Spectacular Exit

Backstory:
Luke the physician wrote the Gospel of Luke as well as the book of Acts. Both were addressed to Theophilus, who possibly was Luke’s patron, responsible for seeing that the writings were copied and distributed. After appearing to the disciples on several occasions following his resurrection, Jesus was taken up into the sky before their eyes, leaving them to tell the world the Good News of God’s magnificent blessings.

God’s Story:
What an accomplishment — my Son’s mission is complete! Many people were drawn back to me through my Son’s ministry on earth, but many missed out. I took Jesus up to heaven to his place at my right hand. Soon, I will send my Spirit to fill the believers with the power to spread the gospel to every nation. My plan is still unfolding and there is still a lot of work to do.

Read Acts 1:1-26

Your Story:
In the middle of the lesson of the day, Jesus left. All of a sudden, he was gone. He gave last-minute instructions but did not indicate his imminent departure, likely leaving his disciples mystified. They recovered quickly and dove right into their mission, but why do you think Jesus left them this way? Was this quick exit necessary? Think about what it meant for the disciples to see Jesus taken up to heaven and its impact on them as witnesses on behalf of the early church.

Now You See Him, Now You Don’t

Backstory:
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to various groups of disciples over a period of 40 days. On Easter Sunday, Jesus appeared to 2 of his followers on the road to Emmaus, a village about 7 miles from Jerusalem. By divine intervention, they were kept from recognizing Jesus.

God’s Story:
I want this experience to leave my children amazed and ready to fight. I want them to say, “WOW!” My Son’s time on earth will soon end. His final appearances will leave his followers with much to ponder and discuss in the years ahead. They will be filled with wonder and awe and will believe that Jesus is my Son, the Messiah. I want to capture their hearts — and the hearts of all believers after them — when the Scriptures open up to them regarding my Son and the Good News of his salvation provided for all people.

Read Luke 24:1-53

Your Story:
Jesus appeared, vanished and then suddenly showed up again in different places. Amazing! Jesus had a real body when he appeared after the resurrection. The disciples could touch him, but his body wasn’t quite like theirs anymore. It was immortal. In God’s eternal kingdom, all believers will have bodies like the glorious body of Jesus after his resurrection (see Philippians 3:21). You too will be immortal (see 1 Corinthians 15:42-53).

Compassionate Confrontation

Backstory:
Chapter 21 is an epilogue to the Gospel of John. It appears that one reason the book was written was to dispel a false legend concerning Jesus’ supposed prediction that the author, the apostle John, would not die before Jesus’ second coming. The reason for the disciples’ return to Galilee may have been to obey the command of Jesus to do so or to escape scrutiny by the authorities in Jerusalem. Or perhaps they were discouraged by Jesus’ death and decided to return to their old occupation of fishing. The kingdom had not arrived, and they had to make a living.

God’s Story:
With every appearance, My Son touches people’s lives and changes them forever. His miracles are  a display of my power through him and are for the benefit of those present. Peter’s life will change drastically when he fully realizes who my Son is and what Jesus has asked him to do.

Read John 21:1-25

Your Story:
The 3 questions Jesus addressed to Peter stand in contrast to Peter’s 3 denials following Jesus’ arrest (see Matthew 26:69-80). Read this passage closely and take note of how Jesus confronts a very delicate situation. Love permeates Jesus’ actions and words. His words are few, yet his message is clear. What can you take away from this interaction? Next time you’re faced with an awkward confrontation or you’re dealing with a sensitive issue, remember this exchange between Jesus and Peter. Then ask god to help you find the right words.

Seeing Was Believing

Backstory:
Those who heard about the resurrection for the first time needed a little reassurance that what they heard was possible and true. The reality of the situation didn’t sink in until they encountered Jesus personally.

God’s Story:
My Son repeated several times what was going to happen: He would die and rise again. The disciples and Mary heard this, but they did not totally understand. Now, when they see him alive again, they will realize that what he said would happen has come true.

Read John 20:1-31

Your Story:
For Jesus’ closest followers, seeing Jesus alive was a defining moment. They could then accept the truth of the resurrection and were able to fully devote their lives to serving him. Jesus spoke the truth! He was human and divine at the same time! He was god, yet he came to live among humans — to relate to them, to love them, to bring them hope. Seeing Jesus alive again confirmed his presence among the disciples. Are you experiencing Jesus’ love and hope? Do you sense his presence with you?

The Great Commission

God’s Story:
My Son’s life on earth will end not in death, but in victory! He will rise from his tomb as a conqueror of death and evil. He will change his followers’ hopeless despair into jubilation. He has accomplished my plan to bring my people close to me again.

