Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him."

Transcription

1 Opening Our Eyes A sermon preached at Niles Discovery Church A new church for a new day, in Fremont, California, on Sunday, March 10, 2013, by the Rev. Jeffrey Spencer. Scripture: Luke 24:13-35 Copyright 2013 by Jeffrey S. Spencer A passenger in a taxi leaned over to ask the driver a question and tapped him on the shoulder. The driver screamed, lost control of the cab, nearly hit a bus, drove up over the curb, and stopped just inches from a large plate glass window. For a few moments, everything was silent in the cab, and then the still sharking driver said, I m sorry, but that scared the daylights out of me. The frightened passenger apologized to the driver and said he didn't realize a mere tap on the shoulder could frighten him so much. No, no, I m sorry, said the driver. It s entirely my fault. Today is my first day driving a cab. For the last 25 years, I ve been driving a hearse. 1 Hopefully, you ll see why I told this joke by the end of the sermon. As I did with the first sermon in this series, I want to walk through today's second scripture lesson with you. There s an insert of the scripture reading in your bulletins, if you want to read along with me. But before I get into that reading, I want to take a moment to talk about the difference between truth and fact. The story we're about to read is true, but it's not factual. Biblical scholar John Dominic Crossan says that the symbolism in the story we're going to read, the Emmaus Road story, is obvious and is the metaphoric condensation of the first years of Christian thought and practice into one parabolic afternoon. Emmaus never happened. Emmaus always happens. 2 As we go through the story, you may hear me say things that might make it seem as if the story is factual. It s not factual; it never happened. But it is true, because and I hope you ll agree with me by the end of the sermon, if you don't already Emmaus always happens. We re in chapter 24 of Luke's gospel, the last chapter of this gospel, so we know we're at the end of the story. We ve heard about Jesus birth, his baptism, his ministry, the final week of his life, his arrest and crucifixion and burial. Luke 24 begins with a story about women who had followed Jesus since Galilee going to the tomb and being met by two angels who tell them that Jesus isn t there. They go back into the city and tell the eleven and all the rest about their experience. A few of the disciples go to check it out, but all they find is an empty tomb. Then we cut to today's reading. 13 Now on that same day two of them [meaning two of all the rest ] were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, One of the things that makes Crossan and me say that Emmaus never factually happened is that archeologist have not been able to identify a village about 7 miles from Jerusalem that was called Emmaus. A couple places have been identified as possibilities, but nothing definitively. So, if Emmaus never existed, the metaphoric nature of this story is 1

2 heightened and Emmaus can even become a stand in name for any place we escape to when the news is bad. The seven miles the story says they walked that s a good 2 to 3 hour journey, maybe longer depending on how quickly they walked. So we re talking half a day. 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. Were they talking about the crucifixion and burial or were they also talking about the tale the women told? Were they convincing themselves as they walked and talked that what the women had said was an idle tale? 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, How do you experience Jesus coming near " as you talk about personal things? emotional things? spiritual things? When I m upset, it s sometimes hard for me to be aware of Jesus /God s presence. I m so wrapped up in my emotional experience. But I know that God can come near in sharing, in the vulnerability of sharing personal, emotional, and spiritual things. My call to ordained ministry one of the most intimate moments I ve ever had with God came in the midst of having an emotional/spiritual discussion with a friend. And I felt Jesus coming near through the support of friends in the days following my mother s death. It doesn t surprise me that Jesus came near as they discussed these things. 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. I believe that God is as close as our next breath, but I m not always aware of it. I ve done a little reflecting on what keeps me from recognizing Jesus /God s presence. I think the biggest challenge I face is when I m full of myself when my ego gets in the way or when I m afraid when fear or anxiety gets in the way. I m not sure what Luke s intention is here. Maybe Luke just wants to set up a big reveal later in the story. Or maybe Luke is affirming the reality that it is easy to be unaware of the presence of God from moment to moment. Whatever, the line does invite us to consider what keeps us from recognizing Jesus in our lives. 17 And he said to them, What are you discussing with each other while you walk along? They stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days? We learn the name of one of them, but not the other. What does that mean? It could be that the other was a woman (perhaps Cleopas' wife?) and therefore nameless; that would be the social norm. Or perhaps Luke is leaving this second disciple nameless so it is easier for us to enter the story; each one of us can be that second, nameless disciple. I find it interesting that Jesus gets called a stranger. There s probably a sermon in that one word. But this is a perfect word for this story, because this story is all about when we don t recognize Jesus and when we do. 2

3 But it s not just stranger that Jesus gets called. He is also called a stranger in Jerusalem. Jesus is a stranger in Jerusalem. What an interesting turn of phrase. But we know the story that led up to his crucifixion. He is out of place in the centers of political and economic power. He is a stranger in Jerusalem and other centers of power. There were a lot of things that happened in Jerusalem in those days. Jesus crucifixion and burial were not the only things that happened. But to disciples, they would have been the only things that happened in those days. Isn t that true for us, too? When something emotionally impactful happens, it s as if it is the only thing that's been going on. 19 He asked them, What things? They replied, The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, How would you describe Jesus to someone who is unfamiliar with Christianity? Or to someone who is familiar with Christianity, but perhaps assumes all Christians are the same and fall into one type of thought? The way Luke tells the story, Cleopas describes Jesus as a prophet, putting him in the tradition of Moses and Samuel and Jeremiah and Isaiah. The way this story is going to unfold, we may be challenged to think of Jesus as something more than a prophet. 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. The hope that Jesus would redeem Israel harkens back to Moses redeeming Israel (or God redeeming Israel through the work of Moses) and giving Israel freedom. The Hebrew peasants and probably most of the disciples were expecting Jesus to give Israel freedom again, this time from the oppression of Rome. But it looked like Rome won. They killed Jesus in a most brutal way. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. The body is missing. That was confirmed when disciples went to the tomb and found it empty. The women said that angels appeared to them; at least, that s their claim. And the angels claim that Jesus is alive. No one s seen the resurrected Jesus yet in this gospel (remember, these two disciples don t know that they re experiencing the resurrected Jesus). All that they have is the claim that it s true. I claim that Jesus is alive. I can t prove it; I can t say look here and see. But I ve had experiences of Jesus that make me know that Jesus is alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him. 3

