Thursday Night Service - April 25, 2019 - Luke 24:36-53

Last Thursday Night's sermon considered Luke's version of Jesus' Ascension and final instructions to the Disciples.  It's not a long sermon (none of the Thursday Night sermons are) so please, take a listen.

One of the points that I made had to do with doubts.  Here some of those gathered... even with Jesus there before them... some doubted.  At times we ourselves will doubt certain aspects or occurrences within our chosen Faith... we should not beat ourselves up over these passing moments, for even the Disciples on that day had some momentary doubts.

Ultimately though, I believe the stories of the Gospels should provide us with the encouragement that we need to pursue this Religion of ours.  But, they also provide us with the support that we need in our moments of weakness... for they too at times doubted.

Be a blessing to someone today!

In His Glory,
Roy

Luke 24:36-53 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
36 While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”[a] 37 They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.[b] 41 While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate in their presence.

44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah[c] is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses[d] of these things. 49 And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

The Ascension of Jesus
50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.[e] 52 And they worshiped him, and[f] returned to Jerusalem with great joy; 53 and they were continually in the temple blessing God.[g]

Footnotes:
a) Luke 24:36 Other ancient authorities lack and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
b) Luke 24:40 Other ancient authorities lack verse 40
c) Luke 24:46 Or the Christ
d) Luke 24:48 Or nations. Beginning from Jerusalem 48 you are witnesses
e) Luke 24:51 Other ancient authorities lack and was carried up into heaven
f) Luke 24:52 Other ancient authorities lack worshiped him, and
g) Luke 24:53 Other ancient authorities add Amen