The Gospel of Luke (Chapter 24)_Feb 2021

The Gospel of Luke (Chapter 24): A Re ective Guide

So, Jesus began with the Law (Torah) and Prophets (Nevi’im), ending with the
Writings (K’thuvim). The journey of about 11 kilometers gave him enough time to
give a quick overview of how all of Scriptures pointed to him and his nished work
on the Cross. We do not know which parts Jesus actually picked out, but we can
verify that every section of the Hebrew Bible has prophecies ful lled by Jesus in
Jerusalem during the last three days.

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From the Law, the Passover Lamb  (Exodus 12), the animal and blood
sacri ces (Exodus 24) and the entire Tabernacle especially the mercy seat of the Ark
of the Covenant, where blood was sprinkled once a year to make atonement for the
whole nation of Israel, pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God that takes away the sins
of the world.
From the Prophets, the Su ering Servant of Isaiah 53 will make a good study of
what happened on the Cross when the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all. Hosea
6:2 would also be a good prophecy for his resurrection:
Hosea 6:1-2 (GNB)
The people say, “Let’s return to the LORD! He has hurt us, but he will be sure to heal
us; he has wounded us, but he will bandage our wounds, won’t he? In two or three
days he will revive us, and we will live in his presence.
From the Writings, Psalms 22 is the most detailed prophecy of what happened on
the cross. Psalm 16:8-11 also points to the resurrection of Jesus.

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Thus, all of Scripture points to Jesus. Scripture is the rst and primary witness  to
Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. Scriptures from the past formed solid
evidence for the gospel of Jesus. That’s why Paul pointed to Scripture as the rst
and foremost witness to the gospel work of Jesus:
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (GNB)
I passed on to you what I received, which is of the greatest importance: that Christ
died for our sins, as written in the Scriptures ; that he was buried and that he was
raised to life three days later, as written in the Scriptures...

The secondary witness  to Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection are the
eyewitnesses that Jesus appeared to during the forty days before he left earth. Paul
gave us a list of them after he had identi ed what was of the greatest importance in
the gospel:

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1 Corinthians 15:5-11 (GNB)

...that he appeared to Peter and then to all twelve apostles. Then he appeared to
more than 500 of his followers at once, most of whom are still alive, although some
have died. Then he appeared to James, and afterwards to all the apostles. Last of
all he appeared also to me—even though I am like someone whose birth was
abnormal. For I am the least of all the apostles—I do not even deserve to be called
an apostle, because I persecuted God’s church. But by God’s grace I am what I am,
and the grace that he gave me was not without e ect. On the contrary, I have
worked harder than any of the other apostles, although it was not really my own
doing, but God’s grace working with me. So then, whether it came from me or from
them, this is what we all preach, and this is what you believe.

By these two witnesses, the case for the gospel is established, especially as it
relates to what Jesus went through and did during those three days - his cruci xion,
his death, his burial and his resurrection.

As they approached the village of Emmaus, the two disciples compelled Jesus to
stay with them and have supper. They were still digesting the contents of the “Bible
Study” they had with Jesus along the way. The dots were beginning to be joined
and the macro picture of the whole plan of salvation according to the whole
Hebrew Scripture, was beginning to form in their minds. However, their eyes were
still closed because they still did not recognise Jesus.

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When supper was served, Jesus sat with both of them, took the bread, said the
blessing, broke the bread and gave it to them to eat. All of sudden, their eyes were
opened and they saw that it was Jesus, in his resurrected form! Before they could
say anything, Jesus vanished (that was one of the characteristics of Jesus’
resurrected and upgraded body). With their mouths still wide open, they looked at
each other and said, “Wasn’t it like a re burning in us when he talked to us on the
road and explained the Scriptures to us?” What their minds had begun to grasp,
their heart had also started to accept and personalise.
The rst message he gave to the rst witness, Mary was about the  RESTORATION
of his disciples and followers. The second message  Jesus gave to these two
eyewitnesses was about the REVELATION by Scriptures.

