Niv Lesson 04-19-2009

Christ and Creation Unit 2: The Dawn of New Life (Lessons 6-9)

You ARE WITNESSES

------mmfBII--­ INTRODUCTION A. ACKNOWLEDGING THE ASCENSION

I DEVOTIONAL READING: ! ACTS 2:22-32

Most churches faithfully celebrate Jesus' birth and resurrection. Christmas , BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: and Easter have become significant annual observances, and we have created LUKE 24:36-53 PRINTED TEXT:

many helpful traditions that keep these commemorations meaningful. LUKE 24:44-53 Less common, however, is celebration of]esus' ascension. The reason for this cannot be that this event is not important in Scripture. There are at least as many references to the ascension as there are to Jesus' birth. Nor can it be that this event is not on anyone's Christian calendar like other notable days. LESSON AIMS Ascension Day on liturgical calendars is 40 days into the Easter Season and 10 days before Pentecost. Several Christian traditions acknowledge it on their After participating in this lesson, each student will be calendars, even if they pay comparatively litde attention to what the day com­ able to: memorates. 1. List the evidences re­ In a sincere effort to avoid human traditions that have flooded Christian­ ity and blurred the clear gospel message, some churches have deemphasized vealed in Luke's ascension account for believing in the idea of a Christian calendar. Yet there is an important difference between celebrating feast days that honor "saints" and recognizing key events inJesus' Jesus. 2. Explain how the life. Jesus' ascension was a pivotal point in world history, and what it signifies combination of scrip­ bears directly on the daily life of Christians and churches. In today's lesson tural evidence and personal we focus on the events leading up to Jesus' ascension and its abiding signifi­ experience equips one to bear cance for both his followers and the world. witness of Christ. 3. Write out a personal B. LESSON BACKGROUND testimony that he or she can AfterJesus died, his body was removed from the cross, wrapped in linen, ann. placed in a borrowed tomb before the Sabbath could begin (Luke 23 :50­ use to tell of Christ. 56). After that particular Sabbath day was over, some women who followed Jesus went to his tomb with burial spices, but found his body gone. An angel told them he had risen as he had said (Luke 24:1-12). When the women told the disciples, they doubted, although Peter ran to the tomb to test their claim. Jesus then appeared to two diSciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13-35) and finally showed himself to the eleven. They were startled by his appearance and wondered if he were a ghost. But he demonstrated the truth of his resurrection by inviting them to inspect his wounds, touch his body, and watch him eat food (Luke 24:36-43). The disciples could see and feel the evidence, but it still made little sense to them. That's where today's lesson begins. KEY VERSES I. ENLIGHTENED NOW (LUKE 24:44-48) You are witnesses of these A. REMEMBER SCRIPTURE (w. 44, 45) things. I am going to send 44. He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still tvith you: Every- you what my Father has thing must befulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Proph- promised. ets and the Psalms." . -Luke 24:48, 49 !

