Learning Jesus | Week 48
Come, Lord Jesus!
Lesson 48 >> Key Word – Come >> Central Passages – Days 1 & 2
Best engagement = complete all five days at home. Next best = Read Days 1-3 & complete Day 5 to prep for group.
Day 1 – Jesus commands disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit.
Luke records Jesus’ third and last commission to His disciples in two books: the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. It is fitting that Luke both concludes his gospel with Jesus’ commission and then opens the book of Acts with Jesus’ commission. One closes Jesus’ ministry and the other opens the ministry of His disciples. We do not learn much that Jesus has not said before, but keep in mind that this commission is the last before His ascension so we can read this as “What did Jesus think was most important to repeat before He returned to heaven and His disciples carried on His mission?”
Read the last commission in Luke 24:44-49.
Background Information – The Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms is a Jewish idiom to refer to the Hebrew Scriptures, what we call the Old Testament, in total. The entirety of Hebrew Scriptures points to Christ who suffered, died, and rose again to purchase salvation from sin and death for all who believe, and this would include Gentiles (Isaiah 2:2-3;42:6; 49:6; 60:3; Joel 2:28-29,32; Micah 4:1-2). “EVERYTHING must be fulfilled.”
Remember early in Learning Jesus, we met Simeon, a righteous man waiting for the consolation of Israel. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Lord’s Messiah. On the day Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, the Spirit drew Simeon to the temple. He held the newborn Jesus in his arms and prophesied: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:22-32).
When Jesus states that He will send what the Father promised, He is referring to the Holy Spirit. He tells them to stay in Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Spirit. There He will clothe them “with power from on high.”
1. We see once again that Jesus’ disciples need the Holy Spirit to understand this unforeseen shift to the better good news than Israel had imagined. Pretend you are sharing the gospel with a Jewish person who will be resistant to believing this good news is better.
o How should you pray before sharing this better good news than a physical kingdom? (v45)
o How could you share the STORY of the Hebrew Scriptures that point to Jesus? (v45-46) Let me help you. Consider opening with the Fall and the promise of a serpent squasher, then moving to Abraham, then to the Law, then to Israel’s history of wavering fidelity -- all to show why God needed to send a saving-from-sin Messiah for ALL people.
o What is the gospel you would share? (v45-46)
o Why would you share, as Jesus did, God’s promise of the Holy Spirit? (v49) Remember religious Jews to this day follow the Law God gave them and try to live the burden of the Mishna, “man’s law.”
Read the last commission repeated in Acts 1:3-8.
Background Information – This is the same commission; however, we do see this is not an exact replica of the commission Luke provided to close Jesus’ ministry in his gospel. The first thing repeated in Luke’s Acts account, however, is that the Holy Spirit, the gift the Father promised, will come to them in Jerusalem and they are to wait for Him. This promise was predicted in the Hebrew Scriptures (Isaiah 32:15; 44:3; Ezekiel 39:29; Joel 2:28-29), and Jesus had also promised the Holy Spirit in His last discourse (John 14:16-17).
Because Israel rejected Him, Jesus did not establish the Messianic Kingdom. Jesus does not provide the disciples with a timeline. He repeats what He previously taught: “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” Some theologians refer to our current age as the Mystery Kingdom or Invisible Kingdom. This began when the Holy Spirit fell upon believers in Acts 2 and continues until this day. Everyone whom the Holy Spirit regenerates is part of this Invisible Kingdom. When Jesus returns and sets up the promised Messianic Kingdom, then the invisible shall be made visible because the true believers of this age shall rule under King Jesus during the Messianic Kingdom.
2. We see some differences in the commission Luke records, but one command Luke repeats in both his gospel and in Acts is that the disciples are to wait for the promised Holy Spirit in Jerusalem. Why is this is what Luke chose to repeat?
3. Praise God for His many gifts inherent in the gospel. Ask for opportunities to share these gifts with those whose minds are blind. Ask the Father to renew you in His Spirit daily and to send His Spirit to prepare those He will call through your obedience in sharing the gospel.
Day 2 – Jesus ascends to heaven.
Background Information – Luke also records Jesus’ ascension before His disciples in two books: the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. Again his gospel closes Jesus’ ministry and Acts opens the ministry of His disciples, so this repetition is fitting.
Read Luke 24:50-53.
Background Information – In typical Jewish fashion, Jesus raised His hands to heaven to show the source of His blessing upon the disciples. Jesus ascended to heaven in His physical body.
