Witnesses to New Life Luke 24:44-53 SS Lesson for 04/19/2009 Devotional Scripture: 1 Cor 15:1-8 OUTLINE INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO LESSON LESSON INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator MAJOR THEME ANALYSIS WITNESSES TO FULFILLED PROMISES (LUKE 24:44-48) Fulfillment of Scripture (44) Even as a child Jesus knew He was fulfilling scriptures (Luke 4:18-21) Jesus came to fulfill the law (Matt 5:17) Jesus brings the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham (Gal 3:14-16) Fulfillment of the prophecies of the past, present and future (44) Jesus was prophesied to go through exactly what He did (Acts 13:27-29) In the past God spoke through prophets, but now He speaks through Jesus (Heb 1:1-2) Jesus fulfilled the past and revealed the present and future (Rom 16:25-27) Fulfillment of interpretation and understanding (45) We must make time to be alone with Jesus so He can explain things to us (Mark 4:33-34) Jesus is the master teacher (John 13:12-13) The day is here when Jesus speaks plainly to us (John 16:25-31) Turning to Jesus provides the way to understand His words (2 Cor 3:14-16) Jesus' words proved who He was (Acts 18:27-28) Jesus' words are wisdom (Luke 21:15) Many searched the Scriptures prior to Jesus to understand the mystery, but Jesus revealed it in person (1 Peter 1:10-12) Fulfillment of a Savior (46-47) Jesus had to become flesh so that He could be the Christ (Acts 17:2-3) Jesus had to be resurrected so that our faith could be validated (1 Cor 15:12-14) Jesus had to become the mediator of the new covenant (Heb 8:6-7) Jesus promised to come back and get us (John 14:2-7) The promises of Jesus being the Savior is eternal (Matt 24:34-35) Jesus is the Savior, but many won't understand until after it happens (John 2:22) Fulfillment of an example and witness (48) We should always follow Jesus' example (1 Pet 2:21) Jesus is the only one that provides eternal life (John 6:66-69) As a disciple of Jesus, our responsibility is to daily strive to follow His example (Matt 10:38) Jesus is the witness of eternal life (John 6:62-68) Jesus is the witness of being the Alpha and Omega - First and Last (Rev 2:8) WITNESSES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT'S POWER (LUKE 24:49-53) Jesus controls indwelling of Holy Spirit not man Jesus was the one who asked God to send His Spirit (John 14:16) Holy Spirit only speaks at Jesus' prompting (John 16:13) Jesus gives His Spirit for the common good of all Christians, not any one person (1 Cor 12:7-8) Jesus gives as He determines (1 Cor 12:11) Holy Spirit is the source of power Spiritual power only comes from God through Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) God's Spirit is a spirit of power (2 Tim 1:7) The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a blessing of Jesus The blessings was first announced to Abraham (Gal 3:14) Witnesses to New Life Page 1 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/19/2009
These blessings come from the heavenly realms (Eph 1:3) Our response should be a sincere and faithful worship of God Worship must be in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24) The only true act of worship involves complete giving of ourselves (Rom 12:1) Worship should be full of thanksgiving (Heb 12:28) Because of Jesus' faithfulness, we must be faithful (1 Cor 4:2) CONCLUSION AND OTHER THOUGHTS CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE NIV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR PRACTICAL POINTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR HEART OF THE LESSON FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR The necessity for the death and resurrection of Christ (Luke 24:44-47) The commissioning of the disciples (Luke 24:48-49) Christ's ascension to heaven (Luke 24:50-53) Witnesses to New Life Page 2 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/19/2009
Introduction Overview and Approach to Lesson The outline of the lesson came from previous lessons dated 03/23/08 and 12/27/98. The lesson examines Witnessing. The study's aim is to show that in order to be witnesses for Jesus in the world, Christians must have the Holy Spirit within. The study's application is to experience being good witnesses with the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. Lesson Introduction and Background From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary Most churches faithfully celebrate Jesus birth and resurrection. Christmas and Easter have become significant annual observances, and we have created many helpful traditions that keep these commemorations meaningful. Less common, however, is celebration of Jesus ascension. The reason for this cannot be that this event is not important in Scripture. There are at least as many references to the ascension as there are to Jesus birth. Nor can it be that this event is not on anyone s Christian calendar like other notable days. Ascension Day on liturgical calendars is 40 days into the Easter Season and 10 days before Pentecost. Several Christian traditions acknowledge it on their calendars, even if they pay comparatively little attention to what the day commemorates. In a sincere effort to avoid human traditions that have flooded Christianity and blurred the clear gospel message, some churches have deemphasized the idea of a Christian calendar. Yet there is an important difference between celebrating feast days that honor saints and recognizing key events in Jesus life. Jesus ascension was a pivotal