Pastor Jason
- The road of disappointment and distance.
Luke 24:13-18
13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him.
17He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast.
18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
What could keep you from recognizing Jesus?
Is there a part of your life that you’re so disappointed in that you can’t see God in any of it?
Luke 24:19-24
19“What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but 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. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
- We allow our emotions to blind us to the fact that Jesus is with us.
Luke 24:25-27
25He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Foolishness is having good information but making a bad decision.
Much of this resurrection story is about not seeing with the eyes.
You may not see Jesus in your situation but hold on to the resurrection and know He’s walking right beside you.
Jesus gives them scripture.
Open your Bible again, listen for His voice again, get alone with God and hear the words of scripture wash over you. You don’t need a new word, you need the word in you to come alive in you.
Beginning with the Torah and continuing through the Psalms and the prophets He explained to them the things written about Himself in all the Scriptures (v. 27). Later they would ask, “Were our hearts not burning within us when He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us? (v.32). From burdened hearts to burning hearts to believing hearts! — Pastor Roger Daniel
The importance of this cannot be overstated. It is impossible to know Jesus apart from His word. Your personal relationship with Christ will never be deeper or closer than your apprehension of and depth in scripture.
If you’re battling disappointment and discouragement, go back to the scriptures and ask Jesus to reveal the word to you.
Luke 24:28-31
28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
- Invitation leads to revelation.
Luke 24:31-35
31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
- If you’re discouraged today let the word of God set your heart on fire. And take that fire right back to the place where it started.