4 25 Then he said to them, Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! I want to tell Jesus to cut them a little slack. Taking a leap of faith is not an easy thing to do. And when you compare what they saw verse what they were told, I completely understand why they were slow of heart to believe. 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory? Was it necessary? There is, no doubt, at least another sermon (if not a series) in this question. For today, let me simply says that if I were writing the gospel, I think I would have phrased this verse a little differently: Was it not inevitable that the Messiah would suffer 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. This suggests that the early church looked to the Hebrew Scriptures to understand who Jesus was/is. 28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over. I love this moment. Stay with us, they say. It s evangelizing Jesus. Invitation and hospitality are evangelism. Any time you invite someone into the wonder of God's love whether that s by inviting them to church or by inviting them to meal at your home you are sharing the good news of Jesus. You are saying, Come be part of the good news. Right here, in this moment, these disciples are evangelizing Jesus. The comment about it being almost evening come across as an excuse, but it also means that the sun is going down. It s getting dark. In other words, it s not safe to be out and about. So these two disciples ask this stranger to stay with them for safety s sake. So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. These words, these four verbs took, blessed, broke, gave tell us that this is communion. More on this next week. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; This is the key moment in this scripture - at least for today's sermon. They ve been on the road, talking with Jesus without realizing it s him. They ve had his life and ministry and even his death explained to them. And they still don't recognize that it s Jesus. But here at the table, here as Jesus takes, blesses, breaks, and gives the bread to them, their eyes are opened and they recognize him. Here at the communion table, they recognize the presence of Christ. 4

5 It reminds me of the old joke about the Unitarian who came to a fork in the road and didn't know which way to go, because one sign said, This way to a lecture about God, and the other sign said, This way to God. Sometimes talking about God or talking about Jesus brings us a little closer to the Divine. But there s a real difference between thought and experience. Here in this moment, at the table, they have an experience that brings them into an awareness that they are in the presence of Christ. I ve had experiences at the table when my awareness of the presence of the Divine was deepened and heightened. I went to seminary straight out of college and when I got there I realized something very quickly: this is graduate school. In a matter of weeks I became convinced that God had made a terrible mistake and that there was no way I was going to make it through this Master s program. Then, in early October, the Franciscan seminary down the street was holding a big festival mass to celebrate St. Francis feast day. I went to the service. I don t remember a thing about the sermon. But as I came forward for communion, I had an experience of the Divine being present and reassuring me that it was going to be okay. It turned out that seminary was hard and that it was okay. In my last sermon, I talked about the importance of discerning the body on Christ in the community when we gather at the communion table. Today, the invitation is to discern the presence of the living Christ in our midst, of opening our eyes to the presence of Jesus, when we gather at the communion table. Today, the invitation is to open ourselves to the real possibility that when we take, bless, break, and give the bread, that our eyes may be opened to something that is real in a way we re not used to describing as real. and he vanished from their sight. And that s how it is with these things that are real that we re not used to describing as real. Sometimes, when we re lucky, we can dwell within that realness, at least for a while. But so often, when we become aware of our awareness, that moment ends. There is a tension in the presence and absence of Jesus. When I become aware of my awareness, I usually cease to be aware of his presence. But I suppose that isn t all that surprising. When I become aware of my own awareness, the moment ceases to be about Jesus and it becomes about me (and my awareness). Ego can be such a block to my awareness of the presence of Christ. 32 They said to each other, Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us? In retrospect, they become aware of how they knew, even though they didn t know they knew. It s in retrospect that I am often able to identify when Jesus has been present in my life. Sometimes this is easier than in the moment itself, it is easier to have our eyes open looking backward to what happened. I think about some major decisions I made in my life. Sometimes I ve been aware that God was working in me in those moments like choosing to come to Fremont to serve this 5

6 church. But often, perhaps more often, it s in retrospect that I recognize how God was working like when I picked what college or what seminary to go to. 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; We might well ask, What were they doing, running through the night? This is dangerous. But then, when we allow our experiences of God to move us, they will move us to action and to take risks. and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They [the eleven and their companions] were saying, The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon! 35 Then they (Cleopas and the unnamed disciple) told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. Interestingly, Luke doesn t tell us about Jesus appearance to Simon Peter. The first appearance we hear about in Luke s gospel is one that happens to previously unknown disciples: Cleopas and the unnamed disciple. More important than the risen Christ appearing to Simon Peter is Christ appearing to you and me, and one way this happens is when our eyes are opened in the breaking of the bread. Thanks be to God. Amen! 1 Karen Hilfman Millson, Emmaus Never Happened; Emmaus Always Happens, St. Paul s United Church, SSID=1vevevgmf4580iiaqhso99o3q0 (5 March 2013). 2 John Dominic Crossan, Overture, (5 March 2013). 6

