THE RISEN CHRIST, Dr. Samuel Lee
YOU ARE WITNESSES
Passage: Luke 24:36~53  
Key verse: 48
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”(A)
37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.(B) 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see;(C) a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.(D)
44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you:(E) Everything must be fulfilled(F) that is written about me in the Law of Moses,(G) the Prophets(H) and the Psalms.”(I)
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer(J) and rise from the dead on the third day,(K) 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name(L) to all nations,(M) beginning at Jerusalem.(N) 48 You are witnesses(O) of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised;(P) but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
The Ascension of Jesus
50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany,(Q) he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.(R) 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple,(S) praising God.
Cross references
- Luke 24:36 : Jn 20:19, 21, 26; S 14:27
- Luke 24:37 : Mk 6:49
- Luke 24:39 : Jn 20:27; 1Jn 1:1
- Luke 24:43 : Ac 10:41
- Luke 24:44 : Lk 9:45; 18:34
- Luke 24:44 : S Mt 1:22; 16:21; Lk 9:22, 44; 18:31-33; 22:37
- Luke 24:44 : S ver 27
- Luke 24:44 : S ver 27
- Luke 24:44 : Ps 2; 16; 22; 69; 72; 110; 118
- Luke 24:46 : S Mt 16:21
- Luke 24:46 : S Mt 16:21
- Luke 24:47 : Ac 5:31; 10:43; 13:38
- Luke 24:47 : Mt 28:19; Mk 13:10
- Luke 24:47 : Isa 2:3
- Luke 24:48 : S Jn 15:27; Ac 1:8; 2:32; 4:20; 5:32; 13:31; 1Pe 5:1
- Luke 24:49 : S Jn 14:16; Ac 1:4
- Luke 24:50 : S Mt 21:17
- Luke 24:51 : 2Ki 2:11
- Luke 24:53 : S Ac 2:46
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
While the two were still talking to the disciples, Jesus appeared among them. They were startled, thinking he was a ghost. He showed his pierced hands, feet, and side. He also ate a broiled fish. Jesus showed his glorious and transformed body. We will also be transformed at the last day!
2. You are witnesses (44-53)
Jesus taught the main points of all the scriptures: The Messiah must suffer, die, and be raised. The repentance for the forgiveness of sins must be preached to all nations. Jesus appointed his disciples to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. He promised to send the Holy Spirit to enable them to carry out their mission. It seems best for Jesus to stay here. Yet the task was given to his weak and vulnerable disciples while he was taken up into heaven. What we are supposed to do until he comes again? We should not only enjoy the grace of the forgiveness of sins but also strive to be his witnesses. Through the Holy Spirit we are enabled to be witnesses through our life of joy, hope of the kingdom of God, and courageous faith.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for showing us your glorious image, which we will also have. Use me to preach the forgiveness of sins through Jesus' death and resurrection to all nations.
One Word: I am witness of the risen Jesus!