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Their hearts burned with excitement, and they could not wait till morning to travel
back to Jerusalem. In the dark, they walked briskly to Jerusalem, to look for the
eleven disciples to tell them that they too, like Mary, had seen the risen Jesus. When
they found the eleven disciples, they were informed that Jesus had also personally
appeared to Simon (Peter). “The Lord is risen indeed!” was the excited chorus!

The two disciples then explained as best as they could, all that Jesus had taught
them from the witness of Scripture. The dots were indeed beginning to join and all
that had happened were beginning to make a whole lot of sense.

Evaluate

Scripture is the revelation of God.

2 Timothy 3:16 (GNB)

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error,
correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living...

Its origin comes not from man but from the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1:21 (GNB)

For no prophetic message ever came just from human will, but people were under
the control of the Holy Spirit as they spoke the message that came from God.

It is from Scripture that we are born again.

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1 Peter 1:23 (GNB)
For through the living and eternal word of God you have been born again as the
children of a parent who is immortal, not mortal.
It is by Scripture that we grow up to maturity.
1 Peter 2:2–3 (GNB)
Be like newborn babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking
it you may grow up and be saved. As the scripture says, “You have found out for
yourselves how kind the Lord is.”

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That’s why Jesus started with the rst message regarding restoration given to the
rst witness of his resurrection (Mary) and then proceeded to the second message
regarding revelation to the two witnesses on the road to Emmaus. So, we must all
treasure the Word of God. Read it every day, meditate on its implication and
application in our lives and then put it to work for us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
You will be changed in the process to the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Discussion Questions:

1. When was the last time your heart burned within you when you read the
Word of God? What was it about and how did it impact your life?

2. Which message of Jesus applies more to you now - restoration or revelation?
Why?

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Resurrection Of Jesus (Luke 24:36-49)

Luke 24:36-49 (GNB)

While the two were telling them this, suddenly the Lord himself stood among them
and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were terri ed, thinking that they were
seeing a ghost. But he said to them, “Why are you alarmed? Why are these doubts
coming up in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet, and see that it is I myself.
Feel me, and you will know, for a ghost doesn’t have esh and bones, as you can
see I have.” He said this and showed them his hands and his feet.

They still could not believe, they were so full of joy and wonder; so he asked them,
“Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of cooked sh, which he
took and ate in their presence.

Then he said to them, “These are the very things I told you about while I was still
with you: everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the writings of the
prophets, and the Psalms had to come true.” Then he opened their minds to
understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “This is what is written: the Messiah
must su er and must rise from death three days later, and in his name the message
about repentance and the forgiveness of sins must be preached to all nations,
beginning in Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And I myself will send
upon you what my Father has promised. But you must wait in the city until the
power from above comes down upon you.”

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Learning Objective

At the end of the interaction, I should be able to:
create a personal plan, together with other mission partners, on how to ful l the
Great Commission entrusted to us.

Success Criteria

At the end of the interaction, I am able to:
g  enerate, plan and produce a workable plan to be involved in building
disciples in this world, especially with people around me.
 partner and teach others how to get involved in the Great Commission, a
responsibility given to us by Jesus Christ.

Engage

What favorite pep talk do you recall from your mentor (parents, teacher, coach,
music instructor, etc.)? How were you treated when you blew it?

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Explore

The two disciples were excitedly relating their experience with the risen Christ to the
eleven when suddenly, Jesus appeared in the midst of them (just as he had
appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus and also left them suddenly
during supper in the village of Emmaus).

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His rst words to them were Shalom (Hebrew) - “Peace be with you.” Remember
that Jesus' rst intention with his disciples and followers was to restore them after
their failure and fall during his death and burial. That guilt must still be weighing
heavily in their hearts. Part of the rebuilding was to assure them of his forgiveness
as they had deserted him, and for Peter who denied knowing him. Thus, speaking
peace over them and building that bridge of forgiveness for them to cross over to
have peace with God was very important.
Secondly, he wanted to repair their compromised foundation of faith, by taking
them back to the primary witness of revelation through Scriptures. They needed to
formulate the foundation that all of Scriptures pointed to him. The only and sole
foundation is the person and work of Jesus. Everything else is built on the gospel -
his incarnation, his life, his works (death, burial and resurrection) and, as we shall
see, his ascension back to glory.

