Open Minds

What needs to happen?

Doesn’t this first portion of scripture give us a great reason for reading the Old Testament? (NRSV)

44 Then 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.” Then he opened their minds. So why did Jesus wait until now to open their minds? If you think about it Jesus wants us to follow Him, not by Divine understanding but through our belief. But perhaps it has come to a time where they need a bit more information.

What should we believe in?

Why do we believe in it?

Notice that Jesus, after opening their minds, reminds them of what has happened and basically reminds them of what the scriptures say. I had a congregant tell me a couple weeks ago that sometimes it is another passage from the Bible that helps us to understand the passage that was taught to us today.

Jesus then commands them to always preach this good news. (NRSV)

47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

Then Jesus tells them that they are witnesses to these things. Now before you ask me what things-think about all that had happened during the time that Christ walked the Earth and proclaimed a message of servanthood. Jesus is sending his Father’s helper to be your guide. (NRSV)

49 And 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.” This is the great help but Jesus reminds them to wait on this to happen. Remember when Jesus said ,"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (). Jesus is commissioning the disciples into the world but he requires that the Spirit goes with them. Have you ever thought about effectiveness of ministry? Did we wait to be called? Did we bath it in prayer? Did Jesus call to the congregation to support the ministry? What was the reason for the ministry to not be effective?

Jesus wants the disciples to be effective in their ministry so he reminds them to wait for the coming of the helper.

Then after the message he had for them he lead them out of the city as far as Bethany. Jesus lifts his arms into the air he blessed them, and then he parted from them. What do you think of when you read this last passage? I think of Communion a few weeks ago and how I held up my arms and asked the Lord to bless the elements. Jesus holds up his hands and blesses them. Then they worship Him before returning to Jerusalem. Oh my this makes me want to have Communion before worship.