EVER-PRESENT

Luke 24:44-53

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

The Teacher is going away from His students, at least in physical form. But He’s teaching them right up to the last moment.

He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Jesus wants them to grasp the awesome significance of His death and resurrection. His sacrifice on the cross and His life in heaven will bring forgiveness of sins and new life.

As His closest students, they have a special task to perform - You are witnesses of these things.

They will tell about forgiveness of sins to every nation, and this process will begin in a few days in the city of Jerusalem. There, Peter and the others will stand up boldly tell this good news for the first time.

How will they do it without the presence of the Teacher?

I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.

They won’t be without their Teacher. Though not present physically, Jesus will come to them representatively through the promised Holy Spirit.

That’s what every student still knows. The Teacher isn’t gone. He’s here with us every day. We have what He promised.

The Teacher is ever-present.

JESUS SHOWS UP

Luke 24:33-43

"It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Funny how the Teacher always shows up when people are thinking about Him! Here the eleven remaining apostles and other followers are together discussing the resurrection. And Jesus shows up.

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

He’s still showing up this way. After all, He promised to be present anytime two or three gather in His name.

And it is interesting how Jesus was recognized when he broke the bread with them, because He’s still showing up this way every Lord’s Day. He assured His presence every time students gather to remember Him in the sacrament of bread and fruit of the vine.

These students were confused and uncertain, but their focus was still on the Teacher. That’s why Jesus showed up.

The Teacher always shows up when students are paying attention.

Otherwise, what’s the point?

DESIRE

Luke 24:25-32

Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?

Now we know why the Teacher seeks out these two men. They get excited when Jesus talks. They have a burning desire for the understanding He brings.

Not everyone in the world is excited about the Teachings of Jesus. Some hearts are as cold as stone when confronted with what the Teacher has to say.

And here we see how even the most ardent students are sometimes slow to understand the Scriptures.

How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! …And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

It’s still true! Some very eager students of the Teacher know His teachings yet don’t know them. They know the Teacher and yet don’t know Him.

Some students can quote the verses, but practically don’t know how to apply the teaching in a way that gives understanding and guidance in real life.

Here the Teacher explains to them what they missed in the verses they already knew.

This is the work of the Teacher and the occupation of a lifetime for every student.

The Teacher/student relationship still begins with those whose hearts burn with desire for His Word. And continues in ever-growing wisdom for life!

JESUS IS HERE

Luke 24:13-24

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them…

Where’s Jesus? That’s the question on the hearts of two downcast and confused men as they leave the city of Jerusalem.

Their hopes are dashed. They expected Jesus – this miracle worker and Teacher - to liberate them. Instead the authorities crucified Him.

And now there are confusing reports about a resurrection. The tomb is empty. But where’s Jesus?

This turns out to be such a beautiful story because Jesus is right there with them. He’s actually walking and talking with them, although they are prevented from recognizing Him.

Why them? Why Cleopas and another relatively unknown person?


Notice what is on the mind of these two men. It is Jesus they are thinking and talking about. And anywhere and everywhere someone is showing up for class, the teacher is not late!

This is what the Teacher always does!

In the most distressing times of life - in confusion, frustration and even despair – sometimes students are tempted to ask, “Where’s the Teacher?”

Where’s Jesus?

He’s everywhere He’s wanted. Every time He’s sought after.

He comes alongside to enlighten, comfort and lead.

FORGETFUL STUDENTS

Luke 24:1-12

Remember how He told you…

Here the women come to the tomb of Jesus. They are surprised to find the stone rolled away from the opening. Even more taken back by the angels and their message:

Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!

They should have expected the empty tomb. In fact, Jesus told them in advance He would rise from the dead and even informed them of the day it would happen. The heavenly messengers remind them of something they already know.

The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.

Only when the angels repeat the teaching of Jesus do they get it - Then they remembered his words.

Peter doesn’t seem to remember any better – Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb... and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

The very best students are forgetful at times. And sometimes fail to remember very important things, like the resurrection for instance!

Even serious students – students who follow Jesus every day – need reminding from time to time. This is the weakness of human nature and the power of distractions.

That’s why successful students of the Teacher find time to listen to His voice in every day. Set aside time to read His words and pray for understanding and guidance.

In this story, the most devoted followers of Jesus are forgetful students. Here’s the encouraging thing: The Teacher always sends a reminder.

THE POWER OF ONE

Luke 23:50-56

Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action.

Sometimes in an unthinking mob there is one who doesn’t go along to get along. Someone who doesn’t hide his personal responsibility behind the cloak of a crowd! Someone who is willing to stand alone!

