the false teaching of their time , and to pass unheeded the Saviour ' s words showing the true nature of His kingdom , and pointing forward to His agony and death . And these error resulted in the trial--sharp but needful--which was permitted for their correction . Though the disciples had mistaken the meaning of their message , and had failed to realize their expectations , yet they had preached the warning given them of God , and the Lord would reward their faith and honor their obedience . To them was to be entrusted the work of heralding to all nations the glorious gospel of their risen Lord . It was to prepare them for this work that the experience which seemed to them so bitter had been permitted .
After His resurrection Jesus appeared to His disciples on the way to Emmaus , and , " beginning at Moses and all the prophets , He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself ." Luke 24:27 . The hearts of the disciples were stirred . Faith was kindled . They were " begotten again into a lively hope " even before Jesus revealed Himself to them . It was His purpose to enlighten their understanding and to fasten their faith upon the " sure word of prophecy ." He wished the truth to take firm root in their minds , not merely because it was supported by His personal testimony , but because of the unquestionable evidence presented by the symbols and shadows of the typical law , and by the prophecies of the Old Testament . It was needful for the followers of Christ to have an intelligent faith , not only in their own behalf , but that they might carry the knowledge of Christ to the world . And as the very first step in imparting this knowledge , Jesus directed the disciples to " Moses and all the prophets ." Such was the testimony given by the risen Saviour to the value and importance of the Old Testament Scriptures .
What a change was wrought in the hearts of the disciples as they looked once more on the loved countenance of their Master ! Luke 24:32 . In a more complete and perfect sense than ever before they had " found Him , of whom Moses in the law , and the prophets , did write ." The uncertainty , the anguish , the despair , gave place to perfect assurance , to unclouded faith . What marvel that after His ascension they " were continually in the temple , praising and blessing God ." The people , knowing only of the Saviour ' s ignominious death , looked to see in their faces the expression of sorrow , confusion , and defeat ; but they saw there gladness and triumph . What a preparation these disciples had received for the work before them ! They had passed through the deepest trial which it was possible for them to experience , and had seen how , when to human vision all was lost , the word of God had been triumphantly accomplished . Henceforward what could daunt their faith or chill the ardor of their love ? In the keenest sorrow they had " strong consolation ," a hope which was as " an anchor of the soul , both sure and steadfast ." Hebrews 6:18 , 19 . They had been witness to the wisdom and power of God , and they were " persuaded , that neither death , nor life , nor angels , nor principalities , nor
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