David Bahn – Reflections

As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” ³⁷ But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. ³⁸ And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? ³⁹ See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit 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. ⁴¹ And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, 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 before them.

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 and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” ⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, ⁴⁶ and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, ⁴⁷ and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ You are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹ And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

⁵⁰ And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. ⁵¹ While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. ⁵² And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, ⁵³ and were continually in the temple blessing God.

If something is in the Bible one time: it is true. If it is twice in the Bible, it is certainly true. If it is recorded three times it is most certainly true. Martin Luther used that latter phrase in his explanations to the three articles of the Apostle’s Creed. The truths confessed there are reliable, certain, and eternal; grounded not in human opinion but in the unchanging Word of God.

But what if something is reference not three or four times in the New Testament, but at least five times in the New Testament? The Great Commission is recorded in some form or another in Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-47; John 20:21-23; and Acts 1:8. These words of Jesus reflect at least 10 references in the Old Testament! This is no new commission. It is the Great Commission. Under the authority of the risen Jesus, for all people of all time to hear the Good News of his redemption and invitation into the reign and rule of God.

I notice something here in Luke. The only imperative or command of Jesus is to “stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” The command is to stay. But not permanently. They are to stay until they receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the power of God for faith through the preaching of the gospel. We do best to remember that the command to make disciples and preach the gospel, and witness to Jesus’ death and resurrection, and forgive and retain sins, is not to be undertaken by human whim or strength. It is to be a movement by the Holy Spirit compelling us toward those who are far off and those who are near. All people need to hear this message.

Some evangelists need to learn restraint – not rushing in where fools fear to tread. Others need to learn boldness – going where God is sending them and speaking what God has put on their hearts. But whether waiting for the power of the Holy Spirit or moving with purpose and resolve, we are doing something God deeply desires, and has made clear in his word. We are to proclaim his grace and truth in Jesus to all people. This is definitely, assuredly, importantly, vitally, and most certainly true!