Meet such a man!

Jesus – now deserted by His followers – stands alone. And He finds a kindred spirit in Joseph of Arimathea who stands apart from his peers on the council. He refuses to cast his vote with the majority who condemn Jesus to death.

Joseph stood up for justice and for Jesus and so today still stands high above the crowd of history!

Why? Is it a coincidence this man of integrity is said to be one who - was waiting for the kingdom of God.

Without a doubt, his focus on the promised coming kingdom of God opened his eyes to the prospect of Jesus. He saw what others could not or would not.

Here is a student of Jesus. His eyes are open and so is his heart. Open to the voice and possibility of the Teacher.

He stands alone in the council. Not an easy thing to do. And he will do another courageous and lonely thing before this day is done…

Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid.

Jesus. Joseph. The power of one becomes two and gradually millions stand up. This is the Power of One.

WHERE HE LEADS

Luke 23:44-49

Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

With His dying words, Jesus teaches His students where following Him will ultimately lead. To the true source of life – the Father.

Jesus dies as He lived. With extreme dedication to His Heavenly Father! His daily commitment to the Father was unquestioned. It will be no less in death.

Jesus’ life was lived in devotion to His Father. His life was directed by the Will of the Father. The desires of the Father informed His every thought and action.

Into the everlasting loving Hands of God! This is where the Teacher directs His own life at the end of the day.

And this is where He leads us.

This is what being a student of Jesus is all about. This is what we learn from Him.

For only Jesus reveals God to us. It is He who teaches us how to live a life given over into the Father’s Hand.

As we listen to the Teacher, day by day, we are learning more about what it means to please God. We are also being gradually changed to become more like the Teacher in heart and life.

At the end of our days, the question will be, “Into whose hands did we commit our spirit?”

PARADISE

Luke 23:26-43

Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

The Teacher is the Savior too. And in the excruciating agony and public humiliation of the cross, He reaches out to one of the two thieves suffering alongside of Him.

Luke pictures the ridicule of the mob surging and taunting at the foot of the cross. In pain and despair, even one of the two thieves adds to the chorus of jeers.

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"

But the other thief defended Jesus - We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

Demonstrating faith in difficult circumstances is perhaps the greatest test of one’s trust. And this penitent thief calls out for Jesus to remember Him when He comes in His kingdom.

His belief in the power of Jesus to provide a life after death is nothing short of amazing.

And it is equally incredible that in physical agony and surrounded by death, Jesus is able to reach out to one more person with words of healing and encouragement.

He promises Paradise.

For a few more hours they will share the cross. Then that very day they will meet again in a place of joy and comfort. He will be with Jesus…in Paradise.

This is the promise every student of Jesus holds most dearly in times of trial and pain. If we endure suffering with Jesus for a few hours now, then we will surely be with Him in paradise.

Forever together with Him!

VOX POPULI

Luke 23:13-25

Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"

Pilate wanted to do the right thing and release Jesus. For a while he was listening to his conscience. As he said, neither he nor Herod found any basis for the charges against the Teacher.

But there was something drowning out Pilate’s better judgment. It was the voice of the people shouting for Jesus’ death.

And there was something Pilate wanted more than a clear conscience. He wanted to please the people, keep the peace and advance his career as a good administrator for Rome.

To his credit, Pilate tried. Three times he appealed to the people to change their mind. And yet, to his eternal shame, he gave in when it mattered most.

But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand.

And their shouts prevailed.

Students of Jesus take note. In the din of voices, they listen for one still small voice. The voice that is always right in every circumstance of life.

Not the voice of the people, but the Voice of the Teacher.

STRANGE FRIENDS

Luke 23:5-12

That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.

Jesus unites two feuding politicians. It is said that politics makes strange bedfellows. Never truer than the reconciliation of Pilate and Herod over the trial of Jesus!

By all rights, Herod is the true king of Israel. Not the occupying force ruled by Roman Pilate. It is only natural they should be bitter political rivals.

Ambitious, power-hungry, ruthless! There isn’t much to commend either of these two leaders. But now they have a mutual problem – Jesus

Pilate sees the effort to condemn Jesus as mere religious infighting. Not worthy of Rome’s attention. When he learns that Jesus is a Galilean, he tosses the political hot potato to Herod’s jurisdiction.

Herod gladly accommodated, because he wanted to meet Jesus and to see one of the miracles all the people were talking about.

However, none of the many accusations leveled against Jesus found any resonance with Herod. He asked Jesus many questions to no avail, had Him beaten and sent back to Pilate’s court.

It’s still happening today. Opposition to Jesus unites disparate interest groups and creates strange friends.

