For Unto Us a Child is Born!

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, ca 1601-2

Join us as we read through the Gospel of Luke during this Advent Season...
By Cecilia Gibbs, Assistant Principal Rock Solid Christian Academy

Luke 24: 1-53
Today we are reading the final chapter of Luke together! Luke 24 recounts the resurrection of Christ and His ascension into heaven.

In the beginning of this chapter we see the “women” approaching the tomb of Jesus. Although Jesus told them He would be resurrected, it’s obvious they did not believe Him. The women arrive first thing in the morning with their spices, fully expecting to find Jesus' remains. Luke describes their reaction as they are greeted by angels of the Lord...

“He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.” (Luke 24: 7-8 NIV)

Unlike the women and Christ's other disciples, we are not surprised by Christ's resurrection. We have the advantage of knowing what Jesus’ followers did not. We know Jesus has been resurrected. We know He has fulfilled His promise. We know that the Gospel of Luke actually ends at a beginning. Over these past twenty-four days we have studied the events of Christ’s earthly ministry. This has been a wonderful journey, but it is not the end!  We are part of the ongoing story of God’s chosen people whom He has equipped to carry on the message of eternal life. We have the privilege or sharing Christ’s message of life, love and light. We also have the privilege of sharing a message to a world covered in darkness.

“Jesus departed into the heaven from which He came. He did so not to leave us but to guide us, not to disappoint us but to intercede for us. He departed with a blessing. He departed to equip us. For those who know Him, His blessing is always with us. So we worship Him with joy and serve Him with gladness, continually blessing God for the gift of his Son.” (https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/Luke/Resurrection-Jesus)

“When He had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.” (Luke 24:50-53 NIV)