Christ Opens the Scriptures (Luke 24:32)

“And they said one to another, Did not our hearts burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures?” — Luke 24:32

 

Summary:

The disciples recognised Christ’s teaching by its effect on their hearts. His instruction does more than reach the ear: it awakens shame for sin, love for Jesus, zeal for his glory, and concern for sinners. Christ opens the Scriptures through three means. Providence gives biblical truth fresh beauty, sweetness, and force, especially in affliction. Faithful ministers apply general truth to particular needs and help believers see what they had overlooked. Above all, the Holy Spirit gives the light by which revelation is rightly understood. Therefore, believers should distrust self-sufficiency, ask God for wisdom, and acknowledge him in every way, confident that he will guide them even unto death.

 

Outline:

• Christ’s teaching reaches the heart
  • His words awaken conviction, love, zeal, and earnest concern for others.
• Providence illuminates the written Word
  • Life’s events, especially affliction, reveal Scripture’s beauty, sweetness, and force.
• Faithful ministers apply divine truth
  • Preaching brings distant or general truths home to personal needs and circumstances.
• The Holy Spirit supplies essential light
  • Revelation and outward means cannot be understood savingly without his illumination.
• Wisdom must be sought from God
  • Those who distrust themselves and acknowledge the Lord receive his faithful guidance.