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When the angels appeared to the women earlier, they noted how jesus had predicted the events of his passion (Luke 24:6). Luke records these predic­ tions in 9:22-27; 43b-45; 13:33; 17:25; and 18:31-33. jesus confirms this angel's testimony about him and adds that these events are the fulfillment of the Law ofMoses, the Prophets, and the Psalms. jesus' statement here is one of our earliest witnesses to the jewish canon of Scripture. The word canon (literally, "measuring rod") refers to the authori­ tative collection of sacred writings. The text of the jewish canon is the same as our Old Testament, although it is organized differently The jewish canon has the three sections thatJesus mentions here. The designation Psalms as used here is more inclusive than the book we know as Psalms; that third sec­ tion refers to all the books that don't fit within the Law and the Prophets. Naturally, the book of Psalms itself constitutes a large portion of this segment. By contrast, today we arrange the Old Testament in a 5-12-5-5-12 format: 5 books of law, 12 books of history, 5 books of wisdom, 5 books by "major" prophets, and 12 books by "minor" prophets. Ifjesus is alluding to the entirety of the jewish canon, then he is claiming • boldly that what he has undergone is nothing less than the fulfillment of the entire Old Testament. The whole story, from Adam to the return from exile and beyond, points to and finds its fulfillment in jesus' death, burial, and res­ urrection. In directing the disciples toward Scripture, jesus may have specific passages in mind as well, as we shall see. 45. Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. jesus has to open the disciples' minds, not only because they are unable to connect the dots on their own, but also because these truths have been concealed from them, presumably by God (see Luke 9:45; 18:34). For rea­ sons not entirely clear, the disciples to this point have not been able to grasp the reality and implications of Christ's passion. But the time is now right, so jesus gives them eyes to see. We are often like the disciples in this regard. The truth stands directly in front of us, but we cannot grasp it. Sometimes we blind our own eyes, whether by sin or by lack of focus. God may blind us to what we are unable to handle, at least for the moment. Yet God may help us to see what we are blind to. He sent us his Spirit to guide us into truth Qohn 16:13). The presence of the Spirit is not a guarantee WHAT Do You THINK? Why do we sometimes fail that we will understand all things properly at all times. Some things the Lord to understand the teaching of i will not reveal to us (Acts 1: 7). But the Spirit helps overcome our weakness Scripture? What roadblocks . that we may see what God wills us to see. LESSON

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need removing in this regard? How do we do that?

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SMARTER, YOUNGER, SHARPER

Would you like to make your brain "smarter, younger, sharper," as one advo­ cate of video games phrases it? The idea is that "mental workout games" can do just that for us. Neuroscience researchers and game designers are teaming up to create such mind-stimulating games as Brain Trainer, BrainBuilde/; and Vigorous Mind. Many older adults experience forgetfulness and difficulty in learning new things, but electronic games offer some hope for slowing, even if not reversing, the process. And just to give some added veracity to the con­ cept, MRP has added a page called "Games and Puzzles" to its Web site to help sharpen minds. Stimulating the prefrontal cortex with problem-solving activity seems to help keep the brain "young." We need mental exercise, along with physical

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exercise and a balanced diet. Absolute scientific proof is lacking at this point, but the games are fun nevertheless. In our drive to stay young mentally, we need to remember that healthy brain function is no guarantee of spiritual understanding. Today's text makes it obvi­ ous: Jesus' disciples were in the prime of their lives, but he still had to "open their understanding" so they could comprehend the meaning of Scripture. Regardless of our age, a proper spiritual perspective isn't the same as being "smarter, younger, sharper." -co R. B.

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DAILY BIBLE READINGS

Monday, Apr. 13 Women at the Tomb (Matthew 28:6-10) Tuesday, Apr. 14-Mary Magdalene Oohn 20:11-18) Wednesday, Apr. 15-0n the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13-23,28-31)

B. REMEMBER}ESUS (w. 46, 47) 46. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, Luke does not say which specific Old Testament passage(s) Jesus has in mind here, if any. Perhaps Luke is waiting to do this in Acts, his second book. For example, in Acts 2:25-28 Luke records Peter quoting David in Psalm 16:8-11, which says that God will not abandon Jesus in death nor let him experience decay. See also Acts 4:11 quoting Psalms 118:22; Acts 4:25, 26 quoting Psalm 2:1,2; Acts 8:32, 33 quoting Isaiah 53:7,8; etc. Another relevant passage is Luke 11 :29,30, where Jesus alludes to the sign of]onah. As the fish spewed Jonah from its belly after three days, so the grave surrendered Jesus on the third day. Interestingly, Jonah refers to his time in the fish in terms thatJews associate with the grave 00nah 2:2).

