50 days after Easter, when Jews from all over the world gathered to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, God the Father poured out the Holy Spirit in power on Jesus’ disciples. God also filled the listeners, and they believed the Word. God’s promise from way back in the Old Testament – the one Jesus repeated so often – finally came true for all time: God himself dwells constantly in all who believe. All who are parched and who thirst for God are satisfied!
Jesus appeared to his followers from time to time for 40 days after his resurrection. This was when they really began to understand the meaning of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. Considering that, what better witness to the world could there be than the risen Jesus establishing a new ministry with himself physically at the lead? It begs the question, why did he go? Jesus’ ascension after only 40 days is as crucial to us as his death and resurrection. This week we’re exploring God’s blessings for us as we ask, “Why did he go?”
Once again Jesus appeared to the disciples after his resurrection in the routine act of fishing, but again they didn’t recognize him. Jesus revealed himself by directing them to the fish (or the fish to them), and finally one person recognizes Jesus. When he tells the others, they recognize Jesus, too. Jesus continues to reveal himself in the daily activities of our lives, and our job is to point to him so others can recognize him. May God open our eyes to see and our mouths to tell..
This week we’re looking at the scene one week after Easter made famous by “Doubting Thomas.” Thomas’s doubts change to deep belief when Easter stops being about ideas and centers on a person – the risen Jesus. We’re looking at the important role doubt plays in the life of faith as God shows amazing Grace for Doubters.
This week we’re looking at the final Easter story in Luke 24. Jesus appears on Easter night to his closest friends and gives all his followers – including us – the identity and mission of being Easter Witnesses. This happens whenever the reality of Jesus’ resurrection is received with faith. May we take on the mission in our words and our actions!