On the Road to Emmaus. Luke 24:13-35

On the Road to Emmaus. Luke 24:13-35 On the Road to Emmaus Luke 24:13-35 The Road to Emmaus Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything

More information

Grounded in the Road to Emmaus scripture Today we aim to learn about

Grounded in the Road to Emmaus scripture Today we aim to learn about Grounded in the Road to Emmaus scripture Today we aim to learn about 1. recognizing Jesus in our stories 2. fresh perspectives on story telling & listening 3. our (personal and communal) Road to Emmaus

More information

We Had Hoped Message by DD Adams Providence United Methodist Church 3 rd Sunday of Easter May 4, 2014

We Had Hoped Message by DD Adams Providence United Methodist Church 3 rd Sunday of Easter May 4, 2014 We Had Hoped Message by DD Adams Providence United Methodist Church 3 rd Sunday of Easter May 4, 2014 The gospel lesson for today is taken from the book of Luke, chapter 24, verses 13 through 35. I ll

More information

The Road to Emmaus Luke 24:13-35

The Road to Emmaus Luke 24:13-35 1 Natalie W. Bell May 7, 2017 The Road to Emmaus Luke 24:13-35 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about

More information

04/08/18 When You Feel Like Walking Away Luke 24:13-35 Douglas Scalise, Brewster Baptist Church

04/08/18 When You Feel Like Walking Away Luke 24:13-35 Douglas Scalise, Brewster Baptist Church 04/08/18 When You Feel Like Walking Away Luke 24:13-35 Douglas Scalise, Brewster Baptist Church The last two Sundays we ve looked at Palm Sunday and Easter in Luke s Gospel, and we ve noted a couple of

More information

Luke 24:13-27 (ESV) 16

Luke 24:13-27 (ESV) 16 Hero of Scripture Luke 24:13-27 (ESV) That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that

More information

Easter Day Evening The Collect Years ABC RCL

Easter Day Evening The Collect Years ABC RCL Easter Day Evening The Collect Years ABC RCL O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy:

More information

541 Verse 4. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. Verse 5. The women were terrified and bowed wi

541 Verse 4. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. Verse 5. The women were terrified and bowed wi Luke 24. But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. Verse 2. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. Verse 3. So they went

More information

The Journey to Emmaus Luke 24:13-35

The Journey to Emmaus Luke 24:13-35 teachscripture.com The Journey to Emmaus Luke 24:13-35 Prepare to Hear the Word: Teachers: Read the passage carefully yourself (http://bible.oremus.org/?passage=luke+24) Do a close reading of this passage:

More information

THE ROAD TO EMMAUS. Stepping into the story. Sunday 15 January 12

THE ROAD TO EMMAUS. Stepping into the story. Sunday 15 January 12 THE ROAD TO EMMAUS Stepping into the story EASTER FAITH? Conor Cruise O Brien in Kerry Faith today...and its challenges Centrality of the Risen Lord Imagining the Resurrection Benedict XVI BENEDICT XVI

More information

Prescription for Life Lesson 23 Luke 24:1-53

Prescription for Life Lesson 23 Luke 24:1-53 Luke 24:1-12 Jesus Has Risen 1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,

More information

Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee.

Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee. HE HAS RISEN! Luke 24:1-35 Key Verses: 24:5b-6 Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee. In this passage,

More information

The Emmaus Road Conversation

The Emmaus Road Conversation 1 The Emmaus Road Conversation Mark 16:12, 13, Luke 24:13-32 2 The Emmaus Road Conversation Texts: Mark 16:12, 13, 12. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went

More information

The Road to Emmaus Reverend Bill Gause Overbrook Presbyterian Church 2 nd Sunday of Easter April 8, 2018

The Road to Emmaus Reverend Bill Gause Overbrook Presbyterian Church 2 nd Sunday of Easter April 8, 2018 The Road to Emmaus Reverend Bill Gause Overbrook Presbyterian Church 2 nd Sunday of Easter April 8, 2018 First Scripture Lesson: Luke 24:1-12 1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came

More information

(This text is also the gospel text for Third Sunday of Easter)

(This text is also the gospel text for Third Sunday of Easter) HE IS RISEN! LET S CELEBRATE EASTER March 26 & 27, 2016 - Easter Gospels in Year C The gospel accounts of Jesus resurrection are much like the accounts of his birth. While they are descriptions of a historical

More information

Sermon: UNSEEN COMPANION Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes Saint Matthew s UMC April 30, 2017

Sermon: UNSEEN COMPANION Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes Saint Matthew s UMC April 30, 2017 Sermon: UNSEEN COMPANION Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes Saint Matthew s UMC April 30, 2017 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking

More information

Fire Starters Luke 24:13-35 Rev. Min Chung (Easter Sunrise Service, Sunday, April 16, 2017)

Fire Starters Luke 24:13-35 Rev. Min Chung (Easter Sunrise Service, Sunday, April 16, 2017) Fire Starters Luke 24:13-35 Rev. Min Chung (Easter Sunrise Service, Sunday, April 16, 2017) Luke 24:13-35 On the Road to Emmaus 13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about

More information

Teaching a Bible Study Luke 24:13-48 gives us a pattern Christ used for effective Bible study

