You are Witnesses

April 19, 2009

Background Scripture: Luke 24:36 – 53
Lesson Passage: Luke 24:44 – 53

When it comes to establishing truth, an eyewitness account is a hallmark of the human justice system. It seems as though this has been the case since man began to keep a record of history. God made it an important part of Hebrew jurisprudence when he gave the civil law to Moses that Israel would use to judge between individuals. In the Law of Moses, truth was to be established by the consensus of two or three witnesses. Even Jesus in defending his character against the attacks of some the religious leaders, used this model by calling on his works, Moses’ writings, John the Baptist’s testimony, and the witness of the Father as proof of who he is. Eyewitnesses have long been considered key to establishing truth. Now the greatest truth that the world could ever receive needs to be established for the benefit of mankind. This is the truth that’s in the gospel message; Jesus came to save us from our sins through his death and his resurrection is the ultimate proof. Therefore, the eyewitnesses to Jesus’ resurrection must be summoned before the world court of human conscience. There, they must declare this truth to a sin-sick world so that those who receive it by faith can be saved. Our lesson today describes the divine summon whereby these witnesses were called.

In the background scripture, there is much conversation, confusion, and fear among the followers of Jesus after sporadic reports of his post-resurrection sightings. He had appeared to Mary Magdalene, Peter, and two other unnamed disciples. As these two unnamed disciples began to tell their story to the Ten (Thomas was not present), Jesus suddenly appeared in their midst. Fear quickly set in as they supposed they were actually seeing his ghost. Jesus gave them words of assurance that he was there in their midst in bodily form and not as a spirit. He invited them to touch him and examine his nail scarred hands and feet. To further put their fear to rest, he requested food from them and ate it in their presence. He reminded them that all of this was a fulfillment of prophecy concerning him and that those things had to occur. Then he issued the divine summon to them. “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.” Jesus had finished his part. Now, those eyewitnesses were going to be summoned to do their part. They would be divinely prepared to carry out their mission. Jesus had previously promised that he would not leave them without a Comforter; he would send them the Spirit of Truth who would stay with them forever and help them. This final preparation would take place some days after this encounter but it would set in motion the preaching of the gospel message throughout the world. As people believe the gospel, they too are empowered by the indwelling Spirit of Truth and they are also made witnesses. These subsequent witnesses would not be giving eyewitness accounts but personal testimonies of their spiritual encounter with the risen Lord. Those first witnesses would establish the foundation of the New Testament church and subsequent witnesses would build on that foundation. Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If so, then you have the witness within you and you are witnesses by way of personal testimony.

Robert C. Hudson
April 10, 2009