So he went in to stay with them, and when he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed it. broke it and gave it to them and their eyes. We're opened. And they recognized him. They had heard the clues.
They'd connected the dots shown to them specifically over their journey home. That he was the Messiah, that he was to suffer, that he was to rise again, that he was the Son of God, that he was indeed, as the prophet said, the coming king, and that God. dawns on them comprehensively and he vanishes. What do you do when life doesn't go the way you expect? expected.
And how do you find hope again? when disappointment has left you ready to quit. That's exactly where two disciples found themselves on the first Easter Sunday. They had believed in Jesus. followed him.
and expected him to change everything. But after the crucifixion, they packed their bags, gave up. and went home. That's when Jesus met them. On the road to Emmaus.
not to scold them. not to show off his scars, but to open the scriptures. Today on Wisdom for the Heart, Stephen Davey will show you how Jesus gently and patiently restores hope. through his word. If you were arrested for crimes you didn't commit.
Brought before a jury in a trial that would become so sensational, they'd probably call it the trial of the century. A trial where you're Character is denigrated your reputation. Destroyed. If you were found guilty and then put to death in the most cruel manner, buried without a proper funeral. If you came back to life I imagine you'd call a press conference.
He'd probably sue somebody. You'd get the events straightened out. You'd make sure your name was vindicated. In the public eye. But as we've studied The events of Resurrection Sunday.
When Jesus rose from the dead. There's no press conference. There's no retaliation. You didn't sue anybody. Instead, he continues to demonstrate this incredible grace and humility.
In fact, instead of making his way to the Supreme Court of Israel. Composed of the g The great religious leaders of his day, he makes an appearance to a formerly demon-possessed girl. Who's been freed? It's come to faith. Instead of appearing before the high priest, to testify of Injustice.
He appears to a group of women at the tomb. who've come to anoint his body. In fact, Before Jesus appears, to his original 11. Men who will become the leaders of the New Testament church, the apostles. He makes an appearance to two unknown Disciples, one of them remains anonymous.
The other one, whose name we're given, we never hear from again.
So ordinary. And yet This encounter. Luke will spend more time on this encounter. than any other appearance of Jesus to anybody else. And there are good reasons for that.
So let's take a look. Luke chapter 24. Two disciples are on the road back to their little village. called Emmaus. I want to divide for our study this encounter into four scenes.
As if it were a play. We'll call scene one Throwing in the towel. Because that's what they've done. Luke 24 verse 13. That very day, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened.
Notice that. Very day they're going home to a mass. What day is that day? Sunday Resurrection Day.
So, from their conversation, by the way, it's going to become clear they're going home to the life they had once had before they'd begun following Jesus. Frankly, They quit. On that day, Of all days. They've thrown in the towel. They've left to go back to their little village in Emmaus.
They'd been following Jesus, but they're going home. Jesus didn't pan out. They had been misguided. He wasn't the one they'd hoped for.
So they've They packed their bags. They've thrown away their study notes. They've tossed out all their tracks, you know, Jesus is the Messiah. They've been wrong. are heading home disillusioned.
discouraged despairing Three years. Down the tubes. How could they have been so wrong? Their dreams are dashed. They've got nothing to show for their plans but pain.
The cross has painted. Punctured. Their hope. Scene one is a scene of hopelessness. Along with a lot of confusion.
In fact, Luke writes here that they were totally. Talking with each other as they walked along. That verb is referring to bantering back and forth. They're having this animated conversation about all that's happened that weekend. Yes, there were rumors of Jesus' resurrection, but the facts, I mean, just the facts.
They'd seen it with their own eyes. He had died on that cross. He's dead. It's it's over.
Well, get ready. Verse 15. Luke writes, While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with him. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. I love this, don't you?
I know you probably know the end of this story. If you don't, don't read ahead. Here they are. Sharing their disillusionment about Jesus, and Jesus walks up. Behind that.
Yeah. Don't miss this. Jesus is appearing to these disciples not because they They've been faithful. But because they are no longer hopeful. They have the notion today that Or we do, I should say, that Jesus.
You know, he'll He'll walk along. with faithful disciples. He encourages the persevering. He'll give a word to the courageous. They're the ones that get the attention.
Have you not heard? Have you not known That the everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth gives strength. to the weary. Look here. He's joining up with two weary disciples who've thrown in the towel.
The text implies that Jesus kind of just slid up behind them, began walking along. Luke writes here: their eyes were prevented, you could render it from recognizing. Him, that's a what theologians call a divine passive. That means They can't see at this point who Jesus is because God has clouded their vision. They didn't recognize the Lord because the Lord doesn't want them to recognize him at this point.
