How does Luke 24:46 encourage us to share the gospel with others? Setting the Scene • Luke places us in the upper room on Resurrection Sunday. • The risen Lord is speaking, His nail-scarred hands proving everything He says. • What follows is not a suggestion; it is the Lord’s own summary of history and our marching orders. Core Truth in Luke 24:46 “ ‘This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day…’ ” • “This is what is written” anchors the gospel in the unbreakable, inspired Scriptures. • “The Christ will suffer” affirms the literal atoning death foretold in passages like Isaiah 53:5-6. • “And rise from the dead on the third day” confirms the bodily, historical resurrection promised in Psalm 16:10 and fulfilled exactly as stated (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Because every word was prewritten and fulfilled, we can speak with absolute confidence; the message is divinely certified. The Gospel Message Summarized 1. Sin’s penalty is real (Romans 3:23). 2. Christ literally bore that penalty on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). 3. His literal resurrection proves full payment and victory (Romans 4:25). 4. Therefore repentance and forgiveness are offered to all who believe (Luke 24:47). Christ’s Death and Resurrection: The Foundation for Our Witness • We are not promoting an idea but reporting an accomplished fact. • Because the resurrection is historical, evangelism is not marketing; it is bearing witness (Acts 1:8). • The same Spirit who raised Jesus empowers our words (Romans 8:11). Compelled to Proclaim Repentance and Forgiveness • Verse 46 flows directly into verse 47—proof leads to proclamation. • The message is universal: “to all nations” (Matthew 28:19). • It is specific: repentance from sin and forgiveness through Christ alone (Acts 4:12). • Our role is to echo what Scripture already declares. Practical Takeaways for Sharing the Gospel • Rest in Scripture’s authority—quote it freely; God’s Word carries its own power (Hebrews 4:12). • Keep the focus on the cross and empty tomb; these are the non-negotiables that save (Romans 1:16). • Speak with certainty; prophecy fulfilled on the third day demonstrates God keeps every promise. • Share personally; the disciples moved from frightened to fearless once they saw the risen Lord—we have the same reason for boldness (2 Corinthians 5:14). • Expect fruit; the gospel is God’s ordained means of calling people to Himself (James 1:18). Anchor Verses That Reinforce the Call • Matthew 28:18-20 – The risen Christ authorizes our mission. • Acts 2:32, 38 – Peter links resurrection proof to a call for repentance. • 2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” • 1 Peter 3:15 – Be ready to give an answer, because the hope is sure. Luke 24:46 turns every believer into a witness: the crucified and risen Jesus is history’s central fact, and the whole world needs to hear it. |
    |