Being Christ’s Witnesses

Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11

This Sunday was Ascension of the Lord Sunday celebrating Christ’s last words to his disciples before his ascension into heaven. Both of today’s scriptures were written by the apostle Luke. In our gospel account Jesus is doing the talking telling how everything he did fulfilled what the prophets, Mosaic law, and the Psalms wrote. He tells the disciples how they have been witnesses of Christ’s life, his death, and his resurrection – appearing to them after his resurrection. Christ then confirms God’s promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit who they are to wait for.

Our Acts account is in Luke’s own voice writing down what he has witnessed at Christ’s ascension. He mentions that they will be Christ’s witnesses but here they will tell it to the whole world.

There are two other differences in this account. One of these is a disciple asking when the kingdom of Israel will be restored. To this Christ replies, “It is not for you to know since it’s up to God’s authority.” Another difference is the mention of the two men dressed in white robes appearing many think as angels. They comfort their loss of Jesus by saying he will come back the same way he left.

Both passages stress that they were witnesses. The Greek word “Martus” here means what they themselves have seen, heard, or know. Though we did not see Christ when he was on earth 2000 years ago way before our birth, we have these scriptures, the gospels and Acts which records what was told by these first eye witnesses. Pastors and teachers have taught about the life of Christ and how he saved us. So, we have heard and then in our own personal experience the love of Christ has been known to us.

Therefore, we can be Christ’s witnesses today telling like Luke did of Christ’s love for it leading to his death bringing salvation to all and rising from the dead bringing eternal life to all. Amen.

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