Thursday, Apr. 16­ Thomas Oohn 20:24-29) Friday, Apr. 17-Seven Disciples Oohn 21:1-14) Saturday, Apr. 18­ Witnesses of the Resurrection (l Corinthians 15:1-8) Sunday, Apr. 19-Thu Are Witnesses (Luke 24: 44-53)

47. "... and repentance and forgiveness ofsins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning atJerusalem. Jesus announces a critical new phase in the life of his followers: the begin­ ning of the mission to Gentiles. They had been proclaiming repentance and forgiveness ofsins to Jews throughout their ministry (Matthew 10:5, 6). But now they must turn their attention to the nations, that is, the Gentiles. The disciples may not grasp this idea fully just yet, given Peter's surprise at being sent to Gentiles in Acts 10. In Acts, Luke supplies Old Testament passages that anticipate the Gentile mission thatJesus may have had in mind. Luke records Paul and Barnabas quoting Isaiah 49:6, which states that Israel will be a light to the nations so God's salvation may reach the ends of the earth (Acts 13:47). Luke notes James quoting Amos 9: 11, 12, which includes a reference to "all the Gentiles who bear my name" (Acts 15:15-18). However, we must not miss the fact that this mission is intended to begin in Jerusalem. It is in Jerusalem that the disciples receive the Holy Spirit. They begin their mission first in Jerusalem, then move outward to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). It is important for the mission to begin with Jerusalem because of passages such as Isaiah 2:3 and Micah 4:1,2. God fulfills these prophecies by gathering the disciples in Jerusalem, empowering them with his Spirit, and then sending them forth to the nations.

C. REMEMBER RESPONSIBILITY (v. 48) 48. "You are witnesses of these things." Those who follow Jesus during his earthly ministry are unique in world history for being eyewitnesses to God's saving work through him. Others of that time period may have seen some things thatJesus did, but his apostles are taught how to interpret these events without error.

Visual for Lesson 8. Point

to this visual as you ask the first question on page 288: "How are you doing as a wit­ ness for Christ?"

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ARE WITNESSES

As firsthand witnesses, these particular disciples have imponant responsi­ , bilities. The apostle Paul also becomes a firsthand witness through extraor­ dinary means (Acts 9: 1-19; 1 Corinthians 15: 1-10; etc.). The apostles are commissioned to take the gospel to the world and personally verify it. For this reason the apostolic testimony, as preserved in the New Testament, consti­ WHAT Do You THINK? tutes the reliable baseline for Christian faith. We may confidently continue the first disciples' missionary witness as Haw are you doing as a we pass on to others what we have received from them in Scripture. What witness for Christ? Haw can you make your life a stronger God says to us through the new covenant in Scripture is normative and binding on all churches and Christians everywhere. Scripture is the stan­ testimony? dard by which all Christian speech, practice, church order, and doctrine are to be judged. CREDIBLE WITNESSES

You may have seen the video clip that made its way around the world a while back showing a commercial airliner making an emergency landing on the 1-405 freeway in Los Angeles. The freeway had been cleared except for a hapless young man in a]eep wagon and a little old lady in a sedan. The man sees the plane approaching in his rearview mirror and vainly tries to accelerate out of danger. The huge plane comes down on top of the]eep and the two vehicles continue down the freeway. The woman is oblivious to what is happening, but fortunately the plane straddles her car so she is unharmed. "Pictures don't lie," we used to say. However, with the arrival of digital technol­ ogy, it is no longer so. This video was digitally contrived-just lil<e many of the "unbelievable" pictures we receive bye-mail. The apparent eyewitness view of the incident is deceptive. In this case, "seeing is not believing." With]esus' disciples, it was entirely different. They were physically present to observe the events that comprise the essence of the gospel story. When they went out to fulfill]esus' commission to preach the gospel to all the nations, they did so as uniquely qualified eyewitnesses. This makes their testimony superior to all the naysayers in ages since who have sought to discredit the story of]esus. ----e. R. B.

