“This is what I told you” is a very familiar statement. How many times have your parents told you something repeatedly and when you asked them about it they tell you I already have told you. But before you criticize the disciples, keep in mind they did not understand everything Jesus was telling them until after the resurrection. Being reminded, the disciples would pay attention to what Jesus is saying, now.
The next statement becomes the key to the instruction being given, “Everything must be fulfilled." Jesus is referring to all of the prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the Messiah, who was to come. From the statements Jesus made on the cross, He fulfilled everything the law required for Him to be the perfect sacrifice and the Messiah the Jews were looking for. There are over 300 different prophecies and Jesus fulfilled every single one. The likely hood of this being accidental is like filling the state of Texas with silver dollars until it is a foot deep. Then marking three of the silver dollars in a special way and mixing them thoroughly in with the others. It would be as unlikely as an individual pulling out the three silver dollars one right after the other. It is all but impossible and in the same way it seems for Jesus to fulfill all these prophecies, but He did!
What is more amazing is what Jesus did next, “he opened their minds." These disciples, now, understood what Jesus was telling them for once they received power from on high they went forth proclaiming the good news of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and how He fulfilled all the prophecies concerning the Messiah. We now have the New Testament to teach us the way of God and how to be pleasing in His sight, to have salvation. There are times when we desire Jesus to open our minds in such a way for us to understand His Word more clearly.
Jesus then explained to the disciples “the Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day." The disciples would have a clear understanding for why Jesus suffered the way He did. It was the only way salvation could be provided for all who would come to Jesus making Him there Lord and Savior. Jesus’ resurrection is the proof He is the Messiah. With this information the disciples were also to include “repentance and forgiveness of sins." Every one wants to be forgiven and the way this can come about is through repentance and baptism as Peter proclaimed on the Day of Pentecost. This message was to “be preached in his name” everywhere they went starting in “Jerusalem." As long as Jesus Christ does not return for the second time, this message is to be proclaimed “to all nations." Every Christian is to be proclaiming this message. What have you done for Jesus Christ? Let all of your family, friends and acquaintances know the good news; Jesus Christ is the salvation of the whole world. THINK ABOUT THIS VERY CAREFULLY AND CONSIDER HOW YOU CAN SERVE JESUS!!!