Sunday 14 April 2024
Then he opened their mind to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” (vs 45-47)
Background
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus preached a sermon in the synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:16 -21). This is sometimes called the ‘Nazareth Manifesto’ and it sets the direction for Jesus’ ministry, healing the sick, liberating the oppressed, proclaiming God’s kingdom.
Today’s reading is part of Jesus’ last words to his disciples in Luke’s Gospel, before he is lifted up to heaven (Luke 24:51). They they can also be seen as setting a programme for the development of God’s project to heal, set free and proclaim the kingdom.
The first element of this programme is learning to understand the scriptures, the holy books of Israel mentioned in v. 44, the law, the prophets and the psalms. The disciples must teach people to read the books through the lens of the life and death of Christ, so that everything fits together in light of this great revelation. Today we understand the Hebrew Bible in its own right, recognising that, though Christians read it with a focus on Christ, there are many other valid ways of interpreting the ancient texts, and we can enter more deeply into our own perspective when we pay respectful attention to others’ readings.
The second element follows from the first. Because the Messiah has died and risen, there is the possibility of change and relief from the burden of sin. The word metanoia translated as ‘repentance’ implies change of heart, almost a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). The word for ‘forgiveness’, aphesis, suggests putting something down, losing a heavy burden – this is good news!
Thirdly, this gospel must be shared with all the nations. This is no longer a story only for the people of Israel, which Gentiles (non-Jews) can only watch from afar. Beginning from the world’s centre, Jerusalem, the gospel must spread across the world like ripples in a pond – it is for all people. Luke’s second volume, Acts, tells how this mission unfolds.
Finally, it is the disciples’ responsibility to bear witness or give testimony to the truth. The Greek word martyrein links to our word ‘martyr’, someone who is not afraid to face suffering for their belief. This is the calling of the Messiah’s disciples.
- To Ponder:
The gospel is for all people – no-one is unworthy or too remote. Who do you recognise in your community as needing to receive the gospel of death and new life? - There are many ways for Christ’s disciples to bear witness. Some proclaim the truth in vivid words, others live it out in quiet lives. Which ways of bearing witness come most naturally to you as your calling in Christ?
Prayer
Risen Lord, help us make sense of scripture so that we can share the good news of life renewed and transformed in you. Show us where, and how, you want us to bear testimony to your love, and help us to speak the gospel with courage and live it with integrity. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Caroline Wickens
Caroline currently serves as Superintendent for the Manchester Circuit. She has previously worked in theological education in the UK and overseas, mainly teaching biblical studies, and enjoys exploring the ways in which theological studies interact with life in the circuit.