“‘Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
Luke 24:26-27
Christ’s birth narrative—from Gabriel’s announcement and Mary’s submission to the praising angels and stunned shepherds—combines glory and humility. Jesus’s dying words run the gamut from forgiveness to forsakenness, from thirst to trust. But Luke’s Gospel concludes with a story that shows the significance not only of the incarnation and the cross, but also of the whole Bible.
Downcast disciples suddenly found their hearts set ablaze as a mysterious Stranger unfolded God’s ancient Word and redemptive plan: the Messiah must suffer a shameful death, then burst into glorious life. When He broke the bread, their eyes were opened to His identity and to His Word. Later, Jesus surprised a larger group and again opened the Scripture, showing that His resurrection glory would bring forgiveness for the nations.
In the New Testament, we sample the fruit of those Easter Bible studies taught by Jesus, Scripture’s author and subject. May our eyes and hearts be open to the beauty of Christ that radiates through every Spirit-breathed word of the Bible.
Downcast disciples suddenly found their hearts set ablaze as a mysterious Stranger unfolded God’s ancient Word and redemptive plan: the Messiah must suffer a shameful death, then burst into glorious life. When He broke the bread, their eyes were opened to His identity and to His Word. Later, Jesus surprised a larger group and again opened the Scripture, showing that His resurrection glory would bring forgiveness for the nations.
In the New Testament, we sample the fruit of those Easter Bible studies taught by Jesus, Scripture’s author and subject. May our eyes and hearts be open to the beauty of Christ that radiates through every Spirit-breathed word of the Bible.
Scripture Focus
Luke 24:13-49
Insight
FAVORITE NEW TESTAMENT STORY by Rev. Dennis E. Johnson, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology at Westminster Seminary California, where he led many students in Anchor writing. He is a grandpa of 16 and beloved husband to Jane for 55 years.
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 33-34
- Psalm 78
- John 20