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[0:00] Thank you, Derek. We're going to be continuing that. Luke chapter 24, verses 25 to 53.

[0:12] ! We need a time of refreshing, don't we?

[0:33] I don't know by you, but I see endless news cycles, memes about the news cycles. I see posts, opinions, and I just sometimes feel like I just, you know, I need an emotional shower.

[0:47] And I think of this time that we're in and what we've been celebrating over this weekend. And it can be a reset for our soul. You know, these guys that Derek was talking about just now, there's so much in that little passage.

[1:01] It's one of my favorites, like top ten favorites in the Bible. Because it shows us a couple of things. One, that God has a great sense of humor. He really does.

[1:12] These guys are walking along, and he knows exactly who he is. He knows what's happened. And he's trolling them. What things? You know, what do you mean? Like what? Who?

[1:23] And you can see that they're starting to get, you know, just mildly frustrated. Like, where have you been, pal? That you don't know what's going on. And they explain what happened.

[1:35] And the Lord just, I think, moves into this with some grace. But there's also a bit of a rebuke. We need a time of refreshing. We've got to shake the dust off of our shoulders.

[1:47] We have to remember who we believe in, why we believe in him. And it's seasons like this that we're reminded exactly why we believe in the Lord. I ended up the Good Friday service with some questions.

[2:02] What was on Jesus' mind as he died on the cross? And if you were here, you remember, I just simply said, you. And I walked off.

[2:13] Because that is what was on Jesus' mind. And now we see the risen Christ. We see him on this road to Emmaus. We see him with these two guys who had lost joy.

[2:25] Their hope was crumbling. And in the world that we live in right now, it can feel like there's a loss of joy or hope is crumbling. And so what does he say to them here?

[2:36] Because they were filled with doubt. Verses 25 and 26. And he said to them, Oh, foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.

[2:49] Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? Jesus didn't encourage them in their doubt. Not at all.

[2:59] He actually rebuked them for having a slow heart. Because whatever we want to think, whatever people, whatever challenges people have with the gospel of Christ, they want to say it's a head issue.

[3:12] But really, it's a heart issue. And that's where Jesus is looking at. You slow of heart. Believe in Jesus as the risen Son of God.

[3:24] Verse 26 again says, Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? They should have believed all that the prophets had spoken. We have the blessing of this, of a Bible.

[3:39] And it is a great blessing to have. Because we can read of very imperfect people like you and me, reconciling with a perfect God.

[3:50] And we can't do it on our own steam. This is the message of the cross. That he came to set us free for dying for our sins. And the beauty is that in his victory, he rose again.

[4:04] And that's what we celebrate today. These guys had lost their hope and their joy. Proverbs 13, 12 says, Hope deferred makes a heart grow sick.

[4:17] But a longing or a desire, depending on your translation, fulfilled, is a tree of life. And if you're like me, you've had seasons where your hope has been put off.

[4:30] Your hope has been deferred. You've been hoping beyond hope for something to happen. You've been hoping beyond hope for some good to come your way. You've been hoping beyond hope for healing.

[4:42] Inside, out, or both. And still you wait. And that deferred heart, that deferred hope can make your heart sick. And these guys were walking along and they're thinking, It's the third day.

[4:55] He said he would be back. Where is he? I really thought he was the one. I was convinced. Where is he? But they missed the fact that he was walking right behind them.

[5:07] And if we're not careful, we can miss when Jesus draws close to us too. One of the things I can point out though is that they did not lose their desire.

[5:19] Not for a moment. They were talking about Jesus. They were reminding each other of what had happened. And Jesus himself is hearing them recount these stories. The things that had happened days prior.

[5:30] The promises that were just unfolding now. It says in verse 27, And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

[5:46] You know, I want to pause there for a second because I think it's too easy to breeze over it. This is the greatest Bible study that has ever happened before or after, since, and will ever happen again.

[5:57] Jesus himself leading a Bible study talking about the Messiah. Yeah. Doesn't get any better than that. And I don't mean to offend any Bible study leaders in this room. Okay. Jesus is better than all of us.

[6:10] I hope we know that. The resurrected Jesus goes back to the scriptures. The same ones that his mother would have taught him while he sat on her knee.

[6:22] The same ones she would have raised him with throughout his life as a boy. Simply this. The Messiah is the seed of the woman whose heel was bruised.

[6:35] The Messiah is the blessing of Abraham to all nations. The Messiah is the high priest after the order of Melchizedek. The Messiah is the man who wrestled with Jacob, is the lion of the tribe of Judah, the voice of the burning bush, the Passover lamb, the prophet greater than Moses, the captain of the Lord's army who spoke with Joshua, the ultimate kinsman redeemer in Ruth, the son of David, a king greater than David, the suffering savior in Psalm 22, the good shepherd in Psalm 23.

[7:10] He's the wisdom in the book of Proverbs. He's the savior described in the prophets, the suffering servant and savior in Isaiah 53, the princely Messiah who will establish a kingdom that will never end.

[7:25] That is our Jesus. That is who is alive and well today. And these guys still had no idea who they were walking with after that Bible study, but there was something about him.

[7:40] There was something about him. And maybe you've been with someone like that, where, you know, they're just something about them. They're just in tune with the Lord in that moment. And it was like that here, because this conversation stirred something deep in their hearts.

[7:58] Verses 28 to 32. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going further, but they urged him strongly.

[8:10] And let's just say this. There's different translations that express this differently, but behind it all, the idea of urging someone strongly, this virus to walk over there, grab Kyle by the shoulders and pull him over here.

[8:23] Okay. I'm not going to do that. But urging strongly is like laying hands. No, you're coming with us. That's what it was like. Stay with us for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.

[8:38] So he went in to stay with them. And when he was at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him.

[8:50] And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures.