Do You THINK? \Vhy do you think God requires us at times to wait? \Vhy do we find this hard to do? \Vhat happens if we 'jump the gun"? WHAT

II. EMPOWERED LATER (LUKE 24:49-53) A. PROMISE AND INSTRUCTION (v. 49) 49. "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with powerfrom on high."

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Jesus' commission includes waiting. His followers need to remain inJeru­ salem until God initiates the next step. Jesus does not convey that they will wait long, but it is imperative that they wait in Jerusalem. DespiteJerusalem's track record of killing prophets and despite its unjust crucifixion ofjesus, God remains faithful to that city. He uses this unfaithful city for his purposes by making it his launching pad for global missions. The promise of the Father and pawerfrom on high are one and the same. They refer to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is God's empowering presence to enable his people to carry out his mission in the world. Jesus provides an extended discussion of this promise inJohn 16. But Luke mentions it here for the first time in his Gospel without specifying what it means. He alluded to it previously when recountingJohn the Baptist's teaching thatJesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire (3: 16), but he develops it more fully in Acts 1:4-8.

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These passages don't indicate, however, exactly in what sense this promise is fulfilled. This only becomes clear when the promise is fulfilled in Acts 2. On the Day of Pentecost, God pours out the Spirit onJesus' disciples. When Peter explains what is going on (Acts 2:17-21), he quotes God's promise to pour the Spirit on his people (fromJoel 2:28-32). We continue the apostles' mission by the strength of the Holy Spirit.

B. BLESSING AND ASCENSION (w. 50, 51) 50. When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. In the footsteps ofJacob (Genesis 49) and Moses (Deuteronomy 33),jesus gathers his people and blesses them before departing. We are not told the content of this blessing, but it likely concerns their well-being, safety, and faithfulness as they carry out his mission. Jesus' prayer recorded in John 17 may also reflect some of what he says at this time. By leading his disciples out of the city, Jesus ensures peace and quiet. Per­ haps he wants to avoid creating a big scene by the nature of his departure. Bethany is an important place to Jesus. It is the hometown of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus Qohn 11: 1), and it is the place where Mary anointed him with expensive perfume, unknowingly preparing for his burial (Mark 14:3-8;John 12: 1-8). It is located on the southeastern slope of the Mount of Olives, about two miles outside ofJerusalem Qohn 11:18). Luke also locates the ascension in this area in Acts 1: 12. 51. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Finally, what Luke is building up to comes to pass. AtJesus' transfiguration in Luke 9:31, Moses and Elijah speak withJesus about his departure. Then in 9:51, Luke says the time for Jesus to be taken away is drawing near. This goal of ascension is reached only through the cross and resurrection, but that the ascension isJesus' goal should not be overlooked. It marks the completion of Jesus' earthly pilgrimage. It isn't enough for him to be born and to walk among people. It isn't enough to teach his followers about the kingdom and how to live. It isn't even enough for him to die and rise again. Jesus' destiny is to sit at God's right hand in glory; that can happen only after the ascension. It is not until he is crowned in glory thatJesus assumes his rightful posi­ tion over the nations and powers to which he was temporarily and voluntarily subject. It is not until he is exalted on high that he will send his Spirit to empower his people to carry out their mission. It is not until he leaves this world that he will be with us everywhere and always as he promises in Mat­ thew 28:20. Before his ascension people speak with him, touch him, and eat with him. After his ascension they are stricken with awe and reverent fear at his presence (see Acts 9:3-6; Revelation 1: 17). The ascension is indeed a pivotal event in the life ofJesus and in world history. Jesus' ascension is discussed or assumed in numerous passages (see Matthew 26:64; Mark 16:19; Luke 9:31, 51;John 1:18; 3:13; 6:62; 14:2; 20:17; Acts 1:9; 2:33; 3:21; 5:31; 7:56; Ephesians 1:20; 4:8-10; Philippians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:3; 4:14; 6:19, 20; 1 Peter 3:22; and Revela­ tion 12:5). The fact ofJesus' ascension also is arguably a culminating point of Peter's Pentecost sermon in Acts 2. Listing all these passages (and there are more) is imponant because today's church sorely neglects this critical event inJesus'life.

