Death Resurrection and Hope Part 5

 This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on May 5th 2024 by Colin. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here. 

We’ve been studying the post- resurrection accounts of Jesus. The last week we spoke about the great commission the very last post resurrection account before the ascension. 

”And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."“ - Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬-‭5‬, ‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

It before he tells them to go, he tells them to wait. Then we see the outworking of his instructions in the remaining part of the New Testament. 

When Jesus said not to leave Jerusalem, it was a command. 

”Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.“ - Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭ 

They waited and obeyed faithfully until the day of Pentecost. 

”When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.“ - Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

What happened on the day of Pentecost was a supernatural phenomena and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. They were being baptised with the Holy Spirit. They were so immersed in the Holy Spirit that they began to speak in tongues. 

There were people from different parts of the world. When they heard the sound, they heard them speaking in their own language. ”And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God."“ - Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

There are 4 types of tongues. This is the type of tongue where unbelievers could hear their own language being spoken. 

You see that the Holy Spirit had come, but where is the power? 

”But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.“ - Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The first element of the baptism in the Holy Spirit was supernatural boldness. Peter who could not confess Jesus to a servant girl is now preaching boldly in front of thousands. The connection between the promise of the father and the power is the gift of tongues. 

Let’s look at the outworking of this in the rest of the New Testament. 

”Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.“ - Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭4‬-‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

These are examples for us to follow. Don’t let your experience be what is possible. Let the word determine what we will believe in. 

”Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.“ - Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭14‬-‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

What is the difference between being a believer and being baptised in the Holy Spirit? 

These are 2 different events. The believers in Samaria already believed in Jesus and were baptised. But they had not yet received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. It was a 3 day journey from Jerusalem to Samaria. But the apostles went there and considered it important to be baptised in the Holy Spirit.

What is the sign that someone was baptised by the Holy Spirit?

There is something you see and something you hear. Simon saw that they were being baptised by the Holy Spirit. What did he see? 

Account of Saul coming to faith: 

”But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.“ - Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭6‬, ‭10‬-‭13‬, ‭17‬-‭19‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Account of Cornelius coming to faith:

”At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, "Cornelius." And he stared at him in terror and said, "What is it, Lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles.“ - Acts‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬-‭5‬, ‭42‬-‭45‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the gentiles. 

”For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.“ - Acts‬ ‭10‬:‭46‬-‭48‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Ephesian believers receiving the Holy Spirit: 

”And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptism." And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.“ -Acts‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭

In all these instances, after receiving Jesus, they were receiving the Holy Spirit. The sign that they had received the Holy Spirit was that they were speaking in tongues. 

”And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.“ - Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭31‬ ‭ESV‬‬

1. Even if you were filled with the Holy Spirit, you can be filled with the Holy Spirit again. Eph 5:18 says be filled with the Holy Spirit. 

2. We need to ask for boldness and power. The testimony of the New Testament believers that they turned the place upside down. May that be our testimony in this city. 

Why do we need to speak in tongues? 

”Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.“ ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

”Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.“ - 1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

There is a misinterpretation of the passage saying the perfection is the word, so after the Bible was canonised all these gifts cease. But it does not bear the weight of scrutiny. We still seek knowledge, we do not yet see Jesus face to face. So the tongues will be still when we come face to face with Jesus. For now we need to be built up, so we need the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 

Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.   

Death Resurrection and Hope Part 4

 This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on April 21th 2024 by Colin. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here. 

Jesus appeared many times to His disciples after His resurrection. The Resurrection is the most important event in history. So far we have looked at the post resurrrection appearances of Jesus.

Today we will look at the Post Resurrection instructions of Jesus.

Matt 28:18-20

v18 Jesus is saying that He is above every power and authority, therefore He can tell us to GO, MAKE disciples and TEACH them to obey.

Mark 16:14-18 Jesus instructed us to heal the sick by laying hands on them.

v.20 These disciples went out and signs and wonders confirmed their words

Luke 24:45 Jesus opened their minds to understand the scriptures

Our gathering on Sunday is just a job briefing time. Then through the week, we have to go and do.

John 20:21 As the Father sent me so I am sending you. For what? Not to attend Sunday meetings but to save people.

Acts 1:3-4 Wait for the gift my Father has promised. So eating together is a Biblical thing and a powerful thing to do. We need to do this regularly.

John 21:13 They ate together

Acts 1:4,8 Jesus was going to give them a gift - the promised Holy Spirit.

