Wednesday 28th April 2021

Verse 45 says that Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures, and I’m guessing that is what Jesus did at each of his resurrection appearances. These scriptures which Jesus uses are the section of the bible which we refer to as the Old Testament, and Luke gives us a summary of what Jesus taught from them (v.46-47), that the scriptures tell how the Messiah, (that is Jesus) will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations.

Over the next few Sundays, we are going to see how Simon-Peter shares with a crowd of people some of that teaching he received from the risen Lord Jesus. We will see how he uses the Law of Moses (the first 5 books of our bible), the ‘Old Testament’ Prophets and the Psalms (v.44) to share with people the Good News of Jesus the Christ.

It is said that hindsight is a wonderful thing. Now that the disciples had witnessed the events of Jesus’ betrayal, death and resurrection, he is able to explain to them how their scriptures (our Old Testament) make constant reference to God providing a perfect plan for the salvation of mankind, a plan that involved rejection and sacrifice.

We also, are able to look back at what the Old Testament prophets wrote, knowing what they didn’t know – the events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus. We are able to have a better understanding of what the prophets wrote, than they would have had themselves, because we are able to read their words in the light of knowing about the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.

Read: Isaiah 53: 1-9:

Isaiah wrote those words 700 years before Jesus’ crucifixion. I wonder what Isaiah was thinking as realised what message God wanted him to share about the Saviour he would send? These words didn’t tie-in with the popular ideas of what God’s ‘Anointed One’ (the Messiah / the Christ) would be like when he arrived.

People back in bible-times, as well as many people today all too easily forget God is God, and instead limit God to just being a wise and powerful version of ourselves, which in turn causes people to limited their imagination as to how God can help and save them. God is always bigger and greater than our minds can imagine, and so it is often only through hindsight that we see the magnificent wisdom of God.

The people of Israel could only imagine God saving them from their physical enemies, and for him to do that, the Saviour would have to be a great and mighty warrior. Whereas the perfect wisdom of God provided a Saviour who would not save just one generation of people from their enemies, but would be a timeless, perfect Saviour for the whole of mankind. God’s Saviour came to destroy the ultimate enemies of sin and death, even though it involved him being a despised, rejected, and nailed to cross.

Spent a few moments thinking back through your life, and see if hindsight reveals the wisdom of God in at work in your circumstances. Then use these familiar lyrics to lead you into a time of prayer, thanking God for his love care, wisdom and salvation.

Thank you for the cross, Lord, thank You for the price you paid.

Bearing all my sin and shame, in love you came and gave amazing grace.

Thank you for the love, Lord, thank You for the nail pierced hands.

Washed me in your cleansing flow, now all I know, Your forgiveness & embrace

Worthy is the Lamb, seated on the throne. Crown you now with many crowns, You reign victorious.

High and lifted up, Jesus, Son of God, the treasure of heaven crucified. Worthy is the Lamb. 

(Darlene Zschech © 2000 Wondrous Worship)