From my reading in Luke 24:36-53 in the One Year New Testament.
Luke has it’s own unique version of the great commission given by Jesus.
“It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ You are witnesses of all these things” Luke 24:47–48
This Message Would Be Proclaimed…
The news of Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection needs to be proclaimed. It was their job to share it and now it’s ours.
In The Authority Of His Name…
Jesus has given them the authority to share the gospel to the ends of the earth and that authority is transferred to us through the Church.
It is with Christ’s power and as his representatives that we go out into the world to share the good news.
To All The Nations…
Christians were given the task of going to every “nation” on earth.
Nation here in greek is “ethos” which refers to a tribe or “people group.” This is a smaller unit than the US or Russia.
We are to go share the gospel in every place to every people group!
Beginning In Jerusalem…
Jesus told them to start in Jerusalem. In Acts 1:8 also written by Luke Jesus said,
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
The very city where Jesus was murdered became the birth place of Christianity. They were told to start in Jerusalem and go all over the world!
There Is Forgiveness of Sins For All Who Repent
Jesus offers forgiveness of sin, but only to those willing to repent and follow him!
Repent means “to change one’s way of life as the result of a complete change of thought and attitude with regard to sin and righteousness” – Lowe-Nida Lexicon
Repentance is a choice to turn from your own way of life and decide to follow Jesus.
It is possible to share the gospel without using the baggage laden word “repentance” but the person receiving Jesus should understand the need to turn from their sin and follow Jesus.
When we share the gospel we should share repentance as part of our message!
You Are Witnesses Of All These Things.
Jesus gave the twelve actual witnesses the task of going into all the world and I believe that task has been transferred to us! We are now to be witnesses of what God has done in our lives.
This is our mission as the body of Christ and we better get on it!
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