He's going to do something for them that he's doing for you and me today. That's why this is so significant. He's going to establish their faith. Faith, not in what they have seen, but in what God has said.
So before they ever recognize him. The living word is going to teach them. The written word.
So get this picture. Jesus comes up behind them, and perhaps Jesus said, Hey, you guys mind if I join you? And they say, well, sure, just don't interrupt our conversation. We're trying to figure out what's going on.
Now, the language indicates that they've been having a rather heated conversation. They're Vannering back. Back and and forward. They're obviously upset. And now, Jesus just sort of casually interjects in verse 17: well, what's this conversation about?
You could amplify his question and read: What are you talking about? What things. have happened That's gotten you two so worked up.
So discouraged. And with that, Luke writes here in verse 17. They stood still. Looking sad. Literally, they came to a standstill.
They froze. Their faces filled with grief.
Now, after a moment or two, evidently of silence, the disciple named Cleopas. Responds to Jesus, probably with a little sarcasm, a little edge. Verse 18. Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days? Are you the only one?
Sumanas could be rendered Literally, do you live alone? Do you stay by yourself? Do you not know what's going on? The irony here is that They're the ones that don't know what's going on. And Jesus does.
But Cleopas, oh, he's going to be royally embarrassed. I mean, for all of church history, we've been reading his sarcasm. Poor guy, probably asked Luke to cut this part out. Luke said, No, I'm keeping it. I mean, he's basically asking Jesus: do you live alone?
As if to say, Don't you ever get out. Jesus could have said Yeah, just this morning. About six hours ago, I got out. And I left the door open, so you go check it out. Poor Cleopas.
Verse 18 again: Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem that does not know the things that have happened? Don't you know all the things? I mean, if you've been hiding in a cave. Oh man, the things Jesus could have said to clear this. Too good to pass up.
But you know, I I'm struck. with his refusal to respond to sarcasm with sarcasm. is humility His grace. Notice he responds in verse 19, what things? What things are you talking about?
He's drawing out of them their conclusions of what they have seen or not seen, their interpretations that. of these events that have Rather dramatically unfolded. And Jesus here is basically saying this: why don't you two? Fill me in. What's got you so distraught?
They filled them in. For the next six verses. In fact, this is the longest speech recorded by Luke. Verse 19, they said to him, Well, we've been talking about these things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet, mighty indeed and word, before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hope.
Catch that, by the way. We had hoped Our hopes are dashed.
Now. We had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. That word redeemed means to buy out of slavery. They were anticipating a sovereign. Not a sacrifice.
Cleopas continues, verse 21. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, Some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels. It said that he was alive.
Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but. Him they Did not see. We're not going to believe it. We didn't see it. Listen, it's all about what you can see.
In this post resurrection appearance, this significant encounter, Jesus is going to begin to build their faith and ours on what his word says. Not what you see.
So I Jesus will say. A little later to Thomas, have you believed because you have seen me? How blessed are they who believe who have not seen? Maybe. John 20, 29.
By the way, that's you, beloved. Greater reward. Greater commendation. Because when your walk with God takes you through the valley, When what Your experiencing brings you low when your vision is clouded with despair. You can't see your way out.
You believe that he has not abandoned you. The compass needle of your faith continues pointing to the north star of his word. How blessed are you?
So here's the problem. Even here with these disciples on the road to Emmaus, what they see. or don't see has actually become misleading. Which is what happens. That's what we Bank everything on in life, what we see.
They say in verse 19 that Jesus was only a prophet, mighty in word and deed. They're wrong. He's more than that. They say in verse 20 that Jesus was a victim of the Sanhedrin.
Well, it appeared that way. But his suffering was part of the plan. They say in verse 22 that some women saw visions of angels. They didn't see visions of angels, they saw angels. They say in verse 23 that the body of Jesus was missing.
It wasn't. They say in verse 24 that nobody's seen Jesus alive. And Jesus could have said, you're looking at him. I mean, if I'd have been the Lord, I'd have said that, eh? Ta-da!
That's in the Greek New Testament right there. Ta-da. It's a perfect time for the Lord to tell him who he is. Not yet. Not yet.
Why not? Because he wanted their faith. and yours and mine today to be anchored. At the site But the Scripture.
Now You might think that at this point Jesus is going to respond to them. With something like, you know, I'm so sorry you fellows are feeling discouraged and I mean, you've quit, you're going home. I understand how devastated you are. I understand how crushing this all might be. But instead, Jesus comes back with this, verse 25: O foolish ones.
And slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken? Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? I mean, hadn't the prophets spoken of the suffering servant bearing the iniquities of us all? Cleopas had earlier said Jesus is a prophet.
