In the latter half of Acts 1, Jesus’ eleven disciples were at a turning point in their ministry. Jesus had ascended to heaven, and tHis followers recognized the gap Judas left. They came together, united in mission and motive as they waited for the promised Holy Spirit.

This story is found in the first chapter of the book of Acts. Although Jesus’ time on earth was coming to an end, He promised to leave His followers with a special Helper and Guide. God fulfilled His promise to remain with us, and through the gift of the Holy Spirit, He also provided the power to accomplish the mission of His Church.

This passage from Matthew 28 is referred to as the “Great Commission.” We see that the resurrected Jesus purposely brought his disciples to receive this invitation and his instruction they would need to fulfill the Father’s will.

Although Peter had seen Jesus, perhaps he had not come to terms with his denial of Him. Jesus was able to demonstrate mercy and forgiveness to Peter. He would ask the question of him, “Do you love me?”

The disciples were gathered a week after discovering the tomb was empty, and word of Jesus’ resurrection was beginning to spread. One disciple, Thomas, doubted, which many still today struggle with. However, Thomas had an encounter with Jesus that he would not forget…

In the final chapter of Luke’s Gospel account, we receive insight into how Christ made His resurrection power known. His newly resurrected body teaches us how we can share and receive His gospel truths in the present day.

One of the most magnificent titles given to Christ is that of the complete and perfect King. In Colossians 1, Paul reflected on both the might and majesty of the risen Jesus as he detailed the immensity of the hope we find in His name.

Amidst the darkness of the crucifixion story, the promise of new life in Jesus sprang forth. In this lesson, the truth of Christ’s victory became known first to His closest followers and then was spread throughout the rest of the world.

In the events leading up to His crucifixion, the King of Glory faced criminal charges based on His claim to kingship. He was unwilling to save Himself, that He might save US instead through suffering and dying on our behalf. He who knew no sin experienced the depth of separation from the Father so that we would not have to endure such darkness!

All four Gospel account of Jesus’ trial revealed the innocence of the Son of Man amid the injustice of the court’s proceedings. From the plotting of the chief priests to the scoffing of those in the crowd, each detail revealed the reality of the Savior’s choice to step forward as the substitute for our sins. Jesus was innocent, despite false testimonies and kept his composure through it all.

Throughout the old covenant, priests were necessary to represent the people before God and make atonement for sin. However, past priests were not sinless, and so could not fully pay for the sins of their fellow man. Jesus WAS perfect, which is why he was the perfect priest and sacrifice, to atone for our sins and represent humanity. Fully God & fully Man!

Christ’s arrest and betrayal remain some of the darkest accounts we read in the Scripture. The sinless Savior experienced rejection at the hands of His closest friends, knowing the darkness of death He would soon encounter in the hours that followed.

The time came nearer for Jesus and His disciples to celebrate Passover together. Christ knew the betrayal would take place soon, yet He earnestly desired to break bread and recline at the table with His closest friends. He was aware of the suffering that was soon to come, too, yet He still took to the cross for our salvation.

The Gospels shared the recount of Christ’s anointing in the last days before Passover. As Christ, His disciples, and friends all gathered to remember what God had done for His people so long ago. During this time, Mary anointed Jesus in honor of what Jesus was about to do for us.

In this passage we look at taking action. Jesus shares a parable demonstrating being doers of the Word rather than mere hearers. We get to see how different servants in this story are faced with choices after their master gives them instructions.

The Pharisees and Sadducees showed an unloving nature. Jesus warned these religious leaders against making so much of themselves that they were blind to their own need for a Savior.

The Pharisees and Sadducees had heard and witnessed so much about Jesus but were determined to be the ones to put Him in His place. They sought to do so by means of their own worldly wisdom, however, they weren't able to because their wisdom was flawed.

Jesus continued to fulfill the Old Testament requirement for the coming Messiah. The crowds were welcoming of Jesus and his disciples as they hoped that He would be the long-awaited King. However, most would miss Christ’s purpose to not merely sit on an earthly throne, but to save the world by creating a way to have a restored relationship with God.

Jesus had a specific purpose in everything He did. However, He was not always understood by his disciples. Jesus took time to explain His parables and we see this when Jesus talks in Matthew 13 about God’s Kingdom.

Jesus shared parables to emphasize his message to those around. It is from these parables we can see God’s heart and who He cares for. As we read Luke 15, we see how God’s love is shown to the world.