Luke 24:44-53 (NRSV)
Read Luke 24:44-53 on biblegateway.com
Verse 44Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you-that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled." Verse 45Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, Verse 46and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, Verse 47and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Verse 48You are witnesses of these things. Verse 49And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
Verse 50Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. Verse 51While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. Verse 52And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; Verse 53and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
Devotion
Jesus’ final words in Luke bring his story to a resounding conclusion. Jesus is identified in these words, “everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled” (44). This is the only New Testament reference to the three parts of the Jewish scriptures, the Tanak, which Christians refer to as the Old Testament.
Jesus prepares his followers for his return to the Father who sent him. His final words open their minds to understand that it is necessary that “the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead” (45-46). On this basis, the community is called to proclaim to all nations by the Holy Spirit the gift of “repentance and forgiveness of sins,” (47) by which all people are reconciled to God.
Following these words and Jesus’ blessing, he is taken up into heaven. Returning to Jerusalem the disciples await the coming of the Holy Spirit (50-53).
Prayer
God of power and might, you have made yourself known in your Son, who suffered death and was raised that all people might receive the gift of repentance and forgiveness of sins. Receive our prayer and embolden us with your Holy Spirit to be faithful proclaimers of the good news of Jesus Christ for all to hear. Amen.