point in world history, and what it signifies bears directly on the daily life of Christians and churches. In today s lesson we focus on the events leading up to Jesus ascension and its abiding significance for both his followers and the world. After Jesus died, his body was removed from the cross, wrapped in linen, and placed in a borrowed tomb before the Sabbath could begin (Luke 23:50 56). After that particular Sabbath day was over, some women who followed Jesus went to his tomb with burial spices, but found his body gone. An angel told them he had risen as he had said (Luke 24:1 12). When the women told the disciples, they doubted, although Peter ran to the tomb to test their claim. Jesus then appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13 35) and finally showed himself to the eleven. They were startled by his appearance and wondered if he were a ghost. But he demonstrated the truth of his resurrection by inviting them to inspect his wounds, touch his body, and watch him eat food (Luke 24:36 43). The disciples could see and feel the evidence, but it still made little sense to them. That s where today s lesson begins. From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator For believers the path to new life also necessitated Jesus' resurrection. A corpse in a tomb could not impart eternal life. Only by overcoming death and reclaiming life could He transmit His life to those who trust Him. However, if all humanity was to learn about the path to new life, still another step was necessary messengers needed to take the good news to the ends of the earth. The ideal messengers, of course, were the witnesses to Jesus' resurrection. There were many of these, as the Apostle Paul assured the Corinthians (1 Cor. 15:5-8). They included not only those enumerated in the Gospel accounts but many others as well, including one group of more than five hundred. Eventually, all these witnesses would have their impact. But Jesus especially spent time with the eleven apostles, teaching and training them for their role as evangelists and future leaders of the church. That is what occurs in our text for this week. One of the greatest deterrents to non-christians' acceptance of the gospel is the poor witness that many Christians transmit through their lives. We do have a wonderful message of salvation to offer to the world, but its power and credibility are undercut when Christians fail to demonstrate to the world that it really works in their lives. The witness of a changed life is crucial to the success of evangelism. The disciples who had walked with Jesus were commanded by our Lord to be His witnesses in the world. We are to follow their lead. Witnesses to New Life Page 3 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/19/2009
Major Theme Analysis (Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV) Witnesses to Fulfilled Promises (Luke 24:44-48) 44 Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. 46 Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. Fulfillment of Scripture (44) Even as a child Jesus knew He was fulfilling scriptures (Luke 4:18-21) 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Jesus came to fulfill the law (Matt 5:17) 17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Jesus brings the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham (Gal 3:14-16) 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. 15 Brothers, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ. Fulfillment of the prophecies of the past, present and future (44) Jesus was prophesied to go through exactly what He did (Acts 13:27-29) 27 The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28 Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. In the past God spoke through prophets, but now He speaks through Jesus (Heb 1:1-2) 1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. Jesus fulfilled the past and revealed the present and future (Rom 16:25-27) 25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and Witnesses to New Life Page 4 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/19/2009
made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him- 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. Fulfillment of interpretation and understanding (45) We must make time to be alone with Jesus so He can explain things to us (Mark 4:33-34) 33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything. Jesus is the master teacher (John 13:12-13) 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. The day is here when Jesus speaks plainly to us (John 16:25-31) 25 "Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father." 29 Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God." 31 "You believe at last!" Jesus answered. Turning to Jesus provides the way to understand His words (2 Cor 3:14-16) 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Jesus' words proved who He was (Acts 18:27-28) 27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. Jesus' words are wisdom (Luke 21:15) 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. Many searched the Scriptures prior to Jesus to understand the mystery, but Jesus revealed it in person (1 Peter 1:10-12) 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. Witnesses to New Life Page 5 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/19/2009