Explain

That’s why Paul made it very clear that there can be no other foundation, no other
gospel.

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1 Corinthians 3:9-15 (GNB)
For we are partners working together for God, and you are God’s eld. You are also
God’s building. Using the gift that God gave me, I did the work of an expert builder
and laid the foundation, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be
careful how he builds. For God has already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only
foundation, and no other foundation can be laid. Some will use gold or silver or
precious stones in building on the foundation; others will use wood or grass or
straw. And the quality of each person’s work will be seen when the Day of Christ
exposes it. For on that Day re will reveal everyone’s work; the re will test it and
show its real quality. If what was built on the foundation survives the re, the builder
will receive a reward. But if anyone’s work is burnt up, then he will lose it; but he
himself will be saved, as if he had escaped through the re.

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Paul said very clearly that God had already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only
foundation. If anyone preaches another gospel, let him or her be accursed or
condemned in hell!

Galatians 1:6–9 (GNB)

I am surprised at you! In no time at all you are deserting the one who called you by
the grace of Christ, and are accepting another gospel. Actually, there is no “other
gospel”, but I say this because there are some people who are upsetting you and
trying to change the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven
should preach to you a gospel that is di erent from the one we preached to you,
may he be condemned to hell! We have said it before, and now I say it again: if
anyone preaches to you a gospel that is di erent from the one you accepted, may
he be condemned to hell!

It is upon this foundation that we are to build on. All our works and ministry are built
based on this foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This was what Jesus, in his
second intention after his resurrection, wanted to highlight to his disciples and
followers when he approached the two disciples and gave the message regarding
revelation of Scriptures. They had to go back to revealed Scriptures and build using
those prophetic Scriptures and revelation.

But it was not just using Scriptures. After all, his persecutors, the Chief Priests, the
elders of the Council, the Pharisees, the Sadducess and the teachers of the Law
also used Scriptures, but they were far away from salvation. Their framework of
beliefs were not built on the Gospel but on their own human e orts through the
practice of the Law. For that, they were accursed.

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The context of 1 Corinthians 3 above was that Paul was talking about building God’s
house consisting of people. Three matters needed to be given due consideration as
we also build with God in his eld of mission and ministry.

Firstly, the  types of materials  that we use. Paul said there were two types of
materials - materials that last when tested by re and materials that will be burnt up
by God’s re:

 The materials that last when tested by re  – gold (for ornamental and
decorative purposes), silver (used for making money and thus are expensive
and precious building materials) and precious stones (marble or granite that
are strong and sturdy building materials that last a long, long time).
T  he materials that will be burnt up by re  – wood (cheap and temporary
building materials for the poor), hay (used for roo ng) and straw (for ooring
and insulation). All of these materials are highly combustible and easily
destroyed by re.
Paul was concerned that the building materials we use will last beyond this life on
earth, that is, it will last until eternity. That which lasts until eternity, means we will be
rewarded (v.14). But that which does not, means we will su er loss, although still
saved (v.15).

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What are the materials that last when tested by re? Firstly, Jesus said that heaven
and earth will pass away, but God’s Word or Scriptures will not (Matthew 5:18). That’s
why Jesus did not come to abolish Scriptures (the Law and the Prophets) but to
ful l it (Matthew 5:17). As we apply Scriptures on the foundation of the Gospel, then
our righteousness will exceed that of the teachers of the Law and Pharisees
(Matthew 5:20).
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Secondly, the only things that will last until eternity are the souls of man and
women. Thus, whatever work we do, we must prioritise reaching out and building
up people for the Kingdom of God. In this sense, the Christian calling is not
complicated. Whatever our work or ministry, we just need to ask ourselves, “Am I
reaching out to others with the Gospel (evangelism) and am I building up disciples
to join me in this work of the Great Commision (disciple-making)?” Everything we do
should answer these important questions. Wherever we are and whatever we do,
this is the Kingdom context.

