In the final chapter of Luke, the disciples found themselves in that exact “too good to be true” moment. Still reeling from the crucifixion and the confusing reports of an empty tomb, they were huddled in a room when the impossible happened: Jesus stood among them. In his sermon “Too Good To Be True,” based on Luke 24:36-53, Pastor Kevin Long explains how Jesus transformed his followers from a scattered, frightened group into a bold, mission-driven force. By proving His physical resurrection and opening their minds to Scripture, Jesus taught them to move from fear to peace, to engage the mission of the Gospel, and to wait for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
We Need to Move from Fear to Peace
When Jesus appeared, the disciples didn’t immediately break into cheers; they were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost (v. 37).
He offered proof. He showed them His hands and feet and even asked, “Have you anything to eat?” (v. 41). By eating broiled fish, He proved He was flesh and bone, not a spirit.
While our circumstances can make us retreat into fear, Jesus speaks a better word: “Peace to you” (v. 36)
Pastor Kevin reminded us of 2 Timothy 1:7 that we are not given the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self control. Transitioning to peace means focusing on the risen Christ rather than the chaos of the world.
Engage The Mission
Once the disciples minds were opened to how the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms pointed to Him (v. 44-45), Jesus gave them their marching orders. They weren’t just meant to be “safe”; they were meant to be witnesses.
The mission is, “repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations” (v. 47)
Wait For The Spirit
One of the hardest things for humans to do is wait, especially when we are excited or angry.
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would give us the words to say when the time is right (Luke 12:12).
We cannot fulfill God’s mission with human effort alone. We need the Helper that Jesus promised to send after His ascension. (v. 49)
The book of Luke ends with Jesus blessing His followers and ascending to heaven (v. 50-51). The result? They didn’t go back to hiding; they returned to Jerusalem with great joy and were continually in the temple blessing God.
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