Peace, Power, and Purpose

Luke 24:35-53

Read Luke 24:36–37 (ESV)

36 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.

1. Jesus had already appeared to Peter, and the travelers in the road to Emmaus,

but when He appears to this gathering of disciples, they are frightened. Why do

you think that is?

2. When you think of being in the presence of Jesus, does it bring you peace of

fear? Why?

Read Luke 24:38–43 (ESV)

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.

3. Why is it so important for Jesus to prove to His followers that He is not a spirit

and that He arose bodily from the grave?

4. Why does he ask for food?

Read Luke 24:44–45 (ESV)

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,

5. Why is it important for Jesus to point out how prophecies from the Old Testament

have been fulfilled in Him?

6. Share an example or two of how the Old Testament points to Jesus.

7. What does the fact that Jesus was God’s plan from the beginning tell you about

God’s love for you?

Read Luke 24:46–47 (ESV)

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.

8. Why is repentance central to the message of Jesus?

9. What’s the significance of the message being proclaimed from Jerusalem to all

nations?

Read Luke 24:48–49 (ESV)

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.”

10. Why do they need to stay in the city?

11. What is the power from on high?

12. Compare being clothed with the power from on high with the Adam and Eve

being clothed with animal skins after the sinned in Genesis 3.

13. What is God’s purpose in clothing people with power from on high?

Read Luke 24:50–53 (ESV)

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.

14. What does Jesus’ ascension reveal about God’s ability to work through humans?