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Secondly, we must take time to build. Good buildings need time and e ort to build.
If you just want to build a shack with wood, hay and straw, you probably can do so
in a few days. But, it will not last long.  On the other hand, if you want to build using
gold, silver and precious stones, it will take a long time because it involves hard,
detailed work. The work progresses slowly and carefully. Therefore, in the context
of our work in the Kingdom of God, it takes time to evangelise and disciple people.
This work is not by “microwave” but is slow “crock pot” cooking. We marinate and
cook by letting the “food” simmer for a long time. It takes time, e ort and patience to
properly evangelise and make disciples, but the results are lasting and much better.

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Thirdly, we need the right techniques and skills to build. If we have the good type of
materials, and take time to build, but do not have the right techniques and skills to
build, the results will also not be good or enduring. That’s why we learn from the
best person- Jesus himself. We have seen Jesus use techniques like telling
parables using everyday situations and objects, so that people can relate and
understand them. Jesus also asked a lot of questions to engage his disciples and
followers. That’s why we introduced the dialectic method to engage people to think
critically and process information. All these must eventually reach the point where
head knowledge becomes personalised into heart knowledge, that is the word
being applied and implanted in our hearts and lives.

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James 1:21 (GNB)
So get rid of every lthy habit and all wicked conduct. Submit to God and accept
the word that he plants in your hearts, which is able to save you.
All this we do under God’s authority and power that he has given to Jesus and is
administered through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

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Matthew 28:18–20 (GNB)
Jesus drew near and said to them, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on
earth. Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize
them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey
everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the
age.”
John 14:16 (GNB)
I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you
forever.
We can picture all these in the diagram below:

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Elaborate

Jesus then went on to assure the disciples that he was not a ghost, but that he was
esh and blood, albeit in the upgraded resurrected form.

He said to them, “Why are you alarmed? Why are these doubts coming up in your
minds? Look at my hands and my feet, and see that it is I myself. Feel me, and you
will know, for a ghost doesn’t have esh and bones, as you can see I have.” He said
this and showed them his hands and his feet.
So, to demonstrate that, he ate a cooked sh in their presence! How patiently Jesus
taught them.
The disciples were full of joy and wonder, seeing and hearing all these things from
Jesus, but it was still very hard to take it all in. Remember when we said, it will take
time to slowly build? Jesus himself experienced this. For three years he
demonstrated, discipled, taught, trained, built and encouraged his disciples but
they were still slow to believe, even after they had seen him risen from the dead!
After eating the sh, Jesus then went on to impart his message about
revelation;  reinforcing and expanding on what the two disciples on the road to
Emmaus had passed on to them.

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Then he said to them, “These are the very things I told you about while I was still
with you: everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the writings of the
prophets, and the Psalms had to come true.” Then he opened their minds to
understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “This is what is written: the Messiah
must su er and must rise from death three days later, and in his name the message
about repentance and the forgiveness of sins must be preached to all nations,
beginning in Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And I myself will send
upon you what my Father has promised. But you must wait in the city until the
power from above comes down upon you.”
He pointed out the two witnesses of Scripture and eyewitnesses. “The Law of
Moses, the writings of the Prophets and the Psalms” were the three parts of the
Hebrew Bible (as we have learnt), and that constitutes the prophetic Scripture he
had ful lled, enroute to establishing His Gospel. In addition, this mission has also
been shared and entrusted to his followers. Thus, from the three parts of the
Hebrew Bible, we can also nd this commission to God’s people to reach the
nations of the world as envisioned by Jesus.

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From the rst section of the Law, we get the mandate given to Abraham and his
descendants to bless all the families on earth:

Genesis 12:1-3 (GNB)

The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your
father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great
nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I
will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All
the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

From the second section of the Prophets, we read about the mandate to Israel to
reach, not just their own kind, but also the Gentiles of this whole world.

