The Ascension of Our Lord, May 9, 2024
The Ascension of Our Lord, May 9, 2024
Jesus bestows a gift upon his disciples. He opens their minds to understand the Scriptures (vs. 45). Those disciples have been with him three years… three years and they still hadn’t understood. They didn’t comprehend Jesus’ place in their own Scriptures and his fulfillment of what was written. But now, Jesus is changing their title and job description. No longer will they be known as disciples, following after Jesus. They can’t follow him as he’s carried up into heaven; it’s not yet their time. Their new title is that of “apostle.” They are the “sent out ones.” Specifically, they are sent out to proclaim, “repentance for the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name to all nations” (vs. 47).
This is but one of five “sending” accounts: all four Gospels and the Book of Acts have one. We have become so accustomed to emphasizing the so-called “Great Commission” from Matthew’s gospel that the other four sending accounts have withered in importance. We forget that “Great Commission” is merely a title assigned to it by an editor of some English language translation.
These five sending accounts (Mt. 28:16-20; Mk. 16:14-18; Lk. 24:44-49; Acts 1:6-11; & Jn. 20:19-23) have several threads in common. For instance, the disciples are not complemented by Jesus or the gospel evangelists. Rather, the disciples are described as “fearful,” “ignorant,” “uncomprehending,” and “disbelieving.” Yet, the same authority is given to all without distinction. They are sent out to bear witness to Jesus Christ, to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins in his name, and to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus “blessed them” in their sending and proclamation (vs. 50).
Oh, what fruitfulness that blessing has obtained! The proclamation of those original apostles has been multiplied generation-after-generation until it has reached you. Upon its reaching you, you are enlisted into the ranks of apostles. Worship services conclude with your being “sent out;” you are “apostle-ized!” No matter if you be “fearful,” “ignorant,” “uncomprehending,” or even “disbelieving.” So were the originals! Go! Bear witness to Jesus Christ!
Table Talk: Have you ever thought of being an “apostle” of Jesus Christ rather than a disciple of Christ? Why or why not?
Pray: Heavenly Father, grant that I would hear my sending out and so become an apostle of Christ. Amen
Luke 24:44-53
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 and 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 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God.