Category: Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

Feast of the Apostles

by: Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

date: 7/10/10

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

Introduction: How do we celebrate this feast?  We begin preaching the word of God.  Each period of Christ’s life has a special message to each member of his church:

1. Incarnation – Open your heart to all mankind

  • The members of the body of Jesus Christ (us) must be in harmony with each other.  As He was/is the Lover of Mankind, so we must be just like Him – lovers of mankind.
  • We must love every person in a special and distinct way.  If I don’t love every person, I am separated from the head of the body of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Are we truly full of love for all mankind?  Do we pray for other nationalities?  Do we want them to enjoy what we are enjoying from the Holy Trinity?  Do we pray for such things?
    • OR, do we have selfish prayers – i.e. purely for ourselves, family, friends, local church, etc.
  • We must be active members of the body of Christ.

 

2. Entering Jerusalem – Share in the Lord’s crucifixion

  • What were Christ’s feelings when entering Jerusalem?  He was rejoicing.
  • In Hebrews, Paul tells us that “for His pleasure” He accepted to be crucified on behalf of all of us. 

 

3. Death – Freeing others from bondage

  • Christ descended to Hades.  Those who saw Him were rejoicing.  He freed them. 
  • Do we have the same feeling? Do we want to free our brethren from the bondage of sin?

 

4. Resurrection and 40 Days After – Witness to His resurrection

  • Do we rise with Christ?  We must witness to His resurrection.

 

5. Ascension – Our citizenship is in Heaven

  • Luke describes the apostles as extremely joyful after Christ ascended. 
  • By His ascension, we discovered and were sure that our citizenship is now in heaven.  Our inner man and heart were now in a state of satisfaction.

 

6. 10 days between Ascension and Pentecost – Receiving the Holy Spirit

  • Each minute in the 10 days felt like a lifetime waiting for the descent of the Holy Spirit.
  • Pentecost was the joyful reception of the Holy Spirit.