Only the Beginning
Luke begins the book of Acts with this commentary about the Gospel of Luke: “In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach…” (Acts 1:1) What an amazing statement! Luke is telling us that the Gospel of Luke, which records Jesus’ ministry, teaches us about Jesus in the present tense, not the past tense. The Gospels not only tell us what Jesus did. They tell us what he began to do! The difference here is more than grammatical.
Luke’s point is at least twofold. First, Luke wants us to understand that Jesus is still alive. The work of Jesus did not cease with his crucifixion, nor with his resurrection, nor even with his ascension. Yes, Jesus has ascended to be with the Father and is no longer walking among us physically as He did with the first disciples. Nevertheless, Jesus’ presence with us is no less certain: “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20).
Second, Luke emphatically celebrates the continuing work of Jesus. The work of Jesus has not ceased. When Jesus cried out on the cross, “It is finished!” He did not speak of all His work, only His work of atonement. Jesus’ work continued in the resurrection and his ascension. His work continued through the early church. And His work continues today.
In the Gospel of John Jesus makes this remarkable statement that sounds almost blasphemous: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12). I love this thought! Jesus has great works that He will do today. In our generation. Let’s look for Him to work in this way and believe that He will! It may be that we have only begun to see a glimpse of what Jesus can do!