This is actually the result of a much larger process. God, through Jesus is dividing people. Those who are for Him and those who are against! There is no middle ground!

Both Pilate and Herod found themselves on the same side, but on the wrong side. One axiom explains their newfound friendship - The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

However, students of Jesus are taught to love even their enemies. But it is also true - any friend of Jesus is a friend of every other student of Jesus.

SON OF GOD

Luke 22:66-23:4

They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied, "You are right in saying I am."

The Teacher is on trial for being more than a teacher.

Although His radical teaching has fired the animosity of the religious establishment against Him, it is the question of who He is that keeps them up nights.

Now apart from the adoring crowds they have Him alone and unprotected. They will have their answer - If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us."

To their surprise Jesus bypasses the question, and makes what to them must have been the most outlandish claim possible - But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.

Jesus knows His time has come. So He makes a direct claim to be God, knowing He will be charged with blasphemy and condemned to death. Certainly, if they have rejected Him before – even though He did notable miracles – they surely won’t accept this claim now.

No, their response was predictable - Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips."

Earlier in His ministry, the religious leaders asked for a special sign to confirm His credentials. Now they ask for none. The claim that Jesus would soon sit at the right hand of God, while true, was beyond their wildest imaginations.

Never could they have imagined that this time God did not call a man to be His prophet, but sent His Son to become a man.

This is the incredible privilege of being a student of this Teacher. He is The Son of God.

WRONG CAMP

Luke 22:55-65

But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them.

We’ve already seen how Peter disconnected from Jesus when the mob came for the arrest. He wasn’t paying attention to the Teacher. Didn’t wait for Jesus’ answer before acting!

That’s how Peter finds himself warming at the fire of the enemies of Jesus.

Now we see how helpless a student of Jesus is when disconnected from the Teacher.

Now alone, Peter denies His Lord. Not once, but three times. And each time more emphatically!

Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."

Here we see the steps of regression that lead a student away from the Teacher. And where such a course leads! From a student in the inner circle of Jesus to huddling in the enemy camp and total denial of Him!

When the rooster crowed, Peter woke up - And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Eventually, Peter will also show us the way back to Jesus. His remorse will lead him back to resuming the daily business of listening to His Teacher once more!

Jesus will do what He does for all wayward students. He will seek Peter and restore Him in love.

DISCONNECTED

Luke 22:47-54

Peter followed at a distance.

When Jesus was forcibly arrested, Peter made a violent attempt to save Him. It was misguided – contrary to the principles and purposes of the Teacher – and it failed.

Now Peter hangs back. Disconnected and no doubt discouraged. It will get worse for him before it gets better. He will deny Jesus, curse and swear he doesn’t even know Him.

What happened? How does one go from Jesus’ inner circle to almost total disconnection?

Unfortunately, this is exactly what happens at one time or another in the life of almost every student of the Teacher! It happened to Peter because he wasn’t paying attention. He ran ahead of His Teacher!

Earlier that night Jesus warned him that he was a target of the devil’s attack. He instructed him to watch and pray. But Peter, along with the others, fell asleep. But…

When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?”

When the mob suddenly appeared, the only voice in Peter’s head was his own. He didn’t wait for the Teacher’s answer. That’s when he made the mistake of acting precipitously and detachment was the result.

Maybe, like Peter, we think we are defending the faith, beginning some new excellent project. Then it happens. We fail.

We fail because it wasn’t the Teacher’s idea for us at all. We didn’t wait for His answer. It was our own voice we were following.

That’s when we too get discouraged with our Christian walk. Disconnect, follow at a distance.

Staying connected is about sustaining our relationship with the Teacher and that is all about paying attention to Him. And sometimes waiting patiently for an answer from Him.

SWEATING BLOOD

Luke 22:39-46

…and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Extreme duress! Palpable stress! Acute anguish!

Perhaps even these words to not approach the true magnitude of suffering Jesus faced the night of His betrayal.

At some point in life, most people know what it is to be in deep trouble. Even to be driven to their knees in prayer for deliverance.

But while everyone in the world knows sorrow and pain, Jesus’ circumstance is uniquely horrible. That’s why this moment in Jesus’ life must, to some extent, remain shrouded in mystery.

Nor is anyone else qualified to understand it. Nobody else, only Jesus! He alone was one with the Father. Only He is eternally perfect and came to earth and lived a perfect human life as well.

And now He must become intimate with sin. Not just some sin, but every sin of every person who ever lived or would yet live! The full implications of this are beyond our grasp, but He prayed…

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly…

Perhaps we can only identify slightly wiht an anguish that sweats blood.

