Resurrection Sunday – 2016
Title; “Walking together” “He walks with me and he talks with me…”
Text: Luke 24:13ff
Subject; why did Jesus come along side the 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus?
Complement: to comfort and encourage them in their grief – by showing them he is alive!
“ Doubt and Despair are overcome by a walk and a talk with Jesus.”
Situation; After The Crucifixion gloom overshadows Jesus disciples but Rumours Of Jesus Resurrection Surface…
As we read from Luke’s gospel account beginning in verse 13, its now Sunday afternoon – I’m speaking of that “first” Sunday – resurrection day – the same day that Jesus shows himself alive to Mary – he now takes an afternoon walk from Jerusalem along the road to the village of Emmaus, 7 miles from Jerusalem.
Rumors are flying about after the horrible events of Passover– Jesus of Nazareth – the adored teacher and miracle worker had been arrested, humiliated by a mock trial and finally nailed to a Roman cross on a hill call “the skull” …they had even placed a cross on his head but it was a crown of mockery –made from twisted thorns…it seems it was one of his own that turned traitor – and ironically sealed the betrayal with a kiss. Ironic indeed. If that wasn’t bad enough – his body it seems now, is missing. Several women – Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and others too --had visited the tomb very early this morning with spices… but when they arrived the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty. Then while they are trying to understand the mystery – two angels appear and ask the (most rhetorical not rhetorical question ever) – why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here. He is risen. Remember how he told you all this was to happen? Upon hearing this news the women hurried from the tomb to find the 11 – no longer 12 - to tell them the unbelievable story—and not surprisingly, the 11 could not believe it – partly because it was told to them by women – and partly because it sounded unbelievable – like nonsense actually. Thankfully, Peter thought it was definitely worth a visit – so Peter and John sprinted as fast as they could toward the tomb… they went inside. They saw the linen… indeed the tomb was empty. The burial linen remained. Peter left wondering to himself what it all meant.
{The scene shifts to a dusty road that leads from Jerusalem to the Emmaus Road…}
2 Disciples are walking and talking about the events of the “weekend”…
• “Now what do we do?”
• “Were we wrong about Jesus being the Messiah? After all, he is just the son of a carpenter from that no-name place called Nazareth. I think only rednecks live in such places.”
• Maybe the high priest was right …Maybe the romans did us a favour by killing him…
• I’m not so sure… Jesus was no ordinary preacher – nor ordinary teacher. He spoke with authority and lived with integrity. His life and teaching are a perfect match with the prophecies of the Isaiah and Daniel and Zechariah and others.
• But its over now – he’s dead.
• I’m not so sure
• In addition, … its been three days. I’m so disappointed – I was hoping he was going to change things. I’m very discouraged
• I’m also very confused.
• I just have too many questions – I can’t fit all these pieces of the jigsaw puzzle together …
***Summary – Doubt and despair overshadow these 2 disciples
Narrator; Jesus (incognito) comes beside them…
Jesus: “May I join you…I’m heading to Emmaus…What’s happening – you both seem to be into a deep conversation”… what are you discussing as you walk?
They stop dead in their tracks –
“Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
Jesus; “What things?”
About Jesus of Nazareth, he was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then, some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said - but him they did not see.” (v. 24) 3 days have past and only rumours - but no one can tell me where his body is…
*These disciples are experiencing grief and “broken dreams” … unmet expectations…* we also experience unmet expectations* …family…finances… “ I thought my life would turn out a little better”… “I feel trapped in this job… I have no way out…”
(Part II) Complication; Jesus Repeats The Gospel Story But The 2 Disciples Are Slow To Believe.
“If I may say so – you are acting foolishly! – And your hearts are very slow to believe what the prophets have spoken! Do not the prophets speak of the Messiah dying on the cross for the sins of the people?
Did not Jesus tell you on several occasions that he was going to die and rise from the dead? Did he not tell you to also take up your cross and follow him? Did not Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead?
Did he not say “I am the resurrection and the life – he who believes in me will live even though he dies?” Did he not perform miracles and walk on water? He was no ordinary prophet – yet you are so slow to believe in him and you think the Roman cross has defeated him….“Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then to enter his glory??? May I remind you of Moses and the prophets…
• Genesis 3 speaks of the Messiah coming to “crush the serpent”
• Genesis 12 speaks of the seed of Abraham blessing the whole world
• Genesis 22 speaks of a ram being substituted for Isaac on the altar – that substitution foreshadows the Messiah taking the place of sinners and dying for them.
• When King David took the throne in Jerusalem, God promised to never fail to have a son of David on that throne – the Messiah is from David’s line and is that son of David!!! Furthermore, He is both the root and the offspring of David.
• Zechariah prophesied that the messiah would ”redeem Israel” {Zech 1:68}
• Of course there is Isaiah 7:14 “the Messiah will be born of a virgin.” Have you forgotten the miracle of Jesus birth? I believe You’ve spoken to Mary – she has told you these things!
