Advent Devotional: The Gospel of LukeSample

*Written by Debby Tang

2 Why’s and 1 Go

1. “Why do you look for the living among the dead” (24:5)

Jesus, the Son of Man and Son of God, is our living God. He was delivered over to the hands of sinners, crucified, and, on the third day, raised again. Jesus is now sitting on the right hand of God on the Throne. Jesus is the Lamb, the Shepherd, and the King.

The angel told the women, "He is not here; he has risen!"

Why did the women come, and why did Peter (and John) come running to the tomb? They were seeking the dead among the dead; they were not seeking the living. `

• “Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: “The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified, and on the third day be raised again. (24:67)

The women remembered these words of Jesus when the angels reminded them. Sometimes, we can hear something - and almost know it is true - but do not believe it. That is the way a lot of people treat the Word of God today. All of the gospel writers make it abundantly clear that the Lord Jesus told His disciples again and again that He was going to Jerusalem to die and be raised again on the third day. They heard what He said, but somehow, they really did not believe it.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Jesus then came up and walked along the disciples and called them 'foolish" and "slow to believe". These disciples told Jesus in v.22 that "we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel" and v.23 "but didn't find his body". Woo! So much so that they did not understand Jesus's plan to save all; they wanted only political relief and cared about worldly matters. Jesus teaches us not to set our eyes on dying matters. People today keep looking for earthly success and satisfaction; our eyes are always on the "dead." Friends, stop casting hope on what the World offers you today because everything will pass away, and the LORD will return. Believers are invited to join the LORD in His glory.

Jesus saves us, and it is a done deal. Let's turn away from this dying World and turn to our Lord Jesus!

2. “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?” (24: 38)

Even though the two proclaimed, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon" v. 34 Others were still not sure about Jesus's resurrection. Jesus showed them His hands and feet and asked them to touch Him. Yet they still do not believe v. 41. How hard it is for men's hearts to turn to the Saving Jesus. Jesus asked for food and ate it in their presence.

Jesus died on the cross, reappeared to His loved ones, but was misunderstood by them, and displayed His resurrected power to them, and they still had doubts and troubles. Jesus then "opened" their minds (v. 45) so they could understand the Scriptures.

Friends, Jesus is always at the saving end of our lives. He is the Lamb, the Savior, and HE enables. No one understands the Scriptures with only intellectual minds and education; it is Jesus who enables us to say "yes" to Him. It is alright to have doubts and troubles in our minds, but we have to ask Jesus "to open our minds."

Go preach the repentance for the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus Christ NOW!

Believers are called to respond to Jesus's sacrifice. Jesus reminds us of what happened to Him, of His saving plan—a done deal—and commands us, "Go preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus Christ!"

This command came with Jesus's promise of "power from on high" v. 49. We all receive the indwelling of God's Spirit to preach the good news of forgiveness from repentance to God. This command is not a burden, and the passage tells us so. The disciples were blessed (v. 50), they worshiped, they were joyful, and they continued praising God.

Let's pray: Dear Lord Jesus, we lift up your name on high. Thank you for dying on the cross for us and granting us forgiveness of sins. Come open our eyes, minds, and hearts to know your love. You are living, immortal, and eternal. There is no end to your kingdom and your glory. Jesus, when trouble comes and doubts arise in our minds, help us turn to you.

Reflection Questions:

1. How often do we cast our hope in mortal things in our moral life? How would you ask Jesus to help you cast hope in His character and His goodness?
2. No matter how much we have experienced in Church and Christian Ministry, nothing replaces the importance of knowing His Scriptures. Would you pray and ask God to show you how and what to do with “daily scripture reading”?
3. Is there someone in your life who does not know Jesus? What has stopped you from telling them, "Jesus is our Savior, and Jesus loves you"? Ask our Living Jesus and His Spirit to help you.