But anyone can certainly fully appreciate the benefits of the victory He won in prayer that night. A decision that propelled Him forward to give all His blood on the cross!

A choice that opened heaven for all who believe and obey Him!

BUY A SWORD

Luke 22:35-38

…and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.

Why does Jesus tell His students to buy a sword?

Does this instruction contradict His teaching about turning the other cheek? Does He actually intend for His students to fight?

We know Jesus will rebuke Peter when he attempts to use one of the swords against those who come to arrest Him.

Obviously He isn’t building an arsenal of weaponry - The disciples said, "See, Lord, here are two swords." "That is enough," he replied.

So why buy a sword?

The key to understanding is in the phrase following the advice - It is written: "And he was numbered with the transgressors"; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me.

The Scripture must be fulfilled in me.

Perhaps Jesus knows that merely the appearance of a hostile intention will play into the plans of God. He will be arrested and killed as a transgressor – perceived to be a leader of a band of insurrectionists.

Maybe it is simply a metaphor for the violent struggle that He knows now looms before Him.

But it’s a change. This isn’t like before, like all the times they peaceably travelled about preaching the good news. No, now everything is marching to a brutal conclusion.

So Jesus says - "Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment."

THE PROBLEM

Luke 22:21-34

Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.

The Teacher reveals to His students a shocking fact - the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table.

Unbelievably, one of His closest students will be the agent of His betrayal to death. Immediately, His students begin to look around and discuss which of them it might be.

It is in the context of this impromptu investigation that an argument takes place. Interestingly, the controversy is not over who is the traitor - a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.

At first they are focused on what is going to happen to Jesus. They want to expose their Teacher’s traitor. Who could it be? The Teacher has said it is one of us, but which one?

How does it happen that their focus turns so quickly from the concern Jesus has placed before them – His betrayal – to an argument about number one status?

They got sidetracked. Turned their attention from the Teacher to themselves!

The Problem shows up right on cue. It nearly always does. This pride that turns away from the critical work Jesus wants us to care about. Moves back to concern for self!

How many students of the Teacher continue to be distracted by The Problem?How many good works suffer because of it? How many dissentions and divisions are created by it?

But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.

Focus on what the Teacher is saying or The Problem always shows up!

THE MEMORIAL

Luke 22:7-20

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.

The Teacher not only teaches His students the wisdom of God. In a few hours He will give up His body for them on the cross. Now He purposefully provides a perpetual memorial of that sacrifice.

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

Everything the Teacher does is for His students. That’s why we remember Him.

In the bread and fruit of the vine, students of Jesus remember what He did for us. But we know He is not gone from us. He is present every time we take these emblems of His body and blood.

He is the Teacher who was dead and is alive.

Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.

BEAUTIFUL CHOICE

Luke 21:37-22:6

Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple… and all the people came early in the morning to hear him.

What a beautiful sight it must have been.

People rising early in the morning, coming eagerly to the place where they could hear the voice of the Teacher!

Is there yet any better reason to get up in the morning?

Whatever else these students might have done those mornings is no longer important to them.

The truths they gained from Jesus remain timeless.

Ironically, while some were enthusiastically listening to the teaching of Jesus, one of His closest students made arrangements to betray Him.

And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money.

Listening to the voice of the Teacher anytime is still the most beautiful choice a person can make.

COUNT ON IT

Luke 21:29-36

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

When it comes to what the Teacher says – you can count on it!

And here He is talking about the end of time and how to prepare for it.

Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth!

Only those true students of this Teacher will be able to stand up before Him on the Day when He comes to judge the world. Because only they will be keeping His word and paying attention to what is going on.

That’s why He specifically warns against the perils of inattention. He warns of entanglements of the world that distract us from that Day. For those who are not vigilant will be surprised by it.

Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.

That day is approaching. Each new day brings us closer to the final day.

Count on it!

THE END

Luke 21:19-28

Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

Jesus said nobody knows the day or hour of the end of the world. But that doesn’t mean He gave no signs to indicate when the end would come.

Here the Teacher tells His students that Jerusalem will be inhabited by Gentiles (non-Jews) until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

What is He talking about?

History tells us in Acts of the Apostles that the gospel was first preached to the Jewish nation. In fact, the early church was comprised entirely of Jews at the first.

In time, the message broke out and was preached and accepted by peoples of the entire world – the Gentiles.

Today, this process continues as the Message of Jesus continues to permeate the remotest parts of the globe and rapid entry into the last strongholds of resistance.

When this process is complete, the times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled.

There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.

Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.

At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.