Luke 24:49
Introduction: Last week I spoke to you about ‘getting a little closer.’
This week I want to encourage you to ‘staying a little longer.’
In Luke 24:49, (And I will come back to this passage at the end) Jesus tells his disciples to ‘tarry’
“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” (Luk 24:49 NLT)
Question: What can possibly come from ‘staying a little longer?’
Tarry / Stay / = Meaning: 1) to make to sit down 1a) to set, appoint, to confer a kingdom on one 2) intransitively 2a) to sit down 2b) to sit 2b1) to have fixed one’s abode 2b2) to sojourn, to settle, settle down.
Question: What can possibly come from ‘staying a little longer?’
Transition: Let me start with Luke 10:38-42.
Question: What was Martha thinking? What might have been her purpose? Motive? Intentions? Hopes?
- Spiritual Renewal / Refreshing – Luke 10:38-42
While Martha was busy serving (and rightfully so, Jesus said Mary had ‘chosen what was better.’
Jesus said that Martha was ‘worried and upset about many things.’
Application: We need to stay a little longer with Jesus as opposed to worrying about so many other things.
Transition: What else might come when we ‘wait a little longer?’
- Acts of Worship
In all 4 Gospels we find the narrative of a woman who brings alabaster of expensive ointment and pours it on Jesus’ feet.
Luke 7:37-39
- A broken, sobbing, unknown, sinful woman.
What she did was an act of worship!
Application: When you ‘stay a little longer with Jesus,’ worship will ‘grow and flow.’
Worship = the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration.
Nancy Kay Grace:
- Worship clarifies my (understanding) vision of who God is.
- Changes our perspective.
- Strengthens our heart.
- It reassures us of His presence (especially when we’re down).
- Produces peace and joy.
Ways to worship?
- Singing / Dancing
- Prayer
- Thanksgiving
- Confession
- Service
Transition: So, I want to encourage you to ‘stay a little longer’ in worship.
Transition: The third ‘benefit’of ‘staying a little longer is in preparation for temptations and struggles.
- Preparation for Temptations and Challenges
Matthew 26:40, 41
Application: We get tired! We get weary! We get anxious! We tend to worry! We fret about circumstances! Etc.
- Jesus says, ‘Watch and Pray’
Application: The disciples were about to be faced with the greatest challenges they would ever know. Jesus tells them to ‘stay awake,’ to ‘be sober’ and to pray!
- ‘Spirit is willing, flesh is weak’
Willing = ready
Flesh = sarx. Weak = without strength.
Application: We need to stay a little longer in our time in prayer / worship / fellowship in preparation for temptations and challenges.
Transition: Lastly, as I told you I would, I return to Luke 24:49 and then the Book of Acts chapters 1 & 2.
- Spiritual Power / Authority / Anointing for Service– Acts 1:8 & 2:1-5
Luke 24:49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” (Luk 24:49 NLT)
Tarry / Stay / = Meaning: 1) to make to sit down 1a) to set, appoint, to confer a kingdom on one 2) intransitively 2a) to sit down 2b) to sit 2b1) to have fixed one’s abode 2b2) to sojourn, to settle, settle down.
I want to look at a couple of different settings to discuss what/where/why we need to ‘stay a little longer.’
- For Life
- For Ministry
Conclusion: I am wanting to encourage us to ‘get a little closer’ and ‘stay a little longer.’

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