Isaiah 49:6 (GNB)

He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a
light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

From the third section of the Writings, we also read about this perspective of God’s
rule that encompasses the whole world:

Psalm 22:27-28 (GNB)

The whole earth will acknowledge the LORD and return to him. All the families of the
nations will bow down before him. For royal power belongs to the LORD. He rules
all the nations.

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Psalm 96:1–3, 7, 10 (GNB)

Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! Sing to the
LORD; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his
glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he
does.O nations of the world, recognize the LORD; recognize that the LORD is
glorious and strong.Tell all the nations, “The LORD reigns!” The world stands rm
and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly.

Psalm 97:1,6 (GNB)

The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice! Let the farthest coastlands be glad.The
heavens proclaim his righteousness; every nation sees his glory.

Psalm 98:1–3 (GNB)

Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has
won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power! The LORD has
announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation! He has
remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel. The ends of the earth
have seen the victory of our God.

Palm 99:1-3 (GNB)

The LORD is king! Let the nations tremble! He sits on his throne between the
cherubim. Let the whole earth quake! The LORD sits in majesty in Jerusalem,
exalted above all the nations. Let them praise your great and awesome name. Your
name is holy!

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Psalm 100:1–5 (GNB)

Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come
before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and
we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with
thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness
continues to each generation.

Following this, Jesus then  established the second witness: “You are witnesses of
these things.” The disciples, and more speci cally, the apostles of Jesus, were  the
foundational witness to the Gospel. That’s why eventually, the teachings of the
apostles became the foundational teaching in the church:

Acts 2:42 (NLT)

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship,
and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

Thus, Jesus added a third dimension to his message after his resurrection:
RESPONSIBILITY.

Jesus told the disciples that it was their responsibility to take  “the message about
repentance and the forgiveness of sins” and preach it to all nations, beginning in
Jerusalem. This was the rst time he commissioned them as his witnesses and
bearers of the Good News (Gospel) to all nations (Jews and Gentiles). This will
connect well to the sequel to the Gospel of Luke, that is the book of Acts, whereby
Jesus again gave this charge:

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Acts 1:8 (GNB)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be
my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout
Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The similarity between the two instructions is easy to connect.
Firstly, the disciples should start in Jerusalem and slowly fan out into all the world,
sharing the Good News.
Secondly, they are to be his witnesses, standing on the authority of his name.
Thirdly, they will need to rely on the Holy Spirit to do this work. That’s why he gave
very speci c instructions to wait In Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit is poured out on
them. We will nd out in the book of Acts that this happened 50 days later on the
day of Pentecost (see Acts 2). Meanwhile, they were to hold their horses and not
ride out into the sunset, without being rst equipped and “endued with power from
on high”.

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Evaluate

It was now clear. Jesus restored them from their failure and fall; pointed them to
revelation of Scriptures as the basis for understanding God’s big plan and the
Gospel he has established by his death, burial and resurrection; and now, he was
passing on the responsibility of bringing this message of the Gospel to all nations to
his restored disciples.
The Apostles and the early disciples had long gone. That responsibility to make
disciples of all nations is thus ours to ful l now.
Matthew 28:18-20 (GNB)
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on
earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to
obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always,
even to the end of the age.”

Have you, do you and will you?

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Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it important to you that Jesus’ mission was anticipated far beforehand
in the Old Testament?

2. In light of your circumstances, where is the mission eld Jesus has sent you?
Who are the people you are involved in building?

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4. The Ascension of Jesus (Luke 24:50-53)

Luke 24:50–53 (GNB)
Then he led them out of the city as far as Bethany, where he raised his hands and
blessed them. As he was blessing them, he departed from them and was taken up
into heaven. They worshipped him and went back into Jerusalem, lled with great
joy, and spent all their time in the Temple giving thanks to God.
We now come to the end of the Gospel of Luke. It has been an epic journey
together with our Lord Jesus.
Let’s have a quick recap of the amazing journey we have undertaken.

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Chapter Title Comments

1 The The expectation and preparation for the coming of the Son of

Amazing God through the virgin, teenager, Mary, who showed rare

Faith Of A courage and faith. The announcements of the birth of John the

Teenage Baptist and Jesus together with the songs sung by Mary and

Girl Zechariah, contained elements of the Gospel.

