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“And he led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.” (Luke 24:50-53, NIV)

For the disciples of Jesus, Jerusalem had been the site of many tragic events over the previous days. In fact, with the death of Jesus, it seemed that all of their dreams had been dashed; and that all of their plans had been trashed.

In the light of the Resurrection, however, they “returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” We can only imagine what the outsiders must have thought about the disciples of Jesus as they saw them in the temple; joyful and praising and blessing God. Perhaps they thought: “Aren’t these the disciples of the man who was crucified on Friday? Why is it that they are now so bright and optimistic?”

The answer, then as now, is this: He lives!

The Resurrection of our Lord trumps every sorrow and redeems every failure. The Resurrection enables us to return to the scene of our greatest humiliation with great joy and confidence. To live in the light of the Resurrection is to truly live! – Luther

Tagged the book of Luke, the Resurrection

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“A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.'” (Luke 22:24-26, NIV)

We now see the glory of the Resurrection, but before we arrive at Easter we must leave Palm Sunday and endure Good Friday. Our attitude through all of it, according to Jesus, is to be as He was: The least of all. The last of all. The servant of all.

The disciples were acting out of their corrupted nature (which, as people, we all share). This nature aspires to be the greatest of all. This nature desires to be the first of all. This nature expects to be served by all.

Because of what Jesus has done for all of us through His death on the cross, and through His resurrection from the dead; His summons to servitude is validated for all time and for all people. Our corrupted, natural ambitions assure nothing but strife, but our obedience to Jesus assures us life in all of its fullness. – Luther

Tagged Holy Week, humility, servitude, the book of Luke

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“He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” (Luke 22:41-43, NIV)

God always answers the prayers of His children.

Sometimes, it is within the plan of God to deliver His child from peril or difficulty. To be sure, it is a gift beyond words to be delivered from illness, injury, and death. More times than we realize, God’s hand has delivered us from difficulties, danger, disease, and from death.

Yet, sometimes it is within the plan of God to deliver His child through the peril or the difficulty looming before us. Even here — perhaps, particularly here — we are not alone in our suffering. As God did for His only begotten Son in the crisis reflected in today’s scripture, God will also do for you when you allow Him to work through you for His purposes. He will give you evidence of His presence; and He will strengthen you with His strength!

Fear not! Whether “from” or “through,” God’s presence and God’s provision are always — always — ours when we confess: “Yet not my will, but Yours be done.” – Luther

Tagged deliverance, prayer, the book of Luke