HOWrOSAylr Barnabas. BAR-nuh-bus. Deuteronomy. Due-ter-AHN­ uh-me. Elijah. Ee-LYE-juh. Emmaus. Em-MAY-us. Gentiles. JEN-tiles. Isaiah. Eye-ZAY-uh. Jacob. JAY-kub. Jerusalem. Juh-ROO-suh-lem. Judea. Joo-DEE-uh. Micah. MY-kuh. Moses. MO-zes or MO-zez. Pentecost. PENT-ih-kost. Samaria. Suh-MARE-ee-uh.

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We celebrate jesus' death because in it we receive forgiveness of sins. We Do You THINK? celebrate his resurrection because in it we find hope for eternal life. Perhaps In what ways has the . we should celebrate his exaltation because in it we learn submission to our ascended Lord blessed yOU? How can you use these bless­ . sovereign Lord. Yet submission is not all that we learn. In submitting we learn of power ings to bless others as you that only the exalted Christ can bestow on us Oohn 16:7). We learn confi­ serve as his witness? dence before enemies of the cross, because Christ has already triumphed over them and is subjecting them under his feet (1 Corinthians 15:25). We learn WHAT Do You THINK? comfort in our weakness, because the ascended and exalted jesus intercedes How is your joy in Christ? for us continually before the Father (Romans 8:34). How well are you expressing that joy? How do you avoid confusing the joy ofJesus with C. WORSHIP AND PRAISE (w. 52, 53) the happiness the world pur­ 52. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great jay. The disciples had been stunned and broken after jesus' death. After jesus' sues? resurrection they had been skeptical, confused, amazed, and joyous. Now, after jesus' ascension, they are filled with great joy that overflows to worship. Many godly people have died on behalf of others. A few have been raised back to life. But only jesus dies, rises, and is taken up to be seated at God's right hand. The ascension culminates and concludes jesus' earthly ministry. It makes concretely visible to the disciples the power of the gospel they have been preaching. They have been preaching that the kingdom of God begins injesus, but they have been confused that their king refuses to be a politi­ cal Messiah Oohn 6: 15; Acts 1:6). Now their king is properly situated, not merely over Jerusalem, but over the entire cosmos. The disciples' expectations to this point have been too small! The exalted Christ elicits worship. He doesn't have to request it or de­ PRAYER mand it from the disciples who are truly his. They offer worship freely out of Father in Heaven, one of the surplus ofjoy they find in serving him. So it goes without saying that they our main enemies is busy­ will obey their master, return to jerusalem, and wait. In this single verse the ness. Busyness keeps us disciples demonstrate the proper threefold response of worship, obedience, distracted so we are not able and joy to Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension. to pause and think your 53. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. thoughts after you. Allow u.s The disciples still think of themselves as jews. So as they await the prom­ to pause right now and mar­ ised Spirit, they gather in the temple to praise God: This temple has been a vel at whatJesus' ascension den of robbers, a house of profiteering. This element undoubtedly is still means. In his name, amen. present. But that doesn't deter these disciples. They peer through the spiri­ tual darkness to see the temple as a house of praise. It is important to note that the disciples are intentionally public about their faith. Even before the divine empowerment that comes on Pentecost, they can't help but radiate be­ fore others the joy of Christ. Should we not be able to be as joyous?

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CONCLUSION The normal rhythm of society doesn't quite come to a grinding halt around Christmas and Easter, but it does slow down to varying degrees. Due to the influence of Christians, these have become recognized events on the secular calendar. Christians gather together and celebrate these events mean­ ingfully. However, no such space is created for the ascension. How sad! jesus' ascension means that he now sits at the right hand of the Father in glory and that every authority is either being eliminated or subjected to him (l Corinthians 15:24-27). The birth of a baby may seem harmless. The

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