Teaching a Bible Study Luke 24:13-48 gives us a pattern Christ used for effective Bible study Teaching a Bible Study Luke 24:13-48 gives us a pattern Christ used for effective Bible study Encourage people to share what is going on in their lives Luke 24:13-24 Christ took the initiative to make

More information

16When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of

16When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of The Resurrection and Post-Resurrection Narratives in the Canonical Gospels Mark 16 16When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might

More information

Turn in a Bible or take out the white insert in the worship folder To follow along as I read. It s Luke 24:13

Turn in a Bible or take out the white insert in the worship folder To follow along as I read. It s Luke 24:13 Follow along with me as we read Luke 24 today. 1 P age Turn in a Bible or take out the white insert in the worship folder To follow along as I read. It s Luke 24:13 Luke 24:13-35 On the Road to Emmaus

More information

JESUS REVEALED (Luke 24:13-35) You may be seated. Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

JESUS REVEALED (Luke 24:13-35) You may be seated. Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! JESUS REVEALED Luke 24:13-35 Third Sunday of Easter (Series A) April 30, 2017 Trinity Free Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND The gospel lesson for the Third Sunday of Easter comes from The Gospel According

More information

The One with all the questions: What Are You Discussing? Luke 24: 13-35

The One with all the questions: What Are You Discussing? Luke 24: 13-35 February 19, 2012 Pastor Jeremy Vaccaro Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church The One with all the questions: What Are You Discussing? Luke 24: 13-35 Today as we continue our series on the ONE with all the questions

More information

Christ Presbyterian Church Edina, Minnesota April 15 & 16, 2017 (Easter) John Crosby Emmaus Road Luke 24:30-31

Christ Presbyterian Church Edina, Minnesota April 15 & 16, 2017 (Easter) John Crosby Emmaus Road Luke 24:30-31 Christ Presbyterian Church Edina, Minnesota April 15 & 16, 2017 (Easter) John Crosby Emmaus Road Luke 24:30-31 The famous preacher Philips Brooks once taught a class of students that a sermon is thirty

More information

Story 4: The Road to Emmaus

Story 4: The Road to Emmaus Story 4: The Road to Emmaus God s Changes Everything. (Remember to set up your space: Altar cloth in the center of your circle, unlit candle in the middle, letter tiles scattered, filled water bottle,

More information

On the Road to Emmaus

On the Road to Emmaus On the Road to Emmaus Peter Ditzel In what appears to be an increasingly hostile, divided, and hate-filled world, even we Christians can be tempted to disrespect, despise, or otherwise be hurtful to others

More information

SERMON: OPEN THE EYES OF MY (BURNING) HEART 04/30/2017

SERMON: OPEN THE EYES OF MY (BURNING) HEART 04/30/2017 Open the Eyes of My (Burning) Heart The Rev. Christi O. Brown FPC Morningsong Service April 30, 2017 Luke 24:13-35 13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven

More information

2019 Lenten Resource Luke 24:13-34

2019 Lenten Resource Luke 24:13-34 2019 Lenten Resource Luke 24:13-34 Welcome to Luke 24! As we move together through Lent, we will be looking at what happened on the road, in the public square, the graveyard, and around the table. It is

More information

The Call to Witness / Pray / Build a Church in Our Own Home

The Call to Witness / Pray / Build a Church in Our Own Home The Call to Witness / Pray / Build a Church in Our Own Home The Easter Vigil What was the most important thing that happened for you at the Easter Vigil? Consider the following: How did the various symbols

More information

Sermon Text Luke 24:13-53

Sermon Text Luke 24:13-53 Sermon Text Luke 24:13-53 Luke 24:13-53 (ESV) 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

More information

H e is n o t h e r e, bu t is r i s e n!

H e is n o t h e r e, bu t is r i s e n! H e is n o t h e r e, bu t is r i s e n! BELLS OPENING READING luke 24:1-8 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing

More information

Reflecting on Our Adult Faith Ten Modules for Individual or Group Reflection

Reflecting on Our Adult Faith Ten Modules for Individual or Group Reflection Renfrew County Catholic School Board Reflecting on Our Adult Faith Ten Modules for Individual or Group Reflection Putting Away Childish Ways (1Cor 13: 11) Living for Others (Jn 12: 24) Living with Childlike

More information

Pilgrimage Bible study on Luke 24: "You'll Never Walk Alone", Fernando Enns

Pilgrimage Bible study on Luke 24: You'll Never Walk Alone, Fernando Enns Pilgrimage Bible study on Luke 24: 13-35 - "You'll Never Walk Alone", by Fernando Enns* Fernando Enns (photo A. Hillert WCC) Luke 24: 13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called

More information

The Emmaus Road SESSION SEVEN SESSION SUMMARY SCRIPTURE

The Emmaus Road SESSION SEVEN SESSION SUMMARY SCRIPTURE SESSION SEVEN The Emmaus Road SESSION SUMMARY In this session, the risen King Jesus joined two of His disciples on the road to Emmaus. By taking a look at their conversation, we learn that the risen King

More information

UNIVERSITY BAPTIST CHURCH

UNIVERSITY BAPTIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY BAPTIST CHURCH WORSHIP OF GOD IN CHRIST April 30, 2017 11:00 a.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS (This week's Worship Bulletin describes several opportunities through which you may express your love for Christ

