Focal passage: Luke 24:1-12
In 2012, Wycliffe Bible Translators announced that they had brought the number of languages that still need the gospel down to less than 2,000. The work they do is critical for church planters because without scripture in their native tongue, pastors find sharing the gospel and discipleship very difficult.
COO of Wycliffe, Russ Hersman, said, “We see getting the scriptures into each language as being a key part of completing the Great Commission.” This involves sharing the good news of Jesus by proclaiming His death, burial and resurrection.
In Luke 24, we find the completion of Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross. Once they reached the empty tomb, several women, including Mary Magdalene, are told by an angel that Jesus “is not here; but he has risen!” (v. 6).
The angel goes on to say, “Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” (vv. 6-7). It was only then that they remembered Jesus’ words to them.
As with Mary and her friends, we can be so consumed by the pains of life that we forget Jesus’ words to us. To remember God’s word is to let His roots sink deep within us.
The psalmist writes, “I will meditate on your precepts and think about your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word” (Psalm 119:15-16).
The beautiful truth of the gospel is that Jesus is the resurrected Savior and Lord! Storing this truth in our heart keeps us focused on our mission in life. Like the Wycliffe Bible translators, Christians should look for opportunities to share the message of Jesus with people around the corner and around the world.
How do you keep the truths of scripture fresh in your mind? What opportunities might you have to share the hope of Jesus with friends or co-workers? When we remember Jesus’ words to us, we are better prepared to proclaim His goodness at a moment’s notice.