Day 244 – Luke: Death and resurrection of Jesus, the Savior

“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” Luke 24:49 NLT

Read Luke 22:1 to Luke 24:53

The Savior of the world was arrested and executed. Today we understand the events and significance of it, but back then, the followers of Jesus must have been in shock because how could the Savior, the long-awaited Messiah who would rescue them from their enemies, hang on a cross. But death could not destroy Him, and He was resurrected and ascended to Heaven.

In Luke’s careful, historical account, we receive the facts about Jesus’ resurrection. Not only are these facts to be believed as truth, but we should also trust and have complete faith that Jesus is indeed the Savior of the world, and all these events happened to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies about Him. It is shortsighted to neglect the facts, but how sad it is to accept the facts and neglect the forgiveness that Jesus offers to each of us. It is only through a relationship with Christ that we begin to understand the depth of the miracle of freedom in Him.

The Holy Spirit was present in Jesus’ birth, baptism, ministry, and resurrection. As a perfect example for us, Jesus lived in dependence on the Holy Spirit. He was sent to us by God as confirmation of Jesus’ authority, and He is given to enable us to live for Christ. By faith we can have the indwelling Holy Spirit’s presence and power to witness and to serve.

Prayer: Thank You Father, for showing us the importance of the Holy Spirit’s involvement throughout the life, ministry, and death of Jesus, and that we cannot live completely and free without His presence in ours. Thank You for the Holy Spirit given to us to guide, teach, and intercede for us. Attune our ears to listen for His voice and to follow His guidance. Amen.