Bible Study - Victory (6) - Victory Shared - Luke 24:44-49 - April 9, 2017

Bible Study – Victory (6) – Victory Shared – April 9, 2017

This is the sixth and final lesson in our series entitled “Victory.”

Our focus scripture is Luke 24:44-49.

The victory we have in JESUS is too big to keep to ourselves.

This series of study has led us to explore several exciting absolutes regarding JESUS and the relationship of those who have placed their faith in JESUS as their Savior. It boggles my mind that GOD so loved us that HE went to the extent HE did to redeem those who will place their faith in HIS Only SON, JESUS from eternal death. This finite world is not the permanent home of humans but a place, designed by GOD, to lead us to HIM. All we have to do is to look around and behold HIS handiwork. GOD made earth and the universe such that we, as humans, would know that where we live did not come about by random probability but by divine design.

If you are interested in the unique design of earth and its exact placement in the universe I suggest that you read a book authored by Dr. Hugh Ross, “Improbable Planet.” Dr. Ross is a Christian and founded “Reasons to Believe” and their web address is www.reasons.org. His book can be ordered through their web address plus give you access to other interesting facts.

We see the magnificence of GOD’S handiwork as we behold the world in which we live. Yet, the Bible reveals in 1 Corinthians 2:9:

9 But as it is written: What no eye has seen and no ear has heard, and what has never come into a man's heart, is what God has prepared for those who love Him.

Being a human upon earth, earth and the universe reveal GOD. For the Christian, earth foreshadows the very best yet to come. First, all humans are miracles. Just consider the odds of you being born as a human are staggering. Yet, here we are. Where were you before you were born? Ephesians 1:4 gives us a clue:

4 for He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love

Before we are born all humans are in the mind of GOD. At just the right time, we are born. We are born with the right to choose. GOD’S desire is for all humans to choose HIM through faith in JESUS.

Second, GOD’S plan unfolded over thousands of years as reflected in the scriptures. Let’s explore!

The setting for our scripture was:

-         JESUS had been crucified, buried and on the third day resurrected from the dead.

-         This was the beginning of the post-resurrection 40 days when JESUS walked upon earth before HIS ascension into Heaven to take HIS seat at the right-hand of HIS Father, GOD.

-         The empty tomb had been discovered, JESUS had revealed Himself to Mary Magdalene and Peter (1 Corinthians 15:5). JESUS walked incognito with two men on the road to Emmaus. They invited JESUS to come to their home and when HE broke the bread their eyes were opened and HE vanished. The two men’s eyes were opened and they knew they had been in the presence of JESUS. The two men returned to Jerusalem to report their meeting with JESUS and guess who showed up, JESUS.

-         This brings us to our scripture.

Let’s read Luke 24:25-43: Introductory

Let’s first consider the conversation JESUS had with the two men en-route to Emmaus in Luke 24:25-43:

25 He said to them, "How unwise and slow you are to believe in your hearts all that the prophets have spoken!

26 Didn't the Messiah have to suffer these things and enter into His glory?"

27 Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted for them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

28 They came near the village where they were going, and He gave the impression that He was going farther.

29 But they urged Him: "Stay with us, because it's almost evening, and now the day is almost over." So He went in to stay with them.

30 It was as He reclined at the table with them that He took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.

31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him, but He disappeared from their sight.

When we study JESUS’ Glorified body it gives us a clue what the Glorified body is capable of doing e.g. incognito, instant travel, capable of eating, going through solid structures, opening a door, having substance, the Glorified body is totally at our command and the list goes on.

So why don’t we get our Glorified body the instant we die physically? What would be our greatest temptation?

32 So they said to each other, "Weren't our hearts ablaze within us while He was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?"

33 That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together,

34 who said, "The Lord has certainly been raised, and has appeared to Simon!"

35 Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

The Reality of the Risen Jesus

36 And as they were saying these things, He Himself stood among them. He said to them, "Peace to you!"

37 But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost.

38 "Why are you troubled?" He asked them. "And why do doubts arise in your hearts?

39 Look at My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself! Touch Me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have."

No mention of blood. Human life is in the blood. So who powers our Glorified Life?

40 Having said this, He showed them His hands and feet.

41 But while they still could not believe because of [their] joy and were amazed, He asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?"

42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish,

43 and He took it and ate in their presence.

Keep in mind that JESUS had HIS Glorified body which represents the body all Christians will have after the second coming of JESUS to earth.

Let’s read Luke 24:44-45:

44 Then He told 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."

The disciples of JESUS had walked with HIM and witnessed the fulfillment of the scriptures in the life of JESUS. Now, after the facts just outlined, JESUS was putting the pieces together for HIS disciples. HE brought them back to the basics – “Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled."

