TEXT: Luke 24:44-53 And Acts 1:3-12
READING: Matthew 28:1-20
SUBJ: The simplicity of Christ’s manner to the disciples just prior to the ascension as a profound mandate to all generations following that the Gospel was to be preached. And thoughts on the Ascension.
AIM: That we should be receptive and responsive to the message and proceed as directed by no one other than the Lord Himself.
INTR: The commission of our Lord left no doubt that we are to be about the business of evangelism being the duty of all who believe the Gospel and who have had a true realization of our Lord’s proclamation of victory over death, hell, and the grave.
1. I believe it is an observed fact that the Lord pressed this necessity upon all who come to believe.
2. While we would urge “pressing the necessity of the Gospel on all,” we would also press the necessity that we become involved with doing just that.
3. So, we will look at three examples wherein out Lord directs us in just that way.
THESIS: The very nature of the Gospel is heavy with the necessity to tell it to others. There is no better news to be shared and we are witness to that in our own salvation.
I. Before we consider this text: 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30.
1. We often quote this passage with the intent to encourage and comfort; especially do we so when the evident burden is conviction of sin.
2. But, we also retreat there to be reminded of the rest that we should be partaking of as we think of the sin burden lifted and our enemy defeated and the ultimate rest that awaits. It is here that we might pause for a bit to analyze our Lord’s words:
1) Those addressed are the burdened and heavy-laden
2) The thought of the yoke points to a participation with Christ and,
3) The accompanying mandate is: “Learn of Me!”
i. From Him
ii. About Him
3. The question is why? The answer is that we might pass it on. Competence is needed.
II. This text:
1. We are not sure of the timing of vv. 44-49. There seems to be many implications that
2. The first order of business was to open their understanding, so they might understand the scriptures.
3. The essence of what would be learned was that it was necessary for Christ to suffer and to raise from the dead (this opens the door for discussion of the needs of fallen men and the need of a substitute).
1) That necessity pressed then is that repentance is required of all.
2) And, that remission (forgiveness) of sins is to be found only through Christ.
4. A third thought here begs the question with us:
1) They were declared to be “witnesses of these things,”
2) The question to us is, are we?
5. The task ahead, THEN, NOW, AND BEYOND was to be accompanied by the promise of the Father (v. 49).
III. A further text: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8
1. This is, of course, Luke resuming the narrative from Luke 24 and contains the explanation of the promise of the Father.
2. I would remind us all, at this point, of the marvelous outpourings of the Spirit that accompanied the Apostolic ministry which certainly extended beyond the Apostles.
1) We rejoice in reading the accounts in Acts, we delight that history records several special visitations of the Spirit, and the promise of the Lord extends to the end of the age (Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20).
2) Thus, we may conclude that the Spirit is no less able today than He was then.
3. We read of the fact in that, If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13.
1) Neither can He deny what He has promised: If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:13.
2) What need do we have, if not to fulfill that which is laid before us to share the Gospel.
4. Mark places Christ Jesus at the “right hand of God.” See Mark 16:19. He has preciously made us “accepted in the beloved.” – We are to be looking unto Jesus (Hebrews 12:2).
5. What is Jesus doing at the right hand of God?
1) Expecting: From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. (Hebrews 10:13)
2) Receiving and Interceding: Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25)
3) Representing: My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (1 John 2:1)
4) Being touched: For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
5) Defending: And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:10) AND At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. (2 Timothy 4:16-17)
6) Encouraging: Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. (Acts 18:9-10).
IV. Hear Ye, Hear Ye: But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him. (Habakkuk 2:20).