• And Isaiah 9:6 “unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given… and his name will be “wonderful counsellor…”
• And Isaiah 53 comes to mind “he was led like a lamb to the slaughter…for he bore this sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isa 53:7 & 12)… the messiah was sinless and innocent of all the charges against him – yet he died not merely as the result of a plot to kill him – but to fulfill the plan of God to save us from our sins. You may think it was a plot to kill – in fact it was a plan to save!!!
Jesus; “Well I see Emmaus is just ahead – I’m sorry for the long winded sermon – I’m turning left at the next intersection… thanks for keeping me company along this dusty road. “
Disciples; “Please, please… stay with us!!! Its nearly evening… “the day is far spent” …”
Jesus: “OK… that sounds wonderful. Thank you for your kindness and hospitality.”
Narrator: Soon after they settle in a tasty meal is prepared and set before them… “you must all be starving… a 7 mile walk is going to give you an appetite.”
Cleopas; “That 7 mile ( 12 KM) walk just flew by… we had such a wonderful talk… our friend really knows his bible… been to rabbi school I suspect…. Or “Awana” I’m guessing… and SS and VBS… “you know the scriptures so well… our hearts were so blessed by your words. We started out today feeling down in the dumps and now we feel so encouraged and full of hope and full of faith!!!
(Part III) Resolution; Jesus Reveals Himself During The Breaking Of Bread – And Their Eyes Are Opened.
Before the main course was served… bread is placed on the table…
Just 4 days earlier Jesus had shared the “Last Supper” with the 12 – in Jewish tradition it was the Passover meal – but Jesus had instituted the meal as marking a “new covenant” – with himself as the Passover Lamb.
And now, here in the village of Emmaus, on the evening of his resurrection, Jesus reaches for the bread… he gives thanks to his Father, breaks it and gives it to them. Then comes the revelation – their eyes are opened and they recognize him. They are eye-witnesses to his resurrection!!! In that moment – everything changes – the cross is no longer the final act in this drama… Jesus is alive. Death has been defeated. The promise lives. The gospel is affirmed. We have something to preach. We have someone to believe in. and this means there is more – much more to come. The promise of resurrection is our promise of eternal life. Of the return of Christ and the establishing of his kingdom… the end of tyranny and oppression. A new day of hope and righteousness and justice for all has dawned – even the animal kingdom will be transformed from “wild” to “tame” - from predators to collaborators. Swords will be beaten in plowshares and we will not learn war anymore. People will no longer age…or become ill and there will be no more funerals. Waggs Funeral Home will go bankrupt!!!
And then… Jesus disappeared from their sight. Over the next 40 days, Jesus showed himself alive to his followers. As Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 15 – on one occasion he appeared to 500 at one time – that must have been something!!!
Cleopas turns to his companion … “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us on the road and opened to us the scriptures?”
“I have never been so blessed… my heart is full of joy and worship and praise!!! We must tell the others!!!
“It's a 7 mile (12 km) walk back to Jerusalem – and its dark.”
No matter… no one could sleep that night…
“Lets go!!!”
Off they go... bringing the good news of the resurrection with them… and ever since that first day that’s how its been… the people of God - on the move - telling people the good news, “its true – the Lord has risen.”
That was a great day –Resurrection Day – it's the day we celebrate and remember on this Easter Sunday, 2016!!!
Jesus continues to walk with us on our Emmaus Road… and he teaches us… our hearts burn with excitement, hope and faith – and we have to tell someone – its true- the Lord has risen.” “Resurrection day is Day one – priority one.” May our hearts no longer be downcast… we have nothing to be sad about – Jesus is alive. So there is hope and promise and new life! The resurrection changes everything.
It changes our mood from heavy to light toward joy
It changes our values from self-ambition to toward holiness
It changes our priorities from success to the success of the gospel
It changes our spending from consumption to kingdom investment
It changes our speech from being right to being graceful words
It changes our attitude toward problems – Jesus will enable us to overcome
Application/Implications/Challenge…
Jesus doesn't only walk the road to Emmaus...he walks the road to port Perry and the road to Toronto and the road to your neighbourhood and your house. Jesus knows where we live and what we have to carry – and he comes to walk with us… he listens and he shows us the way of hope. He points us to his resurrection as the firstfruits of our resurrection. He tells us death is not the last word. His presence along the journey will sustain us – he will open to us the scriptures… he will break bread with us and our hearts will be renewed.
• Just as knowledge of Jesus resurrection brought excitement and hope to the disciples – it brings hope and joy to our hearts as we walk our own “road to Emmaus”
Doubt and Despair are overcome by a walk and a talk with Jesus
Doubt and Despair are overcome by a walk and a talk with Jesus
**When we walk with Jesus – and walk with friends… sooner or later our friends and Jesus will meet too.
Song... Never once did we ever walk alone... never once did you leave us on our own… you are faithful, you are faithful.
Doubt and Despair are overcome by a walk and a talk with Jesus