Remember Matthew ended his gospel after Jesus’ second commission, and he also records that the disciples worshiped Jesus; however, he adds “but some doubted.” With this commission, all hesitation is gone.
Luke had opened his gospel with an angel bringing the “good news” of a son to be born to Zechariah, a priest in God’s service at the temple in Jerusalem. Zechariah responded with unbelief, but on the day his son John was born, he repented and gave praise to God. It is fitting that Luke now ends his gospel with the Lord’s disciples fully embracing His commission and joyfully bearing witness at the temple of God in Jerusalem.
Read Acts 1:9-12.
Background Information – In Luke’s account of the ascension in Acts, he includes some different details that are in keeping with his purpose in writing this book. In this account, Luke includes that at some point a cloud hid Jesus and that two angels suddenly appeared. Notice that the angels say Jesus will come back “in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” The way Jesus went to heaven was in a cloud; Jesus Himself prophesied that He would return in the clouds with power (Luke 21:25-28; Mark 14:62) and both Old and New Testament Scriptures say the same (Daniel 7:13; Revelation 14:14-16). The angels do not say where Jesus will return, but most scholars agree the Messiah will return at Bozrah (Isaiah 34:6-7; 63:1-6; Micah 2:12-1).
Remember the gospel recorded Jesus’ ministry and Acts will develop the ministry of the apostles.
1. Why does Luke include only in his gospel that the disciples stayed continually in the temple praising God?
2. Why does Luke include only in Acts that the angel told the disciples to quit staring at the sky?
3. Review your answers above.
o If you are in Christ, the Holy Spirit is in you, and your body is God’s temple (Romans 12:1-2) Are you continually praising God wherever you are because you have committed yourself as a living sacrifice unto God?
o In what way might the angels’ rebuke to quit standing and staring at the sky be a rebuke for you?
Day 3 – Jesus sends the Holy Spirit, and the Invisible Church is birthed.
We have completed our reading of all four gospels! To keep us from standing there staring at the sky (Acts 2:11), we are going to read some New Testament texts that show us how to apply the gospels as the early missional church did. We usually study our texts verse by verse, but sometimes it is refreshing to take good long gulps of Scripture. That is what we are doing Days 3 and 4. Just sit back and enjoy an encouraging read.
Background Information – Fully God and fully Man, Jesus is the only theanthropic person. When He ascended, this is the Person who was lifted up bodily and supported by the cloud as He journeyed to heaven where He was received up.
All of the language we studied in our Day 2 lesson shows that Jesus will not remain in heaven permanently. As He promised His disciples, He will return for them when He raptures the Invisible Church (John 14:2-3; see also 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). And He will come again in judgement and to establish His Messianic Kingdom (Matthew 24:29-31). Right now Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Power because He is who He claimed to be (Matthew 26:64). He is seated because He completed the work of our redemption. But because He commissioned His disciples and they are working until He returns, Jesus is still working too. What Jesus did after He ascended into heaven and is doing even now is the subject of our lessons today and tomorrow.
Read Acts 2.
1. In Acts 2 we see the beginning of the New Covenant we have with God. The sign of the covenant is the Holy Spirit, He is “the guarantee of our inheritance.” The apostles’ words and actions revealed this inward reality: they were baptized by Christ into the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:13; 1 John 4:13).
How so?
What was the result on the very day they were baptized?
2. How does this text encourage you? You might want to pray through this text in praise, confession, and in petition for yourself and for the Church.
Background Information – Acts 2 recorded the birth of the Invisible Church; this Church consists of believers who were born again, regenerated by the Holy Spirit. This is also the work of Christ. We are baptized by Christ into the Holy Spirit and become members of the body of Christ; He lives in us, and we live in Him (1 Cor 12:13; 1 John 4:13).
Acts 2 records the narrative, but we also need to understand the theology, the realities for us that this narrative supports. Paul lists every spiritual blessing that is ours because of the completed work of Christ in an effusive praise to God.
Read Ephesians 1:3-14.
3. How does this text encourage you? You might want to list anything that proclaims the reality of your identity in Christ and then pray through that list.
Day 4 – Jesus sits on the throne, and He prays for us.
Background Information – Yesterday’s text set up the blessings that are given to all who believe; one blessing we highlighted is that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Paul transitions from these blessings to a prayer for these believers where he includes one more blessing he wants this church to grasp.
Read Ephesians 1:19-23.
Background Information – In chapter 2, Paul strives to show that believers can have victory over all that wages spiritual war against us: our flesh, the world, and Satan. Read how he again refers to Christ’s ascension but this time to point to our position over all enemies.