Of all people, the Jewish religious leaders should have known everything prophesied regarding the coming Messiah and used this information to verify the true Messiah. They knew the scriptures but as the old saying goes, “they could not see the forest for the trees.” The Jews wanted a political messiah who would deliver them from Roman rule. Which is better to have temporary relief from the rule of man for a few people or the permanent victory over sin and eternal death for all who will place their faith in the true promised Messiah, JESUS?

We can and do study these scriptures today. The Bible is the same as it was when it was originally written.

45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

So what scriptures did JESUS use when HE opened the minds of HIS disciples; The Old Testament. The New Testament was to be written.

We can study these same scriptures today and confirm that JESUS met all the criteria for the promised Messiah. Plus all who place their faith in JESUS have the confirming assurance of the indwelling Holy Spirit. JESUS still opens our minds to HIS teaching when we study.

Let’s read Luke 24:46-47:

46 He also said to them, "This is what is written: the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day,

47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

There are multitudes of scripture that reveal JESUS such as:

-         Genesis 3:15 – 15 I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.

-         Numbers 21:9 – 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and mounted it on a pole. Whenever someone was bitten, and he looked at the bronze snake, he recovered.

-         Deuteronomy 18:15 – 15 "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him.

-         Isaiah 7:14 – 14 Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.

-         Isaiah 9:6 – 6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

-         Ezekiel 34:23 - 23 I will appoint over them a single shepherd, My servant David, and he will shepherd them. He will tend them himself and will be their shepherd.

Why beginning at Jerusalem? Ground zero is where we live. Our family, friends, neighbors and those with whom we come into contact have needs – salvation, instruction, encouragement and the list goes on. Those of us who know the truth must be ready and available to share the truth of JESUS. As we obediently serve our LORD where we are, HE may lead us to expand our field of service. Life is the training ground to build the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. If we cannot comprehend and understand JESUS, then how can we understand and comprehend GOD?

Let’s read Luke 24:48-49:

48 You are witnesses of these things.

JESUS reminded that HIS disciples had witnessed the unfolding of prophesy regarding the promised Messiah as they walked with HIM. Now, they were experiencing the proof that HE is the promised Messiah. JESUS gave HIS life as the sacrificial, sinless lamb to pay in full for the sin of mankind. JESUS broke the sin barrier and opened the path between mankind and GOD for all who will place their faith in JESUS. HIS passion opened the opportunity for mankind to receive salvation from the bondage of sin and its consequence, eternal death. It takes faith and action to turn opportunity into salvation.

What was the proof that JESUS conquered sin and eternal death? It is HIS bodily resurrection. JESUS was resurrected in HIS Glorified body to reveal the truth and proof of the Glorified body all Christians will receive when JESUS raptures all Christians from earth at HIS second coming.

Why don’t we get our Glorified body at the instant we accept CHRIST as our Savior? Why would a person want to become a Christian? Would he or she be broken hearted for his or her sin or would he or she desire a Glorified body? 

Knowing human nature, you know the answer.

All of us must come to JESUS with a broken heart and seek redemption from the consequence of sin, which is eternal death.

Have you made this decision in your life? If not, why not? The decision is yours to make. No one else can make it for you. It is a personal decision and JESUS gave HIS life just for you. If you had been the only person to ever live upon earth, JESUS would have given HIS life just for you. That makes it personal. HE loves you that much. Please, do not reject that love. You are precious to HIM.

Those who have placed their faith in JESUS are witnesses to HIS saving grace and we must share it as our LORD gives us opportunity. Redemption from sin and receiving eternal life through faith in JESUS is truly Good News! Why 

hide it? JESUS continued ---

49 And look, I am sending you what My Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high."

The Holy Spirit could not come to earth and indwell the human body until all had been fulfilled by JESUS. JESUS ascended into Heaven and at the right moment JESUS sent the Holy Spirit to indwell all who place their faith in HIM. Notice “I AM” sending. The “I” is emphatic and means that JESUS alone through Whom the promise of the Father would come to pass. There would be an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Who would confirm the new covenant, empower, enlighten and guarantee that faith in JESUS is truth. WOW!

The shed blood of JESUS prepared and sanctified the human body to be indwelled by the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:

19 Do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,

20 for you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body.

What was the price JESUS had to pay for your redemption from sin and eternal death? HIS sinless life! HIS victory is victory for all who place their faith in 

JESUS. Live the victorious life when you accept JESUS as your Savior. 

Through the miracle of rebirth into GOD’S family through faith in JESUS you are GOD’S Son or Daughter with all the rights and privileges. Live like it. Not as a spoiled brat but as a child of the King!

The victory has been won by JESUS live victoriously.

Blessings!!!