Bible Study for Sermon on April 22, 2012:  Luke 24:36-49--Appearance at Jerusalem and Concluding Commission

Jesus' appearance in Jerusalem is the basis of "the promise and commissioning" of the faith.  A reaction of fear to the appearance, followed by reassurance, is a common feature to these episodes.  In this case the fear arises because the disciples "thought they were seeing a "spirit" (pneuma), and the reassurance is expanded with various efforts by Jesus to show that he is not a "spirit."  First, there is a rebuke (vs. 38), similar to the rebukes in previous resurrection scenes (vv. 5, 25).  Then the disciples are invited both to look at his hands and feet (marks of the crucifixion) and touch him.  Finally, he eats a piece of fish, which is further demonstration of his bodily reality.  The emphasis here on the risen Jesus as a person of flesh and bones serves to refute the notion that is a "ghost."  The appearance of a ghost would mean something very different than the Resurrection of Jesus as Messiah.  Some people claimed to be able to consult with the dead by calling up their ghost (cf. Deut 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:3-19).  This, however, would be the ephemeral appearance of a dead person whose state remains basically unchanged.  Jesus' resurrection means victory over death and entrance "into his glory" (v. 26) with new ruling power.  the emphasis on bodily presence serves to distinguish Jesus resurrection from the appearance of a ghost.

When Jesus appears, he first says, "Peace be with you."  The greeting, followed by display of wounds, leading to joy and a new mission, makes this scene similar to John 20:19-21.  The peace greeting takes on special nuance in Luke in light of previous usage of peace as a term for messianic salvation (1:79; 2:14; 10:5-6; 19:42).  There is a peculiar combination of disbelieving and joy implying that they are coexist in the witness competing with one another.  This combination testifies to the fact that the transformation of Jesus' followers into witnesses is not complete.  Jesus must open their minds to understanding the scriptures in order for the transformation to be complete (v. 45), for only this new understanding enables the disciples to perceive the recent event as part of God's surprising, but prophesied plan.

24:44-49 we have Jesus addressing and opening the minds of the disciples to understanding the scriptures.  This repeated emphasis on understanding Jesus' death and resurrection as part of God's scriptural plans shows the importance of this point to Luke.  In verses 44 three divisions of scripture are mentioned:  the law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.  This final address to the disciples is the end of Jesus' instructions in Luke 24 and also anticipates the continuing story in Acts.  In verses 47-49 Jesus goes further in commenting on his resurrection in which the eleven will have a central role.  In these verses Jesus commissions his hearers as his witnesses, giving them a task and a promise.  Also, verses 44-49 provides a brief summary of central themes.

In making the disciples responsible for the proclamation of repentance and forgiveness of sins, Jesus is handing over a task that was central to the mission his mission (and John the Baptist's mission).  Jesus has completed his mission of proclaiming release of sin to the outcasts.  In the early chapters of Acts Jesus witnesses will carry out their task of proclaiming repentance and release of sin.  The risen Messiah indicates that from this point on, repentance and release of sin is to be proclaimed "in his name."  The name of Jesus Messiah represents his royal power and authority, and there are repeated references to his name in the early chapters of Acts (2:21, 38; 3:6, 16; In this way the mission of Jesus continues.  It is also broadened by including all nations.

The phrase "beginning from Jerusalem" includes the Jews in the salvation focus and process. 

The role of the apostles as "witnesses" is also prominent in the early chapters of Acts (1:8, 22; 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 5:32).  The apostles and their companions are not able to be Jesus' witnesses, for they have not only been taught by him, have worked with him and had their minds opened by him to understanding the scripture.  Their new perspective enables them to interpret Jesus' death and resurrection as key events in God's unfolding plan to bring salvation to the world.  The proclamation to all nations i part of what is "written" in scripture (vss. 46-47).

Jesus concludes with a promise that this witnesses will receive the Holy Spirit, here called "what my Father promised" and power from on high."  Jesus, previously, had said that the Spirit is the good gift God the Father would gladly give his children (Luke 11:13).  In Acts the Spirit continues to be called both "gift" and "power."  The Spirit is power for the mission and it a gift of grace that creates new relationship with God.  The disciples must remain in Jerusalem to receive this gift and begin their mission.