Mark Dever discusses the significance of encounters and shares a personal experience of meeting Richard Sibs. He also explores the passages from the Bible that Jesus quoted to reveal his identity as the Messiah. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding who Jesus is and turning from sin, highlighting the teaching of Jesus regarding repentance and the proclamation of forgiveness to all nations.
Jesus commissions his disciples to be witnesses of repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations.
Jesus' ascension marks the completion of his redemptive work and the disciples' role as witnesses.
Deep dives
Jesus provides proof of his resurrection
In this podcast episode, Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection, offering them proof of his physical reality. He shows them his hands and feet, allowing them to touch him and even eats a piece of fish to demonstrate that he is not a spirit. Jesus also opens their minds to understand the Scriptures, explaining that everything written about him in the law, prophets, and Psalms must be fulfilled. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and forgiveness of sins, stating that these should be proclaimed in his name to all nations.
The disciples are commissioned to be witnesses
Jesus commissions his disciples to be witnesses of the repentance and forgiveness of sins that he accomplished through his death and resurrection. He reminds them that they have personally witnessed these events and have a responsibility to share this message with the world. He assures them that they will receive the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill this mission. They are urged to stay in Jerusalem until they are clothed with power from on high.
Jesus ascends into heaven
The episode concludes with Jesus leading his disciples to Bethany, where he blesses them and then ascends into heaven. His ascension is a final departure, signaling the completion of his atoning work on earth. The disciples worship him and return to Jerusalem with great joy, continuously praising God in the temple. The ascension marks the transition from Jesus' earthly ministry to his reign in heaven, and the disciples embrace their role as witnesses to the world.
Reflecting on Jesus' actions and significance
The podcast explores the significance of Jesus' actions and teachings. It emphasizes that Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension are pivotal events that fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the suffering and glory of the Messiah. Jesus' sacrifice provides purification for sins, and through his ascension, he enters into his glory and completes his redemptive work. The episode encourages listeners to trust in Jesus, proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins, and eagerly await his Second Coming.