Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." Luke24:45-49
In Luke's perspective of Jesus' commissioning of the disciples, we see an important emphasis which is also evident in the Emmaus Road experience which is in the first part of the same chapter.
The emphasis is that the crucifixion, resurrection and the promise of the Holy Spirit are not random or spontaneous events, but events that are clearly described in Scripture.
Luke's emphasis is that the Scriptures provide a solid base for our faith in Christ's suffering, resurrection and promise to send the Holy Spirit.
The resurrection is not only _reported_ in Scripture, but is _predicted_ by the Old Testament. Scripture resonates with the expectation that the Messiah will overcome.
Luke reminds us that Jesus opened the disciples minds so that they could understand the Scriptures. This understanding would help the disciples not only to be "random witnesses" of the resurrection, but that they would see the "bigger picture" of God's overall plan.
This clarity on God's purposes and plan combined with their experience of the Risen Christ would enable them to preach "repentance and forgiveness in His name to all nations."
So, to summarise: The resurrection commission in Luke reminds us that Scripture is the solid foundation for us to understand God's plan and be motivated to go out and tell others.
Jesus wants us to understand the Scriptures, but not only in our heads but in our hearts as well. Our understanding should motivate us to tell others: "It was always God's plan that His Son would overcome our sin! Turn to Him and receive His forgiveness."
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