1- WAIT Acts 1:5, Luk 24:49, John 20

We don't need to wait today. ACts 2:1 - A violent wind came, tongues of fire treated upon each one and they began to speak in new tongues. The effects of being filled with the Holy Spirit are power, boldness and speaking in tongues.

If you are free ask yourself if you have received the Holy Spirit. We also need to be immersed in the power of the Holy Spirit.

2. Jesus cast out demons and healed the sick. The same is true for us. Act 36 Peter and John at the gate beautiful healed the lame man. We need to do the same.

Matt 9:35 Jesus went through all the towns and synagogues. HE drove out demons and the mute could speak.

v36 Jesus saw the crowds and compassioned them as He saw their helpless state.

We need to ask God for power and we do that in prayer.

3. Procvalining the Godpell and Making disciples

Matt 28:18-20 If you are a disciple of Jesus then one of the first things you do is get baptised in water.

Proclamation and discipline of nations

One day people from every tribe and language will stand before Jesus.

What are you living for?

James 4:14 Your life is like the morning mist that appears and vanishes.

The currency of heaven is should word and deeds done!!

If you are a Christ follower and not actively saving souls or discipliing men and women then you are not following the Jesus of the bible. There is no neutral ground - either we are gathering or scattering.

Act 8:4 The early church did this

Acts 6:8Stephen did signs and wonders

Mk16:20 The disciples went out

Col 4:2 Devote yourself to prayer.

Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.   

Death Resurrection & Hope - Part 3

 This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on April 14th 2024 by Colin. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here. 

Death Resurrection & Hope - Part 3

The resurrection is the greatest event in history. Jesus conquered over death, sin, and Satan. 

How many appearances of Jesus were recorded in the scripture? 

Acts 1:3 he appeared over 40 days to several people. 

John 20:1 - ”Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.“ ‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

We see her devotion to Jesus. Early in the morning she went. 

”So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb.“ ‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

”Then the disciples went back to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb.“ ‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

What do we understand about Mary in these verses? 

She loves Jesus. She was weeping for Jesus. She was extremely devoted to him. She lingered. 

Because she waited, she got to see something the other disciples did not get to see. 

”And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.“ ‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Her waiting was rewarded by being the first one that Jesus appeared to after the resurrection.

”Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"—and that he had said these things to her.“ ‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭15‬-‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

3 times it says she was crying or weeping. She was longing to see Jesus. 

1. Victory over despair- she goes from crying to rejoicing. That is the power of the resurrection. Even in our lives, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is alive in us. 

2. Victory over death - ”So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me."“ ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

These women worshipped Jesus. When we encounter the risen lord and see him for who he is, the response should be to worship him. 

What is Jesus’ response to them? 

He appears to them and says do not be afraid. Today’s this country, it is dangerous to proclaim the resurrection, but we need to obey him. We must declare the gospel without fear 

3. Victory over confusion - ”But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.“ ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭21‬ ‭ESV‬‬. The disciples on the road to Emmaus were confused about Jesus. When we are confessed about things, we need to go to the scriptures. Jesus explained from the scriptures, all the prophecies concerned himself. All through the Old Testament we see Jesus. 

4. Victory over fear - ”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." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,“ ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭44‬-‭45‬ ‭ESV‬‬

5. Victory over doubt- ”Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” ‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭26‬-‭29‬ ‭ESV‬‬. We might not have doubts about the resurrection of Jesus. But we can doubt about other things- will he provide, will he heal, will he rescue, from a trouble, etc. 

6. Victory over failure - ”Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. "“ ‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭3‬-‭8‬. ‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Peter denied Jesus, but Jesus came and gave the grace and success at a time of failure for Jesus  ”Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.“ ‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

7. Victory over every other authority- ”Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."“ ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭16‬-‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The greatest event in history occurs. After that, what is the key teaching? It is the great commission. To go and make disciples of all nations. This is what God has called us to do. One day in heaven, Jesus will ask, where are your disciples? We need to be disciples and make disciples. 

”But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.“ - ‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The ascension was a bodily ascension. We see Jesus’ victory over all things. ”And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."“ - Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

4 other appearances - when Jesus appeared to more than 500 at once. ”Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.“ ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ he also appeared to Peter individually and then to Paul on the road to Damascus. 

We’ve looked at the appearances of Jesus after resurrection. It is the greatest event of all history. Our faith rises and falls on the resurrection of Jesus. 

Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.   

Death Resurrection & Hope - Part 2

 This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on April 7th 2024 by Colin. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here. 

Death Resurrection & Hope - Part 2

Last Sunday was Easter and we looked into the Resurrection of Jesus. We usually run through the Easter meeting and have big breakfast. We do not spend enough time on the most important event in history. A famous archaeologist spoke on National Geographic channel that he discovered the family tomb of Jesus and found bones in it. He also stated that finding the bones of Jesus is not a problem as it was the Spirit that was resurrected. Later that program was shut down. Satan always tries to disprove the resurrection of Jesus in many ways.

Matt 27:63-65 - 63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.” 65 “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.”

Jesus was called a deceiver, and the Pharisees thought the disciples would steal his body. So they requested Pilate for the tomb to be made secure. Pilate told them to take a guard. Most of the time, our guards are either sleeping or checking out their phones. But here, the Bible refers to 16 trained soldiers who guarded the tomb.

Matt 28:2-4 - 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

On the third day, when Jesus rose, the guards witnessed it.

Matt 28:11-15 - 11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

In these verses, we can see the devil’s strategy. When the guards went to report what they have witnessed, they were given a large sum of money and asked to lie. From the first Easter, people have been trying to deny, disprove, discredit the resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus is very important. All the four gospels speak about certain things about the resurrection. There were angels at the time of Jesus’s conception, just before birth, birth, resurrection, and ascension. There were eye witnesses like Mary Magdalene, Jesus’s disciples who met Jesus after resurrection.  The disciples didn’t believe that Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus had to convince them. Today, we are going to look at the account of Easter.

Luke 24:13-16 - 13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.

1. Disciples were disheartened.

On the day of Resurrection, two of Jesus’s disciples were going to a village called Emmaus. On their way, they were discussing everything that happened to Jesus. And when Jesus himself came up and walked along with them, they couldn’t recognize him.

Luke 24:17

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast.

2. Disguised Jesus

Both the disciples were kept from recognizing Jesus. One of the disciple named Cleopas asked Jesus if he was the only one who does not know the things that have happened in the last few days. If we were in the place of Jesus our reply would have been different. “ Of course, I know. I was the one who suffered and was crucified.” But that was not how Jesus replied. Instead, he asked them what those things were.

Luke 24:19-24 - 19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

As the disciples explained the events that took place, Jesus gently rebukes them.

Luke 24:25 - 25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!

The believers have believed one part of the prophecy and neglected the second half.

Luke 24:27 - 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

Jesus explained everything to them through the scriptures.

3. Revelation through scriptures

1)     Genesis 3:15

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring^[a] and hers; he will crush^[b] your head, and you will strike his heel.”

 

This is what God said to Adam and Eve after they ate the forbidden fruit. Here the offspring is Jesus. “strike on heel” is the suffering that Jesus went through and “crushed” is defeating the death on the cross.

2)     Genesis 22:2-13

2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”

3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 

In this passage, we see that Abraham was quick to obey God. Some of the theologists say that at this point, Isaac was a young man and not a small boy. We can see that Abraham was willing to sacrifice and Isaac was willing to obey. Jesus told Cleopas and others that Isaac was representative of Jesus.

3)     Exodus 12: 12-13

12 “On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. 13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.

God commanded Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and put that blood on the door posts. This way, the angel of death passed over their houses. This was celebrated as Passover, a festival to the Lord. The lamb that was sacrificed was a representation of Jesus. When we put our faith in Jesus who has sacrificed his life, we are saved from eternal death.

4)     Isaiah 53:1-5 – this passage talks about Jesus.

V9 - He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
    and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
    nor was any deceit in his mouth.

This verse talks about the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.

This way Jesus walked them through many more scriptures where he showed his representation in many events – when Moses lifted up the pole with snake on it, people looked at it and were healed of the diseases, Isaac was taken to hill, Moriah which was later called Golgotha, the place where Jesus was taken to be crucified.

4. Transformation of Disciples

Luke 24:28-32 - 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

As Jesus was going farther, the disciples urged him to stay with them as it was evening. Jesus agreed and when he sat at the table to eat with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to them. As he began to give it to them, the disciples eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus. But Jesus disappeared immediately. The disciples realized that their hearts were burning because of the truth explained to them by Jesus. Because of that, without finishing their meal at once, they got up and started going to Jerusalem.

