Luke 24:50 - Benedictus, or "Why do ministers raise their hands?"

 

After Jesus was raised from the dead, He spent over a month with family, friends and followers. As he was about to leave earth to return to heaven, we read that,
"He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them." (Luke 24:50 New American Standard, 1995)

There is a long history of "lifting hands" to bless people, going back to Aaron blessing the Israelites in the Old Testament (Leviticus 9:22) But why couldn't he just pronounce a blessing like, "The Lord bless you and keep you," etc.? (Numbers 6:22ff). Why do ministers and priests still raise their hands over a congregation for a benediction?

Think about it. When do you put your hand on someone's shoulder? It's usually to comfort or encourage them if they are sad or disheartened. Or it's a slap on the back to congratulate them for an achievement. Either way, you're blessing them.

My late friend, Pete, was single all his life. Living alone, sometimes he longed for simple, human touch. Sometimes he'd go to the barber... not necessarily because he needed a haircut, but just to feel someone touch his head. It was a simple blessing, unbeknownst to the barber.

Jesus Himself blessed children more than once--and laid hands on them as he prayed for them. (Matthew 19:13)

So how does one lay hands on a whole crowd of people, all at once? You can't. So hands are lifted in a benediction, in a prayer of blessing. Think of it as a virtual group hug!

Father, You've blessed us countless times with Your hand on our lives. As we see people every day, show us ways to bless groups of people, even if it's just two or three at a time. So that Your name will be honored we pray, Amen.

 

PS - Consider how Moses "blessed" the Israelites by holding hands over them... so long that he needed assistance to do so!


Photo of a mosaic at St. John the Baptist Church, Cashel Town, County Tipperary, Ireland
https://www.learnreligions.com/ascension-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-542462