Many years ago my uncle, the owner of a small business, made a decision about an almost daily opportunity. His business brought him in contact with people every day, and he said that many people would greet him with a cliché saying – “What’s the good news?” Never certain how to respond, he finally came to a realization. When asked what the good news was he should always say, “Jesus died for my sins.” In this simple way he could spread the Gospel message.
In this passage from Luke we see Jesus after the resurrection, at the close of his ministry. What did Jesus do for those who believed in him? What did he remind them about in verses 46 and 47? What is important about verse 48?
I was reminded the other day about a message from a few years back. The message focused on the fact that none of us know how long our lives will be. None of us know what day may be our last, and none of us know when or how often we will have an opportunity to share the good news of salvation.
A common misperception is that only preachers or evangelists are able to tell other people about Jesus Christ. But the fact is that each of us can say something that at least serves as a reminder that Jesus died for our sins.
As we look at who Jesus is, the most important thing we must remember is that Jesus is our Savior. Through his death Jesus took on all of our sins. Jesus suffered the punishment for all the wrong you have done and all the sins you will ever commit. Your sins, past and future, are paid for. They are removed – if you accept Jesus as Savior.
But how can anyone accept Jesus as Savior if they have not heard about what Jesus has done?
This passage from Luke is Jesus talking to his disciples and followers, but the message is for all who take on the name of “Christian.” It is significant that this encounter involves more than just the eleven disciples (see Luke 24:33). What Jesus did – open their minds so they could understand – was done for all who believe and have faith, not just the elite eleven.
It is also significant that Jesus claims, “You are witnesses of these things.” I believe the term can apply in two ways. We have witnessed what Jesus has done because we have believed the Gospel story and experienced Jesus in our own lives. But we are also witnesses in that we can share the message of Jesus as Savior.
DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you witness every day?
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