Adult Christian Life: 2nd QTR 2013

By Phyllis P. Jones

Adult Christian Life contains Sunday school material for people ages 25 and older. The exposition of the Scripture, with life-centered insights, is preceded by an introduction to the lesson designed to help learners gain a greater understanding of the text under discussion relative to context, content, and meaning for life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation
• Release date: Jan 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9781589426368

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PROMISES KEPT

Unifying Topic: The Lord Appears

LUKE 24:36-53

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: LUKE 24:36-53

The New National Baptist Hymnal, 21st Century Edition, #102 (NNBH #71); God’s Promises Bible, Luke 24:36-53; Boyd’s Commentary for the Sunday School

Luke 24:36-53

MAIN THOUGHT: And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. (Luke 24:44, KJV)

LESSON SETTING

The events in today’s text occurred in and around Jerusalem over a period of forty days from the resurrection of Jesus to His ascension (see Acts 1:3). Many disciples of Jesus, including the eleven Apostles, were gathered together in Jerusalem to listen for reports of Jesus. Simon Peter had reported to the group that he had seen Jesus. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus recounted their time with Him. The appearance of Jesus reported in verses 36-43 is the same one reported in John 20:19-23 when Thomas was absent. The events recounted in verses 44 and following may have happened later.

EXPOSITION

The day of Jesus’ resurrection is an emotionally challenging day for His followers. As they try to deal with the death of their leader, the Apostles hear some disturbing news. Some of the women went to the tomb early on Sunday morning to complete the burial process by anointing the body with spices. When they arrived, they found that the stone guarding the entrance to the tomb had been moved and the body of Jesus was missing. Angels told the women that Jesus was risen from the dead (see Luke 24:1-8). The women ran and told the Apostles, but they did not believe the women. Later, two disciples who are on their way to Emmaus are joined by the risen Lord, but they do not recognize Him until He breaks bread with them. These two disciples then return to Jerusalem to inform the Apostles of what had occurred. When they arrived in Jerusalem—but before they could share their news—the Apostles told them that Jesus was risen indeed and had appeared to Peter. The two then recounted their own experience. As they were speaking, Jesus appeared.

REPENTANCE

(Greek: METANOIAN) (Luke 24:47)

This word basically implies a change of mind. From a spiritual perspective, re pentance is more than a change of one’s mind. It entails a complete change of heart, attitude, interest, and direction.

I. TOUCH ME AND SEE (Luke 24:36-43)

The text does not tell us how Jesus entered the room where the disciples were assembled. Apparently, though, the form of His resurrected body allows Jesus to transcend all physical barriers. Jesus greets the disciples, saying ‘Peace be with you’ (v. 36, NIV). This was a typical Jewish greeting. Such a greeting coming from the mouth of Jesus should have been comforting to the disciples, but it was not. Instead, the disciples are frightened because they think Jesus is a ghost (v. 37, NIV). Although they are discussing the fact that Jesus has risen and has been seen by some of them, the disciples have trouble believing that the person crucified on the cross and died the previous Friday is