More information

Jesus Walkers. Gathering

Jesus Walkers. Gathering Jesus Walkers Living Discipleship Today Third Sunday of Easter May 4, 2014 THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM Gathering The assembly stands. All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the

More information

BIBLICAL TEXT. Luke 24:44 49(ESV)

BIBLICAL TEXT. Luke 24:44 49(ESV) BIBLICAL TEXT Luke 24:44 49(ESV) 44 Then he said to them, These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the

More information

1. The Stolen Body 2. The Swoon Theory 3. The Wrong Tomb 4. The Hallucination 5. The Myth. The Empty Tomb

1. The Stolen Body 2. The Swoon Theory 3. The Wrong Tomb 4. The Hallucination 5. The Myth. The Empty Tomb 1. It VALIDATES Jesus as God's Son 2. It VALIDATES Jesus' work of the Cross 3. It ASSURES our own Victory over the Tomb 4. It GRANTS us Hope for our Own resurrection. Humanity's Unconquered Enemy HAS BEEN

More information

Luke 24:1-12 & New Revised Standard Version April 1, 2018

Luke 24:1-12 & New Revised Standard Version April 1, 2018 Luke 24:1-12 & 30-35 New Revised Standard Version April 1, 2018 The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, April 1, 2018, is from Luke 24:1-12 & 30-35. Questions

More information

Luke 24B. Tonight we reach the culmination of Luke s Gospel and of course, Jesus ministry during His first coming to earth

Luke 24B. Tonight we reach the culmination of Luke s Gospel and of course, Jesus ministry during His first coming to earth Luke 24B 1 Luke 24B Tonight we reach the culmination of Luke s Gospel and of course, Jesus ministry during His first coming to earth o Jesus teaching would have no meaning for us today, had it not be mirrored

More information

Lesson 1. Scripture: Faith Comes by Hearing

Lesson 1. Scripture: Faith Comes by Hearing Lesson 1 Scripture: Faith Comes by Hearing The two men trudged onward in grief and disbelief as they walked the eight miles home to Emmaus. It was sunset, and their faith grew darker with each passing

More information

Cleopas Story & Joan s Witness. <Luke 24:13-35 (The Voice)>

Cleopas Story & Joan s Witness. <Luke 24:13-35 (The Voice)> Rev. Joan Pell Sierra Pines United Methodist Church Sermon: 5/72017 Sermon Resurrection Stories Scripture: Luke 24:13-35 Cleopas Story & Joan s Witness 13 That same day, two

More information

A GREAT PROPHET HAS ARISEN AMONG US (LUKE 7:16) READING LUKE IN THE HOLY LAND. Emmaus

A GREAT PROPHET HAS ARISEN AMONG US (LUKE 7:16) READING LUKE IN THE HOLY LAND. Emmaus A GREAT PROPHET HAS ARISEN AMONG US (LUKE 7:16) READING LUKE IN THE HOLY LAND Emmaus READING LUKE IN THE HOLY LAND 1. Introduction 2. Preaching in Nazareth 3. Sermon on the Plain 4. Prayer 5. Transfiguration

More information

BELOW EXPECTATIONS THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER APRIL 30, 2017 BECKY ROBBINS-PENNIMAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, DUNEDIN, FL

BELOW EXPECTATIONS THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER APRIL 30, 2017 BECKY ROBBINS-PENNIMAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, DUNEDIN, FL BELOW EXPECTATIONS THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER APRIL 30, 2017 BECKY ROBBINS-PENNIMAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, DUNEDIN, FL COLLECT OF THE DAY O God, your Son makes himself known to all his disciples in the

More information

SUNDAY APRIL 5, 2015 THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE: The Cross Part 4 From Resurrection Sunday Morning Into Eternity

SUNDAY APRIL 5, 2015 THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE: The Cross Part 4 From Resurrection Sunday Morning Into Eternity THE PASSION of RESURRECTION SUNDAY 2015 THE RESURRECTION OF THE LAMB, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD SUNDAY APRIL 5, 2015 THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE: The Cross Part 4 From Resurrection Sunday Morning

More information

Pass it On: Burning Hearts. <Read scripture Luke 24:13-35>

Pass it On: Burning Hearts. <Read scripture Luke 24:13-35> Rev. Joan Pell Sierra Pines United Methodist Church Sermon: 4/3/16 Series: Pass it On Scripture: Luke 24:13-35 Pass it On: Burning Hearts 13 Now on that same day two of them

More information

SESSION 7 The Promise Fulfilled

SESSION 7 The Promise Fulfilled SESSION 7 The Promise Fulfilled The New Testament recognizes Jesus Christ as the One whom the Old Testament prophets proclaimed would reverse humanity s curse of sin and death. Session 7: The PROMISE FULFILLED

More information

Luke 24:1-12 & King James Version April 1, 2018

Luke 24:1-12 & King James Version April 1, 2018 Luke 24:1-12 & 30-35 King James Version April 1, 2018 The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, April 1, 2018, is from Luke 24:1-12 & 30-35. Questions for Discussion

More information

celebrating God s goodness and renewing our commitment. Our vision became re-embraced somewhat. We continue with our mission of for God s glory we

celebrating God s goodness and renewing our commitment. Our vision became re-embraced somewhat. We continue with our mission of for God s glory we IV. Thy Word Is Truth in Biblical Perspective The Supremacy and Sufficiency of God s Word Thy Word to the World Luke 24 Dr. Harry L. Reeder III February 15, 2015 Morning Sermon We will start looking in

More information

The Cross Through the Tomb

The Cross Through the Tomb JESUS is The Most Excellent Way! The Third Day Luke 24:13 35 NKJV ow behold, two of N them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked

More information

He Has Risen. Sunday school lesson for the week of April 1, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady. Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 2: All Glory and Honor

He Has Risen. Sunday school lesson for the week of April 1, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady. Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 2: All Glory and Honor He Has Risen Sunday school lesson for the week of April 1, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 2: All Glory and Honor Lesson Scripture: Luke 24:1-12, 30-35 Lesson Aims 1. Restate

More information

A PROMISE KEPT. Background Passage: Luke 24:1 35 Lesson Passage: Luke 24:1 12, BEFORE YOU TEACH Consider...