Fulfillment of a Savior (46-47) Jesus had to become flesh so that He could be the Christ (Acts 17:2-3) 2 As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ," he said. Jesus had to be resurrected so that our faith could be validated (1 Cor 15:12-14) 12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. Jesus had to become the mediator of the new covenant (Heb 8:6-7) 6 But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises. 7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. Jesus promised to come back and get us (John 14:2-7) 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going." 5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." The promises of Jesus being the Savior is eternal (Matt 24:34-35) 34 I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Jesus is the Savior, but many won't understand until after it happens (John 2:22) 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. Fulfillment of an example and witness (48) We should always follow Jesus' example (1 Pet 2:21) 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. Jesus is the only one that provides eternal life (John 6:66-69) 66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." As a disciple of Jesus, our responsibility is to daily strive to follow His example (Matt 10:38) 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Witnesses to New Life Page 6 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/19/2009
Jesus is the witness of eternal life (John 6:62-68) 62 What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." 66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Jesus is the witness of being the Alpha and Omega - First and Last (Rev 2:8) 8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. Witnesses of the Holy Spirit's Power (Luke 24:49-53) 49 "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." 50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen. Jesus controls indwelling of Holy Spirit not man Jesus was the one who asked God to send His Spirit (John 14:16) 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- Holy Spirit only speaks at Jesus' prompting (John 16:13) 13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. Jesus gives His Spirit for the common good of all Christians, not any one person (1 Cor 12:7-8) 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, Jesus gives as He determines (1 Cor 12:11) 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. Holy Spirit is the source of power Spiritual power only comes from God through Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." God's Spirit is a spirit of power (2 Tim 1:7) 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. Witnesses to New Life Page 7 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/19/2009
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a blessing of Jesus The blessings was first announced to Abraham (Gal 3:14) 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. These blessings come from the heavenly realms (Eph 1:3) 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Our response should be a sincere and faithful worship of God Worship must be in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24) 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." The only true act of worship involves complete giving of ourselves (Rom 12:1) 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship. Worship should be full of thanksgiving (Heb 12:28) 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, Because of Jesus' faithfulness, we must be faithful (1 Cor 4:2) 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. Conclusion and Other Thoughts Concluding Thoughts from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary The normal rhythm of society doesn t quite come to a grinding halt around Christmas and Easter, but it does slow down to varying degrees. Due to the influence of Christians, these have become recognized events on the secular calendar. Christians gather together and celebrate these events meaningfully. However, no such space is created for the ascension. How sad! Jesus ascension means that he now sits at the right hand of the Father in glory and that every authority is either being eliminated or subjected to him (1 Corinthians 15:24 27). The birth of a baby may seem harmless. The resurrection of a man who no longer walks the earth is not seen as a threat. The placement of a ruler over all earthly realms, however, is shattering. We cannot allow our Christian calendars to be determined by national interests. We must proclaim, celebrate, and live according to the full story of Jesus, including his birth, death, resurrection, and ascension on high. Concluding Thoughts from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator A witness is simply a person who testifies concerning what he has personally seen or experienced. Conversely, a false witness is someone who testifies that he has seen something or experienced something when he has not. Jesus commissioned His disciples to be truthful witnesses concerning His sufferings on the cross, His death, and His resurrection on the third day. He realized that He was giving His disciples a humanly impossible assignment. He knew that men would love darkness rather than light (John 3:19) and Witnesses to New Life Page 8 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/19/2009
