Sermon Central
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A Case Of Heartburn
Contributed by Chris Swanson on Nov 4, 2022 (message contributor)
Summary: The two men that were going back to Emmaus, missed history's most noteworthy event since they were excessively centered around their own personal frustrations and issues.
A Case of Heartburn
In verses 13-16:
The two men walking toward Emmaus were so caught up in themselves and their own problems that they did not see Jesus or even recognize Him. Undoubtedly, they had heard His preaching, the various parables, and what He was teaching about Himself. It was as if they were not looking for Him. When we quit looking for Jesus, we fall. When we take our eyes of Christ, we stumble. We must keep our eyes on Christ, looking for that Blessed Hope.
• Matthew 18:20, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, the, am I in the midst of them.
• John 20:14, And when she had thus said, she turned herself hack, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
• John 21:4, But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
In verses 17-24:
The news had spread through Jerusalem regarding the crucifixion of Christ. Jewish pilgrims had been visiting the city because this was the Passover week. Jesus asked them what was wrong and why were they so sad. The men could not believe that someone did not know about the current events. So many people called Jesus a prophet. They thought He was dead, nor did they believe that He had risen. These men then gave witness to the Gospel, they told Jesus what had happened at the tomb. We all need to learn how to give witness to others of what Christ has done for us.
These two disciples from Emmaus had been expecting Jesus to redeem Israel. Many people believed that the prophesied Messiah would come as a military and political leader. They were not expecting the Messiah to come save mankind from the slavery of sin. Everyone lost hope when Jesus had died on the cross, and no one understood its significance.
People knew that the tomb was empty, but they could not understand that Jesus had risen from the tomb. Even though the women had brought witness of His resurrection, and that this had been verified by other disciples, these two men still could not believe. Even people today cannot believe Christ rose from the dead, that the tomb is empty. What will it take to get people to believe? For some reason, people cannot or just will not have faith. It does not fit into their intellectual way of thinking. As Christians, it is our job to present Jesus to the world in a manner that will help them to build their faith.
In verses 25-27:
“O fools,” Jesus says, as He refers to the scriptures and the prophecy. The men had head knowledge but no heart knowledge. In essence, read the Book, but not with the intellectual mind. Even though they knew the prophesies, they neglected to comprehend that Jesus’ suffering was for His glory. They could not comprehend why God had not interceded. They were focused on worldly adoration of political and military power. They were not ready for the reversal of human expectations with the values of God’s Kingdom; the last will be first, and life becomes out of death.
The two disciples explained to Jesus why they were feeling the way they were, why they were sad and confused. Jesus then gives the Scripture and applies it to His ministry. What do we need to do if we read Scripture and <lo not understand it? First, we should pray and ask the Lord to open our hearts and minds to the Scriptures. We can also ask our Christian friends to help us.
In verses 28-30:
As they came closer to the village, they asked Jesus to stay and break bread, they had dinner. Undoubtedly, they were all hungry from their long travels and they needed time to rest. It appears as if the men were enjoying His company. How often do Christians today get together in fellowship either at the church building or in our own homes? But let us be mindful, do not have so many fellowships that we leave Christ out. No true Christian fellowship can happen unless Jesus is there.
• Hebrews 10:25, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some fr; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
In verses 31-32:
Finally, their eyes were opened! They suddenly realized that Jesus was right there with them. It did not take a great big miracle, just the simple act of breaking bread. Too often people are so busy looking for the big miracles that they cannot see the small ones right in front of them. One of the men asked the other, “Did not our heart bum within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” The same should be with us. Our hearts should bum within as we read and study the Scriptures. Our hearts should burn as we commune with God Almighty.
