yet believe the resurrection of Jesus. Many Christians are just like these

women. They love and follow Jesus for many years. They know his death on the

cross. However, without believing in Jesus’ resurrection, their Christian life is sad

with no joy or power. An angel helped them, saying, “He has risen! Remember

his words, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be

crucified and on the third day be raised again!’” Then they remembered his words.

Suddenly joy, hope, and power filled their hearts. They ran back and told the

sorrowful disciples.

 

2. The disciples didn’t remember his words (9-12)

 The eleven disciples didn’t believe. Peter ran to the tomb. He saw the empty

tomb with linens lying by themselves. Yet he did not believe. It was because he

didn’t remember Jesus’ words. It is not easy, but it is essential to believe in the

resurrection of Jesus by faith in his word and by the grace of God.

 

Prayer Lord, I believe that you died but were raised according to the Scriptures!

You will raise me as you raised Jesus from the agony of death.

One Word Praise the risen Jesus!

Luke 23:44-56

JESUS’ DEATH AND BURIAL

Keywords 23:46

Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

 

1. Jesus dies victoriously (44-49)

 Jesus suffered unspeakably on the cross. For three hours, the sky was darkened,

revealing the momentousness of Jesus’ death. The curtain of the temple was torn

in two, revealing that Jesus was the sacrifice that opens the way to God. When

it was time for Jesus to die, Jesus declared that he had finished his mission and

victoriously gave his spirit back to God. Even one Roman centurion could see that

Jesus’ death was not the death of a mere man.

 

2. Jesus is buried by Joseph (50-56)

 Jesus’ death revealed God’s purpose and changed the heart of one formerly

secret disciple. Joseph of Arimathea courageously asked Pilate for Jesus’

body, and he donated his own tomb for Jesus to be laid in. By the power of

Jesus’ death, God changed one person who could then be used to prepare the

environment for Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus’ death still has power to change us.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for the victory Jesus won for us. May Jesus’ cross

change me into someone who can be used for your work.

One Word Jesus’ death has life-changing power

Luke 23:26-43

JESUS’ CROSS GIVES US PARADISE

Keywords 23:43

Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

 

1. Forgiveness is offered from the cross (26-34)

 Jesus’ condemnation to die by crucifixion looked like a tragic injustice. His

friends mourned and wailed for him. But Jesus didn’t need people to weep for

him; rather, he taught us to realize the fruit of sin and escape the judgment that is

coming. Jesus himself provided the way to do that. He offered himself for our sins

on the cross and prayed for our forgiveness.

 

2. Jesus gives paradise to one who asks (35-43)

 People from many walks of life mocked Jesus in his seemingly helpless condition

on the cross, daring him to come down and save himself. But the fear of God

came into the heart of one of the condemned criminals, and he saw the kingdom

of God in Jesus. He asked Jesus to remember him, and Jesus granted him a

place in paradise immediately and unconditionally. Jesus gives salvation freely to

anyone who asks him!

 

Prayer Lord Jesus, remember me, and let your death cover my sins so I may

come to your kingdom.

One Word Forgiveness and paradise from Jesus’ cross

Luke 23:1-25

JESUS IS CONDEMNED

Keywords 23:25

He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

 

1. Pilate tries to get an answer (1-12)

 The Sanhedrin brought Jesus to Pontius Pilate with made-up charges to

have him put to death by the Roman government. Jesus did not deny being

King of the Jews, and yet Pilate could tell he was innocent—Jesus was no

insurrectionist. When the religious leaders insisted, Pilate sent Jesus to Herod

for more information. Herod and his men mocked Jesus but did not come to any

conclusion.

 

2. Pilate gives in (13-25)

 Pilate tried to convince the leaders and the gathered crowd that Jesus had done

nothing to deserve death, but he compromised, offering to have him punished.

The crowd, however, had already been stirred into a frenzy by the religious leaders,

and they began to shout for Jesus’ crucifixion. Finally, Pilate gave in to their

demands. No one was willing to stand up for Jesus’ righteousness; this reveals

the sin of all humanity. But Jesus was condemned in our places, so we could be

forgiven like Barabbas.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for Jesus who offered himself in my place for my sins.

One Word Condemned in my place

Luke 22:54-71

JESUS’ TESTIMONY

Keywords 22:70

They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied, "You are right in saying I am."

 

1. Peter’s denial (54-62)

 Jesus’ disciples abandoned him when he was arrested, but Peter followed at

a distance to see what would happen. As the night progressed, three different

bystanders recognized Peter as one of the disciples, but, every time, he denied

knowing Jesus. He fell into temptation under the power of fear. When a rooster

crowed, Peter realized Jesus’ prediction was right, and he wept bitterly. Knowing

ourselves as sinners is the beginning of repentance.

 

2. Jesus testifies to the Sanhedrin (63-71)

 Jesus was mocked and abused by the guards responsible for him because he

seemed powerless. On trial before the Jewish council, the religious leaders asked

Jesus directly if he was the Messiah. But they didn’t care about the truth; they

only wanted Jesus to incriminate himself. Jesus knew this, but still he revealed his

divine identity, speaking of his heavenly throne and admitting that he was the Son

of God. Jesus would not deny the truth, even though it cost his life.

 

Prayer Lord Jesus, thank you for showing me my sin. I want to win the victory

over fear. I need your courage to stand on the truth.

One Word Pray for power to tell the truth