A PROMISE KEPT. Background Passage: Luke 24:1 35 Lesson Passage: Luke 24:1 12, BEFORE YOU TEACH Consider... Lesson 1 for Week of April 1, 2018 A PROMISE KEPT Background Passage: Luke 24:1 35 Lesson Passage: Luke 24:1 12, 30 35 UNIFYING TOPIC: He Has Risen LESSON TEXT I. Remembering the Promise (Luke 24:1 8)

More information

THE RESURRECTION NARRATIVE Luke 24:1-53

THE RESURRECTION NARRATIVE Luke 24:1-53 THE RESURRECTION NARRATIVE Luke 24:1-53 349 The presence of the risen Jesus Jesus is alive Jesus death marked for him, as it does for us all, the end of the only kind of existence of which we human beings

More information

He is Lord! Francis A. Hubbard. Scene 1

He is Lord! Francis A. Hubbard. Scene 1 He is Lord! By Francis A. Hubbard Scene 1 (House lights are out except for those shining on the Stations of the Cross. Congregation softly sings the first verse of Were you there when they crucified my

More information

Resurrection Narrative

Resurrection Narrative Resurrection Narrative The Women Matthew 28 1. After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2. There was a violent earthquake, for

More information

Some Scripture Quotes on Hope

Some Scripture Quotes on Hope Some Scripture Quotes on Hope Psalm 33:18-22 Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

More information

How? This is where we need to learn from the Master. No definitely not me: THE master and for today s master class I give you the Road to Emmaus.

How? This is where we need to learn from the Master. No definitely not me: THE master and for today s master class I give you the Road to Emmaus. Luke 24:13-36 FINDING FAITH As many of you know I watch Top Gear, as show noted more for the antics of its presenters than about motor vehicles. A favourite in Top Gear is the Cheap Car Challenge, where

More information

EMMAUS ROAD STRANGER

EMMAUS ROAD STRANGER Bible Drama Scripts presents EMMAUS ROAD STRANGER By Patricia Souder SYNOPSIS: Cleopas and his companion discuss their encounter with the stranger who joined them as they walked back to Emmaus following

More information

and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 1016(1) Matthew 5.1-12a Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew. When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat

More information

A Good Shepherd Story of Jesus. Emmaus Road. Adapted by: Brenda J. Stobbe

A Good Shepherd Story of Jesus. Emmaus Road. Adapted by: Brenda J. Stobbe A Good Shepherd Story of Jesus Emmaus Road Adapted by: Brenda J. Stobbe ~-------.---~---'-------'------------ _.- -... _- -_..._.. - -------_._--------------_._---- .. -----... -.. --.-------------~--------

More information

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John John 3:16 A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send

More information

The Gospel of the Lord

The Gospel of the Lord Gospel Readings A READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW (42) Matthew 5:1-12a When he saw the crowds, Jesus went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began

More information

GOSPEL READING. A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew

GOSPEL READING. A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew G-1 according to Matthew 5:1-12a When he saw the crowds, Jesus went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit,

More information

GOSPEL READINGS. 1. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:1 12

GOSPEL READINGS. 1. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:1 12 GOSPEL READINGS 1. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:1 12 Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This

More information

Jesus Went Further Luke 24:13-28

Jesus Went Further Luke 24:13-28 Introduction Jesus Went Further Luke 24:13-28 The great salvation story is coming to a close. Jesus made his way to Jerusalem. He s arrested. He s put on trial. He s condemned, crucified and placed in

More information

Created to be like Christ

Created to be like Christ Session 2: Encountering Christ in the sacraments Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything

More information

A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Matthew

A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Matthew Gospel Matthew 5:1-12a G1 A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Matthew When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach

More information

Gospel Portraits of Jesus:

Gospel Portraits of Jesus: A Lenten Study SESSION 6 I am the Resurrection and the Life and I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life are two more ways that Jesus spoke of himself in the Gospel of John. Introduction In session 3 we focused

More information

A Hollow Rock, Broken Bread, A Piece of Fish

A Hollow Rock, Broken Bread, A Piece of Fish A Hollow Rock, Broken Bread, A Piece of Fish LESSONS ON THE RESURRECTION FROM LUKE 24 Cory Waddell HIGHLAND HEIGHTS CHURCH OF CHRIST LEBANON, TN A Hollow Rock, Broken Bread, A Piece of Fish Lessons on

More information

Paul tells us that God s basic plan from eternity past to eternity future is to sum up all things in Christ Ephesians 1:3, 9 10 (ESV)

