And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. -- Luke 24:47 (KJV)
Mercy in Jerusalem
Jerusalem had witnessed Jesus' death. Now the risen Lord names that city as the beginning of the proclamation of forgiveness. He does not leave the place of His rejection outside the reach of His mercy.
The message includes repentance. Forgiveness does not require the apostles to soften what happened or assure their hearers that sin was harmless. Christ suffered and rose from the dead; in His name they must announce that sinners can turn to God and receive remission of sins.
Acts 2 later shows this command being carried out. Peter tells his Jerusalem hearers that they crucified the One God made Lord and Christ. When they ask what to do, he calls them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, with the promise of the Holy Ghost. The people confronted with their guilt are also invited to respond to God's mercy.
Told to Remain
Before that preaching, Jesus gives the disciples an instruction they must not hurry past: “tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).
They already know where to begin and what to proclaim. They still need what He has promised. Their firsthand knowledge of the resurrection does not cancel their dependence on power from God. Luke holds the witness and the waiting together.
Jerusalem is a real city in this account, not a name Jesus assigns to every difficult relationship. Still, His mercy there can examine the limits we place on our own willingness to speak. Someone close to you may have dismissed your faith before. Perhaps you have begun to assume another conversation could only end the same way.
You cannot decide that person's response in advance. You can pray for them, listen when they speak, and be willing to tell them what Jesus offers.
Who nearby have you stopped hoping will receive His mercy?
