Repentance and Forgiveness

Luke 24:36–48 NRSV

36 While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost 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 While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, 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 in their presence. 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.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.

Caught up in the moment

Luke 24:37 NRSV

37 They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost.

Physically Present. Not anxious.

Distracted

We are so easily distracted from the things that matter. We are also startled whenever Jesus shows up in ways we didn’t expect.

We also want things to go back to normal. But Jesus is here to take things forward.

Re-Focused by Jesus

Jesus first calms their fears.

Luke 24:38–43 NRSV

38 He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost 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 While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, 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 in their presence.

Jesus reveals his presence in tangible ways.

Jesus reminds them of why they are here.

Luke 24:44–46 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.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day,

Jesus reminds them of what they can do, they must do now...

Our Mission: Disciples

Luke 24:47 NRSV

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

Repentance and the Forgiveness of Sins

Beginning at home...

Luke 24:48 NRSV

48 You are witnesses of these things.

This is why we must do it. We’ve seen the difference Jesus makes.

But more importantly, this is why we CAN do it!

We are witnesses. We have the witness of the Holy Spirit. We have a mission: make disciples. Our mission is not to put more rear ends in seats. Our mission is to put more disciples into the flow of life in our community. Here we gather to prepare and renew: but out there is where the action becomes life-changing. Repentance. Forgiveness of sins. To everyone. We are witnesses of these things.

Let’s pray...