Read Ephesians 2:4-7.
1. What is the connection between Jesus’ position at the Father’s right hand (Eph 1:20-22) seated above all enemy powers and our sure position of victory (Eph 2:6) as well?
Background Information – The book of Hebrews focuses on Jesus being the only way to God because being the exact imprint of God, He is superior to all other attempted ways to God. The author opens with Jesus on the throne at the right hand of God (1:3). His position is one of authority and power. Throughout his book, the author is encouraging those who want to shrink back to push forward to Jesus who sits on the throne because THIS Advocate and Intercessor is the perfect high priest. Read through this medley of verses from the book of Hebrews that, taken together, take us back to Jesus’ first call to the disciples, “Come....”
Hebrews 4:14-16
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 7:24-25
but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost hose who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 10:19-23
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
2. Your Intercessor
o What does Jesus live to do for you?
o Why can you confidently come to Him with everything no matter what?
3. Jesus is PRAYING for you!
o Make a list of everything that concerns you in a journal or wherever you take notes. You may wish to read in Matthew 6:9-15 how Jesus directed His disciples to pray for what should concern us.
o Write a prayer that surrenders yourself as a learner of the Son to the mission of the Father perhaps using Romans 12:1-2 or Philippians 2:1-11 for language of surrender.
Day 5 — Personal Reflection Day
This day is set aside for you to reflect on the relationship that is yours with the Fully God, Fully Man Messiah seated on the throne.
1. We are done with the curriculum of Learning Jesus, but while we live and breathe we continue to learn Jesus. What do you desire for your relationship with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Write a prayer to God expressing that.
2. After giving you the gift of salvation, God still gave you so much – adoption into His family, spiritual gifts, the Word, prayer, community, learning opportunities, service at work and in church, disciplemaking relationships -- above all, He gives His Spirit. Your sin nature still exists within you, yet He came to dwell in you so that you can become like Jesus and call others to come.
Ask the Father to help you to depend upon Him as you engage all His given gifts in His mission.
3. Praise Him that together in dependence upon Him we can multiply His image on the earth.
re-jesus space
Memory Verse – “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11
1. Discuss Revelation 22:19-20. Circle each “come” and discuss the person attached to each.
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
2a. How as disciples who make disciples can we come, invite others to come, and invite Jesus to come? For the first time I will give the answer: While we make disciples, we invite Jesus to be with us and we keep coming to Him again and again and again to disciple us. He will provide; His net will not break. Review the Disciplemaking Chart below. Directions for using it are on the next page.
JOURNEY OF DISCIPLESHIP chart for the discipleMAKER
2b. The chart above gives the discipleMAKER some concrete ideas about how he or she might progressively disciple a person over a series of meetings. Keep in mind that this chart is just a tool. It gives the gist of what to discuss, but it is not meant to be used as “curriculum.”
Directions for the Journey of Discipleship Chart for the DiscipleMAKER
1. First determine what stage the person you are discipling is on Journey of Discipleship Chart for the Disciple. We have reviewed this chart over the past ten lessons. To see that chart, go to gracelaredo.org/learningjesus. See Lessons 38 or 39 where the entire Journey of Discipleship for the Disciple Chart Is printed toward the end of these lessons.
2. Once you determine where your seeker or disciple more or less lands on the chart, you can identify where you should start with teaching them as their disciplemaker.
3. To review -- The headings are numbered across in rows to show the four stages of discipleship according to Bill Hull’s discipleship resources. From left to right these headings show how a disciple grows. For example, from left in “Come See” is a seeker or someone who is unsure about their eternal relationship with God. But then the disciple becomes a believer and begins to follow Jesus. Moving right, the disciple is growing from an emerging leader to one who is abiding in Christ and depending on Him with greater humility to transform those he is discipling. As a disciplemaker, you are helping your disciple to grow in making disciples who ultimately abide as you have learned to do.
4. To review -- The columns also show progression. For example, if you were working with a seeker, then the ideas of this first column show you what you could teach someone in the Come See stage. You start at the top of the column and you move downward toward ultimately sharing the cost of following Christ.
3. Pray, COME, LORD JESUS, over every area of our lives and church and city and world.
COMMUNITY GROUP TIME
• Discuss the Central Passage questions. (This week that is Days 1 and 2)
• Is anyone able to recite Acts 1:11?
• re-jesus
• Close in prayer.
God’s joy and strength to you,