Paul tells us that God s basic plan from eternity past to eternity future is to sum up all things in Christ Ephesians 1:3, 9 10 (ESV) Date: April 2, 209 Scripture: Acts 2 Paul tells us that God s basic plan from eternity past to eternity future is to sum up all things in Christ Ephesians :3, 9 0 (ESV) 3 Blessed be the God and Father

More information

Sunday, April 30, 2017 Third Sunday of Easter Worship at 9:30 AM GATHERING

Sunday, April 30, 2017 Third Sunday of Easter Worship at 9:30 AM GATHERING Sunday, April 30, 2017 Third Sunday of Easter Worship at 9:30 AM GATHERING Gathering Songs You Are My All in All You are my strength When I am weak You are the treasure That I seek You are my All in All

More information

Children s Liturgy of the Word

Children s Liturgy of the Word Children s Liturgy of the Word in Luke 24, in the story about the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They are filled with emotion, sharing their information, and gossiping with a stranger. While they

More information

A Reading from the Gospel according to Matthew

A Reading from the Gospel according to Matthew Matthew 5:3-12 (Beatitudes) A Reading from the Gospel according to Matthew When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them,

More information

Simply Jesus. The Life and Ministry of God s Son. Lesson 28

Simply Jesus. The Life and Ministry of God s Son. Lesson 28 Simply Jesus The Life and Ministry of God s Son Lesson 28 Introduction He is not here, but is risen! So spoke the angels from the empty tomb to Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary, the mother of James and other

More information

Guided Meditation Rev. Janet P. Salbert, May Verses 13-14: On that same day things that had happened.

Guided Meditation Rev. Janet P. Salbert, May Verses 13-14: On that same day things that had happened. Guided Meditation Rev. Janet P. Salbert, May 2011 Verses 13-14: On that same day things that had happened. Take some time to get into the story a bit further, so imagine you are walking, a seven mile walk,

More information

EMMAUS ROAD STRANGER

EMMAUS ROAD STRANGER Bible Drama Scripts presents EMMAUS ROAD STRANGER By Patricia Souder SYNOPSIS: Cleopas and his companion discuss their encounter with the stranger who joined them as they walked back to Emmaus following

More information

GENERAL CHAPTER 2011 PREPARATION PHASE II WALKING THE EMMAUS JOURNEY TOGETHER

GENERAL CHAPTER 2011 PREPARATION PHASE II WALKING THE EMMAUS JOURNEY TOGETHER GENERAL CHAPTER 2011 PREPARATION PHASE II WALKING THE EMMAUS JOURNEY TOGETHER INTRODUCTION In a presentation at the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) Plenary held in Rome in May 2010, Sister

More information

4/10/15. Luke :1-12 The visitation to the tomb.

4/10/15. Luke :1-12 The visitation to the tomb. 1 2 4/10/15 Luke 24 We come to the closing chapter of the gospel of Luke and it is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1. The resurrection is the very corner stone of Christianity. 2. It is the central

More information

He Is Risen A Rock Opera

He Is Risen A Rock Opera Overture At the tomb, early evening Without Him Mary Magdalene All is lost Now He s gone The dire cost No moving on What will I do without Him? How can I live without Him? He was there To heal my pain

More information

LIVING AS PEOPLE OF THE EUCHARIST

LIVING AS PEOPLE OF THE EUCHARIST LIVING AS PEOPLE OF THE EUCHARIST For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26 IN PRAISE OF GOD Welcome all you noble Saints of

More information

Didn t his followers experience the transforming power of his message before the resurrection?

Didn t his followers experience the transforming power of his message before the resurrection? "The thing that disappoints me about the Southern white church is that it spends all of its time dealing with Jesus after the cross, instead of dealing with Jesus before the cross. You didn't do a thing

More information

65. Jesus on the Emmaus Road Luke 24:13-35 Luke: A Walk Through the Life of Jesus

65. Jesus on the Emmaus Road Luke 24:13-35 Luke: A Walk Through the Life of Jesus 1 65. Jesus on the Emmaus Road Luke 24:13-35 Luke: A Walk Through the Life of Jesus The Unrecognized One In 1984, when my wife and I lived in Jerusalem, Israel, we attended a prayer conference focused

More information

He asked them, What are you discussing together as you walk along?

He asked them, What are you discussing together as you walk along? Talks Emmaus Road http://www.myfishbites.com/talks-emmaus.php Road To Emmaus This is the true account of how (after Jesus had risen from the dead), Jesus walked and talked with two of his disciples. It's

More information

From Wimps to Warriors Luke 24:36-53

From Wimps to Warriors Luke 24:36-53 From Wimps to Warriors Luke 24:36-53 What could possibly explain such a transformation? At the beginning of this passage, we find the disciples cowering in fear in an upper room. Of course, given the events

More information

Series: Holy Land Tour 2016 Text: Luke 24:13-35 Title: You Missed Something

Series: Holy Land Tour 2016 Text: Luke 24:13-35 Title: You Missed Something Sermon for July 3, 2016 Boscobel & Mt. Zion UMCs Series: Holy Land Tour 2016 Text: Luke 24:13-35 Title: You Missed Something Introduction: Good Morning BMZ! So Glad you DID NOT MISS TODAY. This is the

More information

St. Christopher Hellenic Orthodox Church

St. Christopher Hellenic Orthodox Church Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople: www.patriarchate.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Website: www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta Website: www.atlanta.goarch.org St. Christopher

More information

On a Road to Emmaus. April 30, A Reading from the Gospel According to Luke. Chapter 24:13-35

On a Road to Emmaus. April 30, A Reading from the Gospel According to Luke. Chapter 24:13-35 On a Road to Emmaus April 30, 2017 A Reading from the Gospel According to Luke Chapter 24:13-35 13 And look, on the same day, two of them were traveling to a village about seven miles from Jerusalem, whose

More information

(*) Those who are able are asked to stand during these parts of the service. GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (We welcome our fellow worshipers.