Read Matthew 28:1-20

Your Story:
Jesus left the disciples with some final words of instructions: They were to make more disciples. While they had previously been charged to focus their mission on the Jews, Jesus now charged them to “make disciples of all nations” (vs. 19). This Great Commission was directed not only to the disciples but to believers everywhere. You too are commanded to go out and make disciples. This could mean talking to your next-door neighbor or traveling across the globe; it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you share the Good News of Christ with those around you.

Agony and Death

God’s Story:
My Son responds to false accusation with silence. He is flogged with strips of leather embedded with pieces of bone and lead. The Roman soldiers mock him, spit on him, beat him and finally crucify him. Hanging on the cross, he is ridiculed by the religious leaders. Even the rebels crucified with him heap insults on him. It pains my heart, but I am so proud of him. Jesus had the power and the authority to resist arrest and escape death, but he chose to follow my will and go through with my plan. By sacrificing himself for all sinners, my Son makes it possible fo all people to be in fellowship with me.

Read Matthew 27:1-66

Your Story:
If you’re a parent, you may have sacrificed your own hopes and dreams for the benefit of your children. Out of love, you want them to have a good life, and you’re willing to forgo luxuries, time and even sleep. What Christ has done for you, his child, is so much greater! He took on the punishment of your sin, your guilt, your shame. He died so that you can live in eternity forever. Christ provided the gift of salvation. All you have to do is accept it.

The Plot to Kill the King

Backstory:
The Jewish religious leaders had wanted to arrest Jesus but dared not do so for fear of the people, many of whom admired Jesus. Now these leaders decided to do away with Jesus, recognizing that they must do this quietly so as not to excite the crowds and start a riot. Up to 300,000 Jewish pilgrims came to Jerusalem for Passover, and riots were not unknown, so they planned to wait until after Passover. But then the right opportunity presented itself.

God’s Story:
People on earth make plans and schemes, but their every move is in my control. I will use their deceit and treachery to glorify my name and bring salvation to the world.

Read Matthew 26:1-75

Your Story:
All of Jesus’ disciples said they would die before turning their backs on Jesus. However, only a few hours later when the pressure was on, they ran for the hills. It’s easy to say you are devoted to Christ. But what would happen if your devotion was challenged or you were persecuted because of your commitment? Would your talk still be as tough? How would your faith hold up against an uncomfortable or even dangerous testing?

Comfort and Joy

Backstory:
Jesus had a lot to say to his disciples before he left them. He told them how the Holy Spirit would work in them and in the world. Then he prayed a long prayer in which he prayed for himself, his disciples and all believers.

God’s Story:
The disciples have so much more to learn and understand about my Son. Yet they are only human and their emotions will soon overwhelm them. My Spirit will empower them and give them a new understanding that they cannot grasp right now. They will grieve, but soon they will be filled with joy!

Read John 15:26 – 17:26

Your Story:
Saying good-bye to someone you love can be very difficult. The thought of losing Jesus must have been unbelievably painful for the disciples. Jesus was more than a dear friend to the disciples; he was their teacher, their Lord. They must have been shocked by his farewell speech. Jesus knew they had a lot of difficulties facing them, so he promised they would not be alone but would have the Holy Spirit to encourage and guide them. You too have the Holy Spirit to lean on. He provides instruction, truth and comfort.

The Advocate

God’s Story:
My Son will return to heaven to be at my right hand, but I know his followers will not do well if they are left alone. They need my help. I will send my Holy Spirit to live in them and through them. They will be comforted by the presence of my Spirit.

Read John 14:1-31

Your Story:
When Jesus was preparing the disciples for his death, he promised that he would send “another advocate to help them and be with them forever” (vs. 16). This advocate is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can provide those who believe in Jesus with peace, assurance and support in any and every circumstance. The presence of the Holy Spirit can give you the confidence you need to deal with whatever may come your way.

Setting An Example

God’s Story:
I know my people completely, inside and out. I love my people completely, inside and out. That is why I have sent my Son to care for them and save them. Jesus knows that soon he will be returning to me. But first, he must teach his disciples one more lesson.

Read John 13:1-38

Your Story:
Because the roads in the Holy Land were not paved and people walked everywhere in sandals, foot washing was a frequent necessity. Not one of the disciples was willing to volunteer for such a task because they considered it to be beneath them. The world acknowledges the wealthy and the proud, the masters, not the servants. In contrast, God’s kingdom requires you to be a servant to others as Jesus was to his disciples. The world’s way may bring you recognition and the adoration of humans, but the way of servanthood will bring you God’s blessing. Which is more valuable to you?