After Jesus’ word of peace, He teaches them about Himself from the Scriptures and then encourages them to live as witnesses to who He is. What does this mean for us as well? (Luke 24:44-49)
Sermon Outline
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”(Luke 24:44-49)
This is what I told you…
- Often what we need is found in what He has already said!
Everything must be fulfilled.
- We are inside a story that is unfolding, and He will bring it to completion.
- The story is not fully understood by only looking at the past and what is yet to come. It is found in the now.
He OPENED their minds.
- Understanding Scripture is a communal experience with Jesus. It facilitates closeness and connection with Him.
- The Greek word translated to “opened” is διανοίγω (dee-an-oy’-go). It means to open thoroughly, to open completely. He opened their minds so the power of truth and His Spirit could enter into them, helping them to see what they wouldn’t otherwise see.
- He first gave them understanding of Scripture, not new circumstances.
The following things are written about in the ancient Scriptures. Each of these truths is a well of wisdom and understanding that never runs dry, relevant in the past, present, and future.
- His death
- Resurrection
- Repentance for forgiveness of sins
- For all nations
The life, death, resurrection, and ministry of Jesus is the embodiment of truth that will illuminate our lives.
You are witnesses of these things.
- We witness these events through the eyewitnesses who wrote about them. And we witness the reality of them in our own lives.
We have the Holy Spirit who was promised to His disciples. Ask the Spirit of God to help you remember what He has already said. Invite Him to help you see and understand what you wouldn’t see on your own.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- In what areas of your life do you need to return to “what Jesus has already said” rather than seeking new answers?
- The sermon mentioned that “we are inside a story that is unfolding.” How does seeing yourself as part of God’s larger narrative change your perspective on current challenges?
- Jesus “opened their minds” to understand Scripture. Share a time when you experienced a similar “opening” that transformed your understanding of a biblical passage.
- The Greek word for “opened” (διανοίγω) means “to open thoroughly, completely.” Where in your spiritual life might you need Jesus to open your understanding “all the way across”?
- How has understanding Scripture in community with others brought you closer to Jesus in ways that private study couldn’t?
- Which aspect of what was “written” about Jesus resonates most deeply with you right now: His death, resurrection, repentance for forgiveness, or the message for all nations? Why?
- The sermon suggests that understanding Scripture precedes new circumstances. How might this challenge our tendency to seek changed situations before deeper understanding?
- What does it mean practically for you to be a “witness” to these things in your daily life?
- In what situations have you experienced the Holy Spirit helping you remember what Jesus has already said?
- What specific area of your life needs illumination from the “truth that will illuminate our lives” as mentioned in the sermon?
DIG DEEPER
- Take time to study these four topics and ask the Holy Spirit to open your mind to their significance:
- Christ’s death – Galatians 2:20
- His resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15:20
- Repentance – Mark 1:14-15
- His ministry to all nations – Mark 16:15
- Practice this prayer in all circumstances: “Jesus, what do you want me to know about this…?”