2 The The birth of Jesus (incarnation) and his early years contained

Coming Of hints of his work of salvation through the song sung by angels

The to the shepherds and the prophetic words of Simeon at the

Saviour Of Temple in Jerusalem. Jesus demonstrated a sense of calling to

The World his mission given by his Father, during his visit to the Temple

in Jerusalem, as a teenager.

3 Preparing John the Baptist, the forerunner for Jesus, announced Jesus as
The Way the Lamb of God, and prepared Jesus for his public ministry by
For The baptising him, accompanied by a resounding approval by the
Saviour Of Father and the Holy Spirit.
The World

4 The The intense spiritual battle with Satan and the rejection of

Beginning Jesus in his own hometown Nazareth, gave a preview of the

Of Jesus’ challenge to his authority and power, even as he launched his

Ministry public ministry.

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5 The Call To Jesus issued the rst call to his chosen disciples to participate in
Reach his ministry with lessons to look beyond the obvious needs of
Sinners people and see the greater need for God’s forgiveness, to move
beyond our prejudices to see that everyone, no matter how forgone
he seemed to be, is “savable” when it comes to the new ways in
God’s new “wineskin” functions.

6 The Marks Jesus laid down the qualities of true discipleship that involves

Of True acknowledging his Lordship, possessing beautiful attitudes that

Discipleship are counterintuitive to that of the world, and a steadfast

commitment to obey God’s will as revealed in His Word.

7 Deepening Discipleship is also a walk of faith that takes us through the hard

Faith By things in life. Jesus teaches about exercising trust in God during

Going very challenging situations, overcoming o enses and doubts, and

Through dealing with rejection by other people.

Hard Things

8 Movements To move ahead in the Kingdom of God, it requires an active
In The listening and obedience to God’s voice through God’s Word,
Kingdom Of experiencing a constant ow of input of God’s resources and an
God output through service, creating a history of trusting God, and
reaching out to him in prayer.

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9 Transiting The training of Jesus’ disciples moved to the next level when Jesus

To The sent them out two by two, without him, on a mission trip to do what

Next they had seen him do (preach the Gospel and pray for the peoples’

Phase needs). Jesus pulled the curtain of mystery regarding his

personhood slightly apart, as revealed in his mission, his

trans guration and his high commitment to not hold on to control,

comfort and convenience when serving God.

10 Expanding Jesus expanded and deepened his team by sending out another 72
And followers on a similar mission trip, teaching them to be good
Deepening neighbours by meeting the needs of others, without neglecting
The their own personal need for constant connection and fellowship
Strategy with God.
To Reach
The World

11 Engaging Serving God inevitably leads us to engage in spiritual con icts,
In thus, requiring us to use God-centric warfare prayers (similar to
Con icts the Lord’s Prayer), pulling down spiritual strongholds to establish
healthy identities in Christ, shining the light of the gospel, and
standing rmly against performance-based religiosity.

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12 Living In Jesus taught us to look beyond our present lives which is
Light Of temporary, and consider living in light of  eternity which is
Eternity permanent. When we do so, we put aside the impediments of being
too preoccupied with the things that commonly dominate life on
earth, such as hypocrisy, fear of man, rejecting Christ, greed, self-
centered living, life’s worries, unpreparedness and treating the
Gospel with contempt.

13 Living In All people will undergo the judgement by God. Jesus identi ed for

Light Of us the important criteria for judgement by God, namely, the fruits

God’s of repentance, fruitfulness in God’s Kingdom work and, most

Judgement crucial of all, being known by God.

14 Living In The judgement by God is not merely to punish, but also to reward
Light Of faithful believers. Jesus revealed the important criteria for
God’s judging unto rewards, namely humility, compassion,
Rewards responsiveness to God, pure devotion and total dedication to Jesus.

15 The  Jesus told the three parables of lostness to underline the

Tragedy Of compassionate heart of God for the lost that we need to capture.

