#WALKWITHJESUS 29

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."

 Reading: Matthew 28; Luke 24; Acts 1; 1 Corinthians 15: 6, 7

The resurrected Jesus did not only appear to his close disciples, he appeared to over 500 people at one time. Paul heard about this from James, Jesus’s own brother, who had also had a visit from the post-resurrection Jesus. Paul recorded both these incidents in 1 Corinthians 15: 6, 7.

During these visits, which happened over a period of 40 days, Jesus continued to inform and instruct his apostles and disciples. Then came his final appearance to them where he gave them his final instructions – what we have come to know as the Great Commission.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

On this occasion Jesus also told them about the coming Holy Spirit. With the coming of the Spirit, these regular visits from the resurrected Jesus largely came to an end. Paul had an encounter with the risen Jesus and people even up to our time have had the occasional encounter with the risen Jesus, but now…primarily..the Holy Spirit stands in the place that Jesus held here on Earth. The Holy Spirit is now Immanuel, God With Us. 

So as we come to the end of these special #walkwithJesus Easter devotions and prepare our hearts for Good Friday and Easter Sunday, let's remember that Jesus has not left us as orphans, he has sent his Holy Spirit to be our faithful teacher, counsellor and companion. And he has left us with a great Mission which gives tremendous purpose to our lives. 

Prayer

Beloved Holy Spirit, I want to know you more, to walk with you and I invite you to lead and guide me. Thank you. 

For the family

Continue doing this 15-day devotional study about Easter that is suitable for children.