Our Great Commission – Part 1 Luke 24:36-46 April 26, 2020

“Our Purpose in the Pandemic”… and beyond.

As Jesus prepared to return to the Father, He gathered His disciples and gave what we call the great commission. This is our commission. This is our purpose!

The Foundation of the Great Commission • The foundation of the resurrection, b/c that changed everything! • The foundation of the Word of God, the Bible. That’s our text. That’s what we proclaim.

Luke’s brief (compare to familiar Matt 28:18-20) description of our commission is to preach the Gospel. Luke 24:46-47

Our Commission is founded on the Resurrection – Luke 24:36-43 There are many biblical proofs for the resurrection: • 1 Cor 15:3-8 • Acts 1:3 • How many others can you find?

Jesus’ presence witnessed by others is proof of the resurrection! • Luke 24:36 • John 20:19

Jesus’ presence brings peace, the Hebrew word still used today is ______. The resurrection brings us peace, b/c Jesus is in our midst, He is with us. In us. Col 1.27 • Are you experiencing peace? Peace that says, “God’s here and He’s not forsaken His place on the throne.” • Best practice towards peace like this: Phil 4:4-9 • What are some good ways to put this to practice? Sometimes we say we have faith, but like the disciples, we struggle in the moment to demonstrate real peace. vs 37

For more on the resurrected body of Jesus, consider 1 Cor. 15:35-49 It would be a full week before Thomas joined them and saw Jesus – John 20:26-29 • You may feel like Thomas. Why am I the last one in the room to get it? • Jesus patiently reaches out for you. Respond as Thomas did.

Our Commission is founded upon the Bible – Luke 24:44-45 Jesus reminded them of His Word Luke 9:22, 44-45; 18:31-34; 22:37 • Doesn’t this sound like the passage above: 24:27-32? Today, with the help of the Holy Spirit and good study, we can know the Word! • Trust the Word of God, especially during these times of uncertainty. God’s Word brings comfort (read Psalms) and wisdom (read Proverbs). But it also gives instruction and grows our faith. 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Tim 3:16-17: Ps 119:105 • What are some other passages you can think of that highlight the use of Scripture in our preaching and our own walk with God?

The Resurrection IS the Good News. We proclaim it as we preach, tell the story, share our stories, do for others what God would do. Love them, help meet needs in His Name and for His glory.

The foundation of our commission is the resurrection, b/c that changed everything! The foundation of our commission is the Word of God, the Bible. That’s our text. That’s what we proclaim. We don’t proclaim anything other than what Jesus gave us.