Lostness It’s easy to be lost in the world due to preoccupation,

carelessness, sin of passions of the esh (practice of license) and

sin of attitude (self-righteousness, slave-mindset, legalism,

envy).

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16 The Web Of There is a proper use of money in this world - to make friends for
Money eternity. The improper use of money is to be caught in the web of
self-centered indulgence. Jesus told these two parables to warn
and tutor us in the proper use of money, because our attitude
towards money is a matter of integrity.

17 Reminders As Jesus moved nearer to Jerusalem, he started to remind and
Of reinforce his disciples on the matters of discipleship that he had
Discipleship: taught them. He rst dealt with dangerous temptations that can
Temptations cause serious harm to any disciple who is not alert to its dangers.
That The three temptations were unforgiveness, ingratitude and
Stumble Us spiritual short-sightedness.

18 Reminders On the positive side, Jesus reminded his disciples with regards to
Of attitudes that will strengthen their walk of discipleship. These
Discipleship: spiritual  attitudes include prayerful dependence, childlike trust
Attitudes and desperate faith.
That
Strengthen

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19 Signs Of As Jesus rounded the corner and headed for the nal stretch
Acceptance before entering Jerusalem, there were events that indicated both
And his acceptance and his rejection in the holy city. Full acceptance
Rejection were given by those people who were sold out for Jesus. Partial
acceptance were expressed by those who were guarded in their
acceptance and could turn away from Jesus, when adverse
situations arise. Outright rejection were shown by Jesus'
opponents and enemies, who eventually planned and carried out
his murder.

20 The As Jesus entered into Jerusalem, the con icts with his enemies

Con icts At intensi ed. They ganged up and came at him with all their guns

Hand blazing. They questioned him on his authority to act and teach, his

allegiance to God and the nation of Israel, and even on his

doctrinal understanding. Nevertheless, Jesus stood his ground,

and not only neutralised their attacks, but also embarrassed them

by showing the loopholes in their own faith and practices. This

only made Jesus’ enemies more angry, as they began plotting, not

only to bring him down, but to nish him o permanently.

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21 The Jesus took time to teach his disciples about the con ict to come. He

Con icts knew that after his departure, con icts with the world would build

To Come up progressively, becoming worse and worse, until he returned to

earth and defeated his enemies. He wanted to teach them to look out

for the signs of his coming. The period of Birth Pains and the End

requires the elect to make a decision to endure to the end, to be

faithful unto death, in spite of terrible persecution, su ering and

even martyrdom. But he wanted them to be con dent that in the end,

God wins!

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22- The The Showdown in Jerusalem was the lowest point for humanity.

23 Showdown Jesus' three friends failed him - Judas betrayed him, the eleven

I: The disciples deserted him, and Peter, the leader-elect, even denied

Gospel - knowing Jesus three times. Jesus’ three foes (the Chief Priests &

Jesus' the Jewish Council, King Herod and the Roman Governor Pontius

Death And Pilate) who judged him were absolutely inept as they never gave

Burial Jesus a fair trial. In fact, Pontius Pilate publicly declared three

times that Jesus was innocent, but succumbed to mob pressure

and sentenced Jesus to death by cruci xion.

When Jesus was cruci ed, the three hours of darkness that
shrouded the whole of Israel, signi ed how terribly dark the
punishment of sin was on Jesus, who became the Lamb of God, to
bring full atonement for sinners. The three prayers of Jesus
regarding his relationship with his Father that was broken
because he was the bearer of our sins, highlighted how grave our
sin is to God. When Jesus prayed that, “It is nished,” it meant
that the spiritual transaction with the Father was completed. He
died and was buried.

Even though the historical events were dark and horrible, yet out
of that came the elements of the Good News (Gospel) - Jesus
death by cruci xion, his burial in a borrowed tomb, and his
eventual triumphant resurrection after three days.

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24 The The resurrection of Jesus is the pillar of Christianity. It changed

Showdown everything for the discouraged and despondent disciples of

II: The Jesus. His messages were de nite and intentional as he

Gospel - appeared personally to the specially chosen eyewitnesses.

