Apr 20 - Prophecy Fulfilled

Read Luke 24:44-53

Context: two of Jesus' followers were taking a walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus after Jesus had died on the cross. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened when Jesus appeared and walked with them. They didn't realize who he was until dinner, when he opened their eyes so they knew who he was, then he disappeared. The two returned at once to Jerusalem to tell the Eleven. Jesus came to stand among them while they were talking.

Text:
44He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."
45Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49I 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."
The Ascension
50When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Of all the miraculous thing that Jesus did, his asencion must have been the most magnificent. I wonder if those watching heard the music of angels as the doors of Heaven opened? Did they get a glimpse of Heaven as he disappeared, or did he just 'fade away' into the sky as he rose higher? What a promise of hope he left...clearly demonstrating that he was going to be with the Father, and he told of a gift of power yet to come!

This week in class our lesson is "Just Who is Jesus, Exactly, and Why Did He Become Man?" Whether you grew up in the church or outside of it, you have heard many answers to this question...both biblical and non-biblical. Many of the things we have been taught, even within the church, don't have evidence to validate them. Steve will take us through a biblical search to learn the truth.