that many would strongly resist the witness of the disciples. Because the Lord never demands of His disciples what He Himself will not empower them to do, so that in Christ they can do all things, He made special provision for them. He sent the Holy Spirit to empower them for witness. Jesus commanded His disciples to wait in the city of Jerusalem until they were endued with power sent down from heaven (Luke 24:49). The eager disciples had to wait for special power before they attempted to fulfill their work as witnesses. This provision came on the Day of Pentecost, resulting in the disciples giving a powerful witness to the death and resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:1-11). There are some lessons for us concerning this period of waiting. First, empowerment for service comes on God's timetable. The Lord has many ways of empowering His people for special service. It may be a time of training in a Bible institute. It may be a time of waiting on God to open a door of service. It may be a time of sharpening your skills in a particular area. God's timetable often includes waiting for some form of enduement with power from on high. If you find yourself longing to serve but are held back by circumstances, the Lord could be in the process of enduing you with power. Remember, God grants power on His schedule, not yours. A second lesson for us is that power for witnessing comes from the Holy Spirit. The disciples had to wait for the Spirit's empowerment. Today believers attend special classes on evangelism but return home and never witness to a lost soul. That is because it takes more than skill, desire, and knowledge to witness. It also takes spiritual strength from the Lord, which comes through reliance upon the Holy Spirit. Those who will witness for Christ must walk in the Spirit for power. Practical Points from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator 1. Jesus came to fulfill the Old Testament Scriptures, not to abolish or replace them (Luke 24:44) 2. Only God can open someone's mind to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45; Matt. 16:17; 1 Cor. 2:14) 3. God's plan for salvation is meant to be proclaimed to all people everywhere (Luke 24:46-47; John 3:16-18) 4. Christ reveals His truth to us (Luke 24:48) 5. Christ gives us the power to boldly and effectively proclaim His truth (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8) 6. When someone recognizes the blessing of God, praise should be the first response (Luke 24:50-53) Heart of the Lesson from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator The path to new life is through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Believers have the responsibility and privilege of bearing testimony to the truths of the gospel to the world. This week's lesson focuses on our need to understand God's Word and to proclaim it with certainty and with God's power to the world. The necessity for the death and resurrection of Christ (Luke 24:44-47) Jesus emphasized again to His disciples the importance of the Old Testament Scriptures regarding Him. Those writings needed to be fulfilled in His ministry, for the Scriptures are God's actual words. Jesus expected His disciples to proclaim the gospel to the world with certainty, for they would be witnessing to the truthfulness of God's Word. We must witness with full conviction of the infallibility and total accuracy of God's Word. A witness couched in uncertainty will not draw people to the gospel. Jesus opened the minds of the disciples so that they could understand the facts written about Him as the Messiah in the Old Testament. The death and resurrection of Christ is at the heart of the gospel and the witness of the apostles. Christ referred to the threefold division of the Old Testament because all of the Old Testament made reference to Him. The understanding of the Scriptures is not merely mechanical; our minds also need divine illumination. We need spiritual guidance as we carefully study the words of Scripture. The commissioning of the disciples (Luke 24:48-49) The disciples were commissioned by Christ to personally bear a witness to the gospel. This command also has its basis in the Old Testament Scriptures. Their witness would be to the new life provided by Christ through His death and resurrection. They were to proclaim the gospel throughout all the world beginning from Jerusalem. This command encapsulates the apostles' ministry as seen in the book of Acts. They in turn set the pattern for us to follow in evangelizing the world for Christ. The disciples were instructed to abide in Jerusalem while waiting for God's special empowerment before they began their ministry. Christ Witnesses to New Life Page 9 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/19/2009
would dispense the Holy Spirit to them in fulfillment of the Father's promise. On the Day of Pentecost this promise was fulfilled (Acts 2:1-4). God's work in any generation must be done under His direction and by His enablement. Christ's ascension to heaven (Luke 24:50-53) Christ led His disciples to Bethany, where He blessed them. His earthly ministry was completed with their commissioning to be His witnesses to all the world. With that, Christ ascended into heaven, returning to the heavenly Father. In response the disciples worshiped Christ as the Son of God. They were neither depressed nor disheartened over the departure of their Saviour. Rather, they were filled with joy due to their experience of seeing and hearing Him. He was their risen Saviour who had commissioned them with His blessing and power to be His witnesses. They would be successful. They would complete the task. God always provides believers with the wisdom and the empowerment needed to accomplish His mission in the world. Witnesses to New Life Page 10 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/19/2009