(*) Those who are able are asked to stand during these parts of the service. GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (We welcome our fellow worshipers. (*) Those who are able are asked to stand during these parts of the service. GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (We welcome our fellow worshipers.) (*) PROCESSIONAL HYMN Love Divine, All Loves Excelling... LSB

More information

Text: Luke 24:13-35 Title: Burned Out or Fired Up?

Text: Luke 24:13-35 Title: Burned Out or Fired Up? Text: Luke 24:13-35 Title: Burned Out or Fired Up? The title of my message today is a question Burned Out or Fired Up? Which of those would characterize your life today your marriage your career your relationship

More information

Their eyes were opened and they recognized Him their hearts burned within them. - Luke 24:31-32 Today s Bible Verse: Luke 24:13-34

Their eyes were opened and they recognized Him their hearts burned within them. - Luke 24:31-32 Today s Bible Verse: Luke 24:13-34 Their eyes were opened and they recognized Him their hearts burned within them. - Luke 24:31-32 Today s Bible Verse: Luke 24:13-34 Today s Theme: We all want to be a part of something that is far greater

More information

The Life of Christ - Lesson 41: Date - Sunday, 4/7/30 AD, 18 Nisan - The Resurrection

The Life of Christ - Lesson 41: Date - Sunday, 4/7/30 AD, 18 Nisan - The Resurrection The Life of Christ - Lesson 41 Date - Sunday, 4/7/30 AD, 18 Nisan The Resurrection While Mary Magdalene left the other women at the tomb and was running to get Peter and John, the rest of the women lingered

More information

The Sunset Road that turned to Dawn

The Sunset Road that turned to Dawn The Sunset Road that turned to Dawn Luke 24:13-35 1 The first church I served as pastor was a small county-seat congregation in Nicholas County, Kentucky. We moved to the town of Carlisle, population 1,800,

More information

Break Through Psalm 23, Acts 9: 36-43, Luke 24:13-35

Break Through Psalm 23, Acts 9: 36-43, Luke 24:13-35 A sermon delivered by The Rev. Timothy C. Ahrens, Sr. Minister, The First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Columbus, Ohio, April 29, 2007, dedicated to the three women of faith: in memory

More information

The Gospel of Mark. Walking with the Servant Savior. Lesson 21 Mark 16:1 20. He Is Risen!

The Gospel of Mark. Walking with the Servant Savior. Lesson 21 Mark 16:1 20. He Is Risen! The Gospel of Mark Walking with the Servant Savior Lesson 21 Mark 16:1 20 Day One: He Is Risen! The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith. Throughout the centuries, many

More information

Harmony of Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Harmony of Resurrection of Jesus Christ HOME SERMONS & BIBLE STUDIES FEEDBACK ABIDE IN CHRIST SEARCH PERSONAL GROWTH LINKS CHRIST IN O.T. ARCHIVE Harmony of Resurrection of Jesus Christ Event Time MARK MATTHEW LUKE JOHN Activities Visit of the

More information

Inspired to Follow: Art and the Bible Story Session 16: The Resurrection

Inspired to Follow: Art and the Bible Story Session 16: The Resurrection Luke 24: 25-35 Session 16: The Resurrection 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some

More information

A Heartwarming Report from Emmaus. April 30, Divine Service with Holy Communion

A Heartwarming Report from Emmaus. April 30, Divine Service with Holy Communion A Heartwarming Report from Emmaus April 30, 2017 Divine Service with Holy Communion OPENING HYMN Jesus Christ, My Sure Defense 206 (1-5) The Lutheran Hymnal INVOCATION M: In the name of the Father and

More information

The second thing Paul makes a big deal about is that according to the Scriptures He was crucified, raised and appeared to over five hundred people

The second thing Paul makes a big deal about is that according to the Scriptures He was crucified, raised and appeared to over five hundred people Holy Week in Biblical Perspective Resurrection Sabbath The Resurrection Appearances: Who? When? Why? John 20:1 18 Dr. Harry Reeder March 31, 2013 Morning Sermon John 20:1 18 says [1] Now on the first day

More information

ORDER FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD

ORDER FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD A PRAYING COMMUNITY ORDER FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD Park Cities Presbyterian Church April 8, 2007 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 am Resurrection Sunday To all who are spiritually weary and seek rest; to all who mourn

More information

A LITTLE WALK WITH JESUS

A LITTLE WALK WITH JESUS A LITTLE WALK WITH JESUS (Luke 24:13-35) INTRODUCTION A pastor by the name of Phil Callaway said that one sleepy Sunday afternoon when his son was five-years-old, they drove past a cemetery together. Noticing

More information

INTRODUCTION A PILGRIMAGE OF THE HEART

INTRODUCTION A PILGRIMAGE OF THE HEART 9 INTRODUCTION A PILGRIMAGE OF THE HEART When pilgrims walk the Camino de Santiago, they deliberately head for a religious destination, whatever personal reason they might have for making the journey.

More information