For 40 Days – Day 37: I Send You: Content

Key Episode Scripture: Luke 24 and Acts 1-2

Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.  (Luke 24:46-48 ESVUK)

Good news: He is not dead – He is risen. Good news: sins are forgiven in His name, and life eternal is available to those who believe. Good news: a right relationship is restored between God and man through the mediator, Jesus Christ. Good news: all who respond in faith are equipped and empowered to live pure lives pleasing to the Father among the community of the Spirit following the example of King Jesus.

This good news and the basis of the Kingdom of God were crucial as the saints who saw Him crucified got to grips with the reality that He had risen from the dead. Following the context considered about this episode, these chapters give a stunning insight into that preparation and launch as Jesus sent His apostles empowered by the promised outpouring of the Spirit. This outline certainly does not replace reading and listening to the scriptures involved in this fascinating episode. The outline, however, offers a base from which the concepts can be explored.

Luke 24

1-7 – A group of women go to the tomb of Jesus on the first day of the week only to discover His body is missing with the tombstone rolled away. Men in bright garments ask them why they’re looking for the living among the dead because Jesus has risen just like He told them.

8-12 – The women tell the apostles, but the men don’t believe them. Peter checks the tomb and notes that it’s empty, just like they said, and marvels.

13-24 – Cleopas and his buddy are leaving Jerusalem to go home when they encounter a guy they don’t recognise who asks them why they’re so glum. They update the stranger on what’s been going on in Jerusalem, including the crucifixion of their hope and the weird developments that day.

25-27 – The stranger rebukes them for being slow on the uptake and spends the rest of the journey showing them in scripture how what happened was always meant to happen.

28-35 – As they reach their home, they urge the stranger to stay over. As he does so and breaks bread, the two friends’ eyes are opened to see Jesus, who vanishes. They reflect on the heart-warming word search they’d enjoyed on the journey and decide to return and inform the eleven.

36-43 – Jesus appears and greets them, which frightens them. He assures them that He’s there and real, with marks on his hands and feet to show it. To seal the deal, He eats some fish.

44-49 – Jesus shows how the scriptures point to all that’s happened to Him. He encourages them to understand that now it’s about repentance and forgiveness being preached in His name to all nations, starting with Jerusalem. The Son says He’ll send the promise of His Father to help.

50-53 – Jesus takes them to Bethany, blesses them and is taken to heaven. His followers joyfully return to Jerusalem, regularly blessing God in the temple.

Acts 1

1-5 – Luke continues from what he last told Theophilus about Jesus. He highlights how the risen Christ showed up to His disciples and spent 40 days talking about the Kingdom of God, reiterating the instruction to stay in Jerusalem until the promised baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is coming soon.

6-11 – The apostles approach Jesus, wondering if this is the time for Israel’s restoration. Jesus says that’s not for them to know; what it is for them to know is their call to be witnesses of Him locally, regionally and globally. He ascends to their wonder; then, two white-robed guys let them know that the one they see going up will be coming back.

12-14 – The crew of followers – including the 11 and the women, return to Jerusalem and commit to united prayer.

15-22 – Peter points out to the 120 that, based on scripture, someone has to replace Judas, who split from the twelve and then split from himself at the bowels. He mentions that the replacement must have followed Jesus to be a witness.

23-26 – Two candidates emerge: Justus and Matthias. Prayer is offered for wisdom in selecting. Then, by casting lots, Matthias gets the post.

Acts 2

1-4 – On Pentecost, the group was together, and what sounded like a great wind filled their place. Firey tongues were on top of each person, and each was filled with the Spirit and spoke in other languages as the Spirit directed.

5-13 – The commotion draws a diverse crowd who are amazed at hearing these Galileans speaking about God’s wonders fluently in the languages of the diverse crowd. Some wonder and marvel; others scoff, thinking they’re drunk.

14-21 – Peter proclaims that what’s happening ain’t about being that kinda drunk. It’s about what Joel spoke about regarding a day when visions, dreams and prophesying would happen. This is about a time when people can be saved.

22-31 – Peter explains that Jesus, who did marvellous works, was killed by the religious leaders, but God set it all up, and Jesus has now risen from the dead just like David prophesied.

32-36 – Peter points out that they’re witnesses to the risen Son, and the occurrence is the Father’s promised outpouring of the Spirit, reaffirming that Jesus is Lord and Messiah.

37-40 – Listeners are convicted and ask the apostles what to do. Peter says repent, get baptised for the forgiveness of sins, and receive the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is promised to all. He encourages people to get out of what’s happening to the generation. 3000 respond by joining through baptism.

41-47 – Initial Jerusalem church life post Pentecost described. Dedication to teaching, fellowship, meals, and prayers. Signs and wonders from the apostles. Common unity among the community of the Spirit with generous contributions for the distribution to those in need. Regular gatherings and meals, joyous hearts, and favour with the crowds. Jesus adds those being saved to the church daily.

Next, we will explore some of the intriguing concepts that help us understand what it meant for Jesus to say, “I Send You ….

For His Name’s Sake

C. L. J. Dryden

Shalom