09-22-2019 - The Power of a Witness

Luke 24:36–50 ESV

36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them. 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 and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” 50 And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.

The Intention of Jesus Always Included our Witness/Testimony to His Resurrection ()

As Part of this “Witness” We Speak of:

Christ’s Suffering,

Christ’s Resurrection

The Message that If you Repent, Your Sins will be forgiven

Notice the ATTITUDE of the Disciples after the ascension:

Luke 24:51–52 NLT

51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy.

Luke 24:51–53 NLT

51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. 53 And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.

The Selection of Mathias in Acts Chapter 1:

Acts 1:

Acts 1:21–26 NLT

21 “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus— 22 from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.” 23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen 25 as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.

The Apostles Understand Their True Purpose Following the Ascension: WITNESS OF JESUS RESURRECTION ()

We learn that more than just the 12 were with Jesus from the time of His Baptism until the Ascension..

Two Men are nominated (Notice that these men are not appointed by man’s decision… They are recognized and put forth for the LORD’s Leading)

The Disciples then ALL pray (they pray the same thing, asking God to Intervene and Guide)

Mathias is Chosen and recognized as an Apostle (Sent on) and one to who this “ministry” is given. What is the “ministry?” WITNESS OF JESUS RESURRECTION

CHALLENGE:

Seeing How Clearly The Holy Spirit Outlines the Role of the Ministry of the Early Disciples as WITNESSES TO JESUS RESURRECTION, What Lesson can we take away?

What is the core of Our Ministry? I am not asking what is the particular of our spiritual gift which the Bible clearly states is for the edification of the body, I am asking, What is the Core Element of the Ministry of Every Disciple of Jesus Christ?

Perhaps a look at the Intentional Jesus’s Words today and the Disciples Response Helps us to see, As Christians, one of our CORE Ministry Responsibilities is BEING AN INTENTIONAL, VERBAL WITNESS To the RESURRECTED JESUS