This is exactly what happens to us. When we read the word of God, it has the power to transform our hearts and energizes us.

Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.   

Death Resurrection & Hope - Part 1

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on March 17th 2024  by Colin. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here. 

Resurrection of Lazarus

” Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill."“ - John 11:1-3 ESV

We hear of Mary and Martha speaking on so many occasions, but no words spoken by Lazarus have been recorded. This incident of the resurrection of Lazarus happens a few days before the Passover.

Lazarus was sick. The word sick is used 11 times in this chapter. The Mary mentioned here is Lazarus’ sister, the same Mary who poured perfume on the Lord’s feet! John is making sure we know which Mary is being referred to as there are many Marys mentioned in the gospels.

The sisters send word to Jesus that Lazarus is sick. They lived in Bethany which was 2 miles from Jerusalem.

Ask 5 questions - what, when, why, where, how

Where- Where was Jesus at this time? Interestingly at another Bethany on the other side of the river Jordan (Jon10:39-40) which was 30 km east from Bethany near Jerusalem. Bethany, which is close to Jerusalem. Jesus was also at Bethany across the Jordan. The distance between the 2 places was 30 km.

Who went with the message? There was a messenger sent to Jesus.

What was the message? “The one you love is sick.” Another recurring theme in chapter 11 is Jesus’ love for this family; “The one whom you love is sick”. What would you do if someone had an emergency?? Would you not rush to help them?

”Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this, he said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?" Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." “ - John 11:5-16 ESV

Why is Jesus delaying coming? This was completely out of character. Jesus waited for 4 days!!

What can we learn from this? The people Jesus loved dearly also faced difficult situations. Jesus had a great love for this family, but they still suffered. Whenever there are challenges, we are looking for solutions. Don't doubt the love of God when you go through tough situations.

V11. Wherever there are challenges God is looking to be glorified rather than just answer to prayer. “After saying these things, he said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him." So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."

This was Jesus’ last and biggest public miracle. He had raised only 3 people from the dead but this was the biggest miracle of them all before his resurrection, he does this miracle. Jesus is demonstrating his humanity, He weeps and mourns for his friend, but in his deity, he raised Lazarus from the dead. Through it all, the aim is to bring glory to God.

Jesus healed many people of all kinds of diseases, but this is the greatest because Lazarus was dead for 4 days and buried in the tomb.

Jesus and the disciples make the day's journey.

The disciples told him, "Lord if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, "Lazarus has died, and for your sake, I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. 

”Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha said, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world." - John 11:17-27 ESV

Bethany means “house of the poor”. It was customary to hire mourners in those days and a home of the deceased would be in mourning for 7 days.

Our relationship with Jesus is critical.

” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. “ - John 11:33-35 ESV

This is Jesus’ humanity.

” Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there will be an odour, for he has been dead four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me." - John 11:38-42 ESV

In John 20:31. Martha tells Jesus that He is late!!

V22 - They demonstrate true faith.

V24-25 Jesus says “I am the resurrection and the life. Do you believe this?”. Death is a doorway (2Cor 5:8)

As Rev. Billy Graham said death is a change of address - either in the presence of God forever or in hell forever. Which way will you go?

V27 “I believe that you are the Christ” Martha was a believer.

32 Mary fell at his feet. Both expressed their hearts and were reverent.

V35 We see Jesus’ humanity again - he was troubled and he wept. We mourn with those who mourn.

V37 Some people criticised Jesus’ late coming.

V38 Several times it says that Jesus was moved. Do we know of people who are in trouble amongst us?  You can listen to prayer and help when you can.

V39 Lazarus was in the tomb for 4 days.

V40 This was for the glory of God.

John 20:32 John gives us the reason for writing the book:  that by believing we may have life in his name. Jesus’ intention of delaying was to glorify God so that we may believe him.

” When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go." - John 11:43-44 ESV

Lazarus, who was dead came to life!

There were 2 kinds of people:

1. ” Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him,“ - John 11:45 ESV
2. ”But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, "What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation."“John 11:46-48 ESV from this day on, they plotted to take his life.

Which one are we?

In troubled times it is not that we do nothing! We pray.

Today will we receive Jesus or dismiss Him? What are we taking away from this story? Who are we in this story?

Mary and Martha who believed?

Those who saw and believed?

Those who made plans to kill him.

Your decision today can change the rest of your life!

Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.