Jesus

Resurrection To the rst eyewitness, Mary Magdalene, the message was

And restoration for the fallen disciples and followers. To the second

Ascension eyewitness, the two disciples on the road to Emmaus,  the

message was the revelation of the Gospel in Scripture (in

shadows, types and prophecies in the Hebrew Bible/ Old

Testament). To the third foundational witness, the eleven

apostles, the message was to take up and ful ll the

responsibility of taking the gospel to all nations.

Jesus then ascended back to heaven from Mount Olives, awaiting
the day when he will return and set foot on the same ground
from which he left.

I hope that you have been inspired and built up throughout this epic journey
through the Gospel of Luke.

As we read the last few words in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is now standing on the
Mount of Olives, and about to leave planet earth. His mission was complete, and he
had commissioned his disciples to take the Gospel message to all the world. He
raised his hands and blessed them as a priest would, and slowly ascended to
heaven while doing so.

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The disciples had nally understood fully who Jesus was and is. He is God, and so
they worshipped him right there and then, as he ascended back to heaven. After
Jesus disappeared into the clouds, the disciples headed back to Jerusalem, no
longer despondent or depressed, but lled with great joy. They were a completely
transformed lot, no longer scared but emboldened by the restoration, revelation
and responsibility worked out by the Risen Saviour and Lord during those precious
few days after his resurrection. They were thankful and praised God with new
vigour and zeal.
What happened to them after this? Well, their story continues in the sequel to the
Gospel of Luke. It is found in the Bible, usually entitled as the Book of Acts. We
encourage you to turn there and begin another epic journey, but this time keeping
an eye on the third person of the Trinity, who is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the
prime mover of the narrative, using the renewed apostles and disciples of Jesus. It
will be another exciting journey as we trace the history of the early church, and how
the Gospel was taken by them by the power of the Holy Spirit, beginning in
Jerusalem, then moving out to all Judea and Samaria, and eventually to the ends of
the earth - moving Westward as the Holy Spirit led the early missionaries.

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But before we close this study on the Gospel of Luke, will you take time and give
thanks to God for all that you have learnt. Hide these facts in your heart, and let it
bear fruits continually in your life.
God bless you, dear brother and sister in Christ, as you remain faithful to Jesus and
endure to the end. God be with you.
Amen.
The adventure continues in the Book of Acts…

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References 

Barton, Bruce; Comfort, Philip; Osborne, Grant; Taylor, Linda K. & Veerman, Dave
(2001). Life application New Testament commentary. Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale
House Publishers.
Coleman, Lyman (1998). Serendipity Bible for groups: For personal and small group
study. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House.
Hughes, Kent, R. (1998). Luke volume one: That you may know the truth. Wheaton,
Illinois: Crossway Books.
Hughes, Kent, R. (1998). Luke volume 2: That you may know the truth. Wheaton,
Illinois: Crossway Books.
Richards, Lawrence O. (1998). The teacher’s commentary. Wheaton, Illinois: Victor
Books.
Strauss, Mark (2008). Luke & John: Life that lasts forever. USA: Barbour Publishing.
 

References

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(Chapter 24): 
A Reflective Guide

Showdown II: The Gospel - The
Resurrection And Ascension of Jesus

The resurrection of Jesus is the pillar of Christianity. It changed
everything for the discouraged and despondent disciples of Jesus. His
messages were de nite and intentional as he appeared personally to
three groups of specially chosen eyewitnesses: the rst eyewitness,
Mary Magdalene, the message was restoration for the fallen disciples
and followers; the second eyewitness, the two disciples on the road to
Emmaus, the message was the revelation of the Gospel in Scripture (in
shadows, types and prophecies in the Hebrew Bible/ Old Testament);
and the third foundational witness, the eleven apostles, the message
was to take up and ful l the responsibility of taking the gospel to all
nations. Jesus then ascended to heaven from Mount Olives, awaiting the
day when he will return, and set foot on the same ground from which he
left. The Showdown II is over. Jesus has triumphed exceedingly. It was
now up to the revived apostles and disciples to take the Gospel to the
ends of the earth.