Well, Hadn't he prophesied over and over that I will suffer. and be put to death, and I will rise on the third day. Today. These men are quitting on the third day. This is the day to be back in Jerusalem.
Jesus rebukes them. For not believing the word of God.
Now, he's not just scouting. They're suffering. Anguish, trials. Jesus isn't telling them, be happy. He's telling them to think.
biblically. What has God said?
Now, with that, scene two opens. We'll call it. Old Testament Survey 101. This is a crash course. It's going to take three hours as they walk the seven miles from Jerusalem to Mass.
We read here in verse 27, and beginning. This is where he started with Moses, the book of Genesis. And going through all the prophets all the way to Malachi. He interpreted in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. You could translate it.
Jesus interpreted to them himself from all the Old Testament. Books. or scriptures. In other words, from all the books of Scripture, Jesus explained to them how they applied to himself.
Now they still don't know it's Jesus doing the tutoring. They have no idea the resurrected word is about to explain the written word. But can you imagine here? The fulfillment of Scripture is explaining the prophecies. of scripture And none of what Jesus said in this three-hour Sermon has been recorded for us.
This is the greatest sermon Never recorded. Truth is, though, we don't need to hear it. We we've got his manuscript. We have his text. But imagine what they could have heard from every book of the Old Testament.
Now, we're not told, but I've. Tried to slip into their sandals on this road to Emmaus. Mm. Perhaps this is some of what they heard Jesus reveal. Here we go.
In Genesis, he is the prophesied seed of the woman who will crush the serpent's head. In Exodus, he is the Passover lamb who sets his people free. He is the bread from heaven, he's the water out of the rock. In Leviticus, he's the brazen altar, atoning sacrifice for our sins. He's the brazen lever.
He cleanses us daily. He's the bread nourishing our souls. He's the golden lampstand, the light of the world that'll shine forever. He's the altar of incense, interceding to this day on our behalf. He's the veil.
Through his body, we have access to the throne of God. He's the ark of the covenant, the very presence of God who left heaven and touched earth. He's the holy of holies, for in him dwells all the fullness of deity. In the book of Numbers, he's the great high priest. Who will never fail.
And Deuteronomy is the city of refuge where guilty people can run. for protection. In Joshua, he is the champion over every enemy. In Judges, he's the patient restorer of wandering people. In Ruth, he's the Redeemer who wins a bride, brings her out of poverty into the line of royalty.
In 1 and 2 Samuel, he is the name of the Lord in whose strength giants will fall. In Kings and Chronicles, Christ is the king over all the kingdoms of earth. In Ezra, he's the keeper of divine promises to liberate his people. In Nehemiah, he's the rebuilder of broken things and Broken Hearts. And Esther is moving behind the scenes of human history.
Invisible. but invincible. Silent. But sovereign. In Job, he is the Lord of mystery who does not explain life, but reveals he is the creator of life and the controller of all that happens.
In the Psalms, He is the rock of refuge. He is the shepherd of the sheep. He is the crucified Savior. He is the coming King. In Proverbs, he is the everlasting wisdom for all who will accept his invitation and turn aside and listen.
In Ecclesiastes, he has eternal satisfaction over every earthly desire. He's the one to be remembered in the days of our youth. In the song of Solomon, he is the bridegroom who stops at nothing until the bride is safely in his arms. In Isaiah, he is Emmanuel, the suffering Savior, but the prince of peace. In Jeremiah, he is the author of a new covenant.
written on the hearts of his people. In lamentations, he is the father who disciplines the sons he loves. In Ezekiel, he is the power that breathes life into dry bones, bringing life from death. In Daniel, he is the cornerstone who will one day fill all the earth with his glory. In Hosea, he is the faithful husband of a faithless wife.
In Joel, he is the inspiration of his people, pouring out his spirit upon the redeemed. In Amos, he is the righteous judge who will establish a kingdom of justice. In Obadiah, he is the savior who will ascend. And ultimately establish his kingdom as he descends. In Jonah, he is the fulfillment of the prophet's experience, for after three days and three nights, he rises in resurrection power.
In Micah, he is the promised one from Bethlehem. Who will cast our sins, as we sang earlier, into the depths of the sea. In Nahum, he is the safe haven for all who run to him. In Abakuk, he is the one who invites us to live by faith and to walk in high places. In Zephaniah, he is the king who rejoices over us with singing that we will one day hear.
In Haggai, he is the victorious Lord who wears his chosen people as if they were jewels and rings upon his omnipotent fingers. In Zachariah, he is the pierced Savior descending to the Mount of Olive to set up his kingdom. And now in Malachi, he is the divine refiner, purifying his chosen people as silver and gold. And those who believe in him will one day rise and live with him. Forever.
