Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-21
The Road to Emmaus
(Luke 24:13-35)
Intro.
1. The gospel calls us to walk life’s road with Jesus; to do so by faith, practicing truth, Jno. 8:12; 1 Jno. 1:6-7.
2. The day of Christ’s resurrection was a day of doubt, dejection and bewilderment, as well as great joy, anticipation and emotion.
3. Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road that day. What road are you on today? Will you “see” Jesus and be blessed? Heb. 2:9; 12:2
I. THE ROAD OF DOUBT.
A. Present Expectations had not Materialized, Lk. 24:21.
1. Expected he would redeem Israel, but it was now three days since his death.
2. Patient endurance requires having faith in the word of God, Lk. 24:25, 27.
3. Like these two, we can quickly begin to doubt and lose faith when God does not work on our time frame and our expectations. Then, we are tempted to just stop working and stop being steadfast, Heb. 6:9-12; 4:11; cf. Rev. 14:12.
a. Be persistent in prayer, Lk. 18:1.
b. Practice patient faith each day, Jas. 5:7-9.
c. Trust that God will keep His word to you, 1 Jno. 5:15; 3:22.
d. Do not grow weary! Gal. 6:9
B. Although they had Doubts, at Least they Held Jesus to be a Prophet of God, Lk. 24:19.
1. His mighty deeds undeniable; Mighty words spread.
2. But, he was killed – dashed their hopes of Messiah, 24:20-21.
3. Some have a halfhearted faith in Jesus; they are not convinced Jesus is God, but they want to hold him as a great man/teacher.
4. He said: “I am” (Jno. 8:58); “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working” (Jno. 5:17); “I and the Father are one” (Jno. 10:30).
a. If false, these assertions make Jesus unworthy of being considered “good” or “great”, but vile and deceptive.
b. If true, far more than a great man and teacher – God!
5. We hear similar reasoning: “They may not be faithful to Jesus in everything, but at least they are a lot better than many others.” Rom. 6:1-2
C. Bewildered over Reports that Jesus is Alive, Lk. 24:22-24.
1. Women’s vision of angels and their message that He is alive.
-Jesus had taught he would rise after 3 days, Lk. 9:22; 24:7-8.
2. Peter and John see the empty tomb (Jno. 20:1-10).
3. Even when these 2 men told the apostles, they did not believe, Mk. 16:12.
4. Sometimes truth is staring us in the face but we refuse it because we are unwilling to receive it and change our lives! 1 Cor. 6:9-11
a. How to be saved, cf. Acts 22:16.
b. Fully repent of all our sins, Acts 19:18-20.
II. THE ROAD OF FAITH, Lk. 24:25-27.
A. The Signs and Words of Jesus: Powerful Evidence for Faith, 24:19; 2 Pet. 1:16.
B. The Prophets spoke of Jesus Christ, Lk. 24:25-27; 1 Pet. 1:10-11.
1. Slow of heart to believe what they said, cf. Jno. 12:37, 41.
2. Christ must suffer and enter His glory.
3. When Scriptures are explained, unbelief is removed, 24:27; cf. Acts 8:30-37.
C. Jesus can be Recognized for Who He Is, Lk. 24:30-31.
1. He is not far from any of you right now (Acts 17:27).
2. He will give you rest, Matt. 11:28.
III. THE ROAD OF ACTION, Lk. 24:28-35.
A. A Moment of Hospitality, 24:28-30.
1. They wouldn’t take “no” for an answer.
2. Love of brothers and strangers, cf. Heb. 13:1-2.
3. Such kindness is always in order and can be imitated by us all.
B. The stirring of Fervor and Emotion, Lk. 24:31-32.
1. Filled with excitement and emotion by hearing and knowing the word of God, cf. Psa. 19:10.
2. Zeal plus knowledge is a powerful combination!
C. Immediately Acted to Spread the News, Lk. 24:33-35; Mk. 16:12.
1. Like the early Christians, the news was too good to remain silent! Acts 8:4
2. When you believe your faith calls you to action, Jas. 1:21-25.
Conclusion
1. The hope and joy of our salvation is inseparably linked to the resurrection of Jesus! 1 Cor. 15:19
2. Walk the road of life with faith in the risen Savior, leave doubt behind and put your faith into action by serving others.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: January 31, 2014