Maybe. Maybe they heard that. The truth is, we would rather have. an immediate solution to our trouble. and our sadness.
And our despair. Jesus wanted them to have more than that. He wanted them to know. Him. We we want Uh uh uh a quick Release.
Jesus wants us to find him. in the scriptures. Jesus could have said hours earlier, it's me. But he wanted to show them who he was. Through God's Word.
This is a challenge to us all. to go back to the word. to go back to the word. Go back to the word.
Now scene three. We'll call it Dinner and a disappearing guest Verse 28, so they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, that is, he's not going to impose. But they urged him strongly, saying, Stay with us, for it is Toward evening, the day is now far spent.
So he went in to stay with them, and when he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed it and broke it and gave it to them, and their eyes. We're opened. And they recognized him. And they vanished. from their sight.
The phrase here, for their eyes opened and they recognized him, is more than mere recognition of his features. Oh, oh, look at, oh, it's Jesus. No, it's more than that. It means comprehensively they understood. They had heard The clues that connected the dots shown to them specifically over their journey home: that he was the Messiah, that he was to suffer, that he was to rise again, that he was the Son of God, that he was indeed, as the prophet said, the coming king, and that dawns on them comprehensively and he vanishes.
Now, there's little doubt to me that the moment is significant. He took the role of the host. This is their home, their bread, their meal, but he takes that role. And he breaks the bread. And about the same time the Lord lifts the veil from their eyes, they would have seen.
His nail-pierced hands. But don't miss the fact that Jesus showed them his hands. Last He wanted to. First. Listen to what they say now here in verse 32.
Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures? It's a good reminder, beloved, that your heart can be warmed today, not in what you see around you. but in what God has said to you. The question is not, what do you see? in order to believe But what does the Bible say?
in order to believe in spite of what you see. The Apostle Paul wrote this: For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance, And the encouragement of the scriptures, we might Have Hope. These disciples had lost hope. They were heading back to Emmaus, and you know where that was? I was in the wrong direction.
It was taking them away from hope. They needed to get back on the road. To hope. What road are you on today?
Well the good news is that Jesus knows where you are. Geographically? Spiritually Physically. Emotionally. Are you without hope?
Do you need your heart warmed? Go back to the scriptures, for they have a way of helping us understand better. The author.
Now with that we come to scene four. The final scene, we'll call it on the road again.
Somebody ought to write a song about that, just kind of catchy, don't you think?
Well, now they're headed in the right direction. Bible says here in verse 33: These two disciples, well, they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. Never mind dinner. We got to skip dessert. Can't wait to tell the disciples the news.
Don't overlook the progression here. It should be our model today. Jesus impacted and encouraged them in this order, He opened their minds. Then he opened their eyes.
Now he opens their mouths. The news of the resurrection was never intended. to keep to ourselves.
So here they go. They're on the road again, but this time they're heading in the right. They're on the road back to hope. back to purpose, back to meaning, back to mission, back to obedience, back to trust. They will never be the same.
Their faith. is no longer bound. by what they experience. It is bound by what Jesus explained. No longer sight.
But solar Scriptura. The scriptures. Alone. Thank you, Spirit of God, for moving in the heart of Luke to recall this wonderful encounter. All that it means to us today.
It says our This is our battle, Lord. This is the battleground. where we stand every day. What will govern? Our thoughts.
What will determine our hope? What will encourage our our joy More than likely, Father, we're all old enough to know it'll never come from what we see around us. Maybe even what we experience. Draw us back. To this road.
Open our minds as you tutor us in your word. Herein is how you give Us When we are weak. Strength. For the day. We thank you that Our road has led us here this morning.
on another resurrection Sunday. Thank you for the joy that comes and the thrill of just singing together. reminding ourselves that Our sins are many. Our merits are none. But you are the great, merciful one.
The truth is, we're on this road often. heading in the wrong direction. Thank you for moments like these where you Pull us back. Turn us around. And head us back.
To hope thank you. Father, Son, and Spirit. for your work in our hearts. Today. We thank you in Jesus' name.
Amen. This is Wisdom for the Heart with Stephen Davey. Stephen called this message. On the Road Back to Hope. If you'd like to learn more or get in touch, Visit wisdomonline.org.
That's also the place you can go if you'd like to listen to this message again. or share it with someone who'd be encouraged by hearing it. That website once again is wisdomonline.org. You can email us at info at wisdomonline.org. or call us at 866-866-866-866- 48 Bible.
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