[9:02] We want to think that sharing communion was something that clicked in, that they thought, this is him. But we have no actual scriptural reason to believe these guys were at the last supper.

[9:19] We have no reason to believe that they had witnessed Jesus serving communion. There was something else. It's interesting that he's breaking the bread because he was not the host of the house.

[9:34] And that was the host's job. This was not Jesus's home. And yet there was something that was a quiet authority about him where they deferred.

[9:45] And it was almost like, I want to believe that their hearts were just starting to tune in. This man is different. Please, would you lead us in communion? Will you guide us through this thing?

[9:58] He took the place of the host. It wasn't his bread, his table. But like I said, there was a quiet authority. Maybe it was the way that he blessed the food.

[10:10] Because the disciples of Jesus would have heard him pray. Could you imagine that for a moment? Hearing Jesus pray? I mean, we can read his words. We can read his prayer.

[10:21] But imagine that quiet authority where Jesus starts to pray and you're just like, it's him. It's him. You're back. Just like you said.

[10:32] It's you. Can you imagine how your heart would leap? If you were in the present moment, their eyes were opened. Because there was something about that moment.

[10:45] And it's true. Jesus can be right beside you. I'm not saying anybody beside you right now is Jesus. Just pointing that out. But he could be right beside you.

[10:59] In front of you. Showing you the truth from his word. And it's possible we'd miss him. Because our hearts were not prepared. It's possible that we would miss the Messiah.

[11:12] Because we were distracted by all the news and the memes. All of the disheartening things that happen in this world. Because it's easier sometimes to fill our minds and our eyes with all of these things that are being waterboarded.

[11:27] Right? But we don't want to miss the Messiah. Because we're too distracted by these things. We need soft and prayerful hearts. Soft and prayerful hearts.

[11:40] Because how awful would it be if he was drawing close to us and we missed him? Because we were distracted. Or our hearts were hard. Verses 33 to 35.

[11:53] And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and those who were with them gathered. Saying the Lord has risen indeed. And has appeared to Simon. Then they told what happened on the road.

[12:05] And how he was known to them in the breaking of bread. What that man taught us when we were walking with him. Our hearts were burning. When was the last time our hearts burned?

[12:18] When we read the word of God. If you're like me, sometimes there's a valley between those moments. If we're honest with ourselves, it's not every day.

[12:31] But there have been times. And when you know that your heart is burning. When you're reading the word of God. When you're hearing the word of God. The Lord is doing something special within you.

[12:43] Son. Daughter. I see you. I hear you. Come and follow me. I believe that's what he says. Even when they didn't know it was Jesus.

[12:57] Their hearts still burned. Because the ministry of God's word. If we feel like everything has been distracting. If we feel like the news cycles have been just too depressing.

[13:08] And too difficult. Then let's get back into God's word. And read this daily. Let our hearts soak in it. And be softened by it. Pick it up. And start to read it. And there's a couple of challenges I can leave out.

[13:19] And I've left one about. It was almost 30 days ago. With the John challenge. Where you just start reading the book of John. One chapter a day. And you start making notes. Is there a prayer to pray? A sin to confess?

[13:31] Someone to pray for? Something to pray for yourself? Right? And just start looking at it that way. If you want to do something a little like less committal than journaling.

[13:42] That's fine. Read a proverb a day. There's about as many proverbs for days of the month. So today is what? April 5th? Read Proverbs 5. And tomorrow 6.

[13:53] Just start with simple steps. To get back into the word of God. And let your heart burn. And then share it with someone. It's funny that these guys.

[14:04] Their immediate reaction is. We've got to go tell everybody. Right? Let's go back to the boys. Let's tell them. And all of the people with them. Let's go and tell. Verses 36 to 40.

[14:18] And as they were talking about these things. Jesus himself stood among them. And said to them. Peace to you. But they were startled and frightened. And thought they had sought a spirit. And he said to them.

[14:29] Why are you troubled? And why did doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet? That it is I myself. Touch me and see. For spirit does not have flesh and bones.

[14:40] As you see that I have. And when he had said this. He showed them his hands and feet. Jesus appeared suddenly in the room. We can read over that far too quickly.

[14:51] That was a miraculous. A miraculous appearance. He was different. And Jesus showed himself to them. And he wanted to do so for two reasons. I believe.

[15:01] To establish his identity. This wasn't a copy. This isn't somebody that looks similar to Jesus. This is Jesus himself. And he wanted to show his followers.

[15:13] Especially his close followers. It's really me guys. It really is. He also wanted them to know with certainty. That his body was for real.

[15:24] Not a ghost. This is flesh and bone. Right here. And we can hold hands. We can pray together. You can feel the holes in my hands. In my wrist. You can feel those things.

[15:36] Jesus was real. And the disciples were not in a place. Where they were so quick to believe. We have to have compassion on them. It'd be easy to read this.

[15:46] And kind of say. You morons. How could you possibly miss him? He's right in front of you. But think about it from their perspective. They were raised in a tradition. They were raised to follow a good tradition.

[15:59] And then suddenly. Jesus comes on the scene. And their world is turned upside down. And they follow the Messiah. And they see miracles.

[16:10] And healings. The fulfillment of prophecy. They see him become exactly who the Lord had been saying. That is being sent. The Messiah has come.

[16:21] And their world would be turned upside down. And they miss the times. When Jesus repeatedly started talking about the end of the world. They miss those times.

[16:31] When he started saying. You know. My body will be taken down. But in three days. This temple will be raised up. They missed these clues. Because they weren't thinking of it. You know.

[16:42] When I'm in that sweet place. And especially with somebody you know. And it's like. It's a good thing. And there's a part of you. That's like. Man. I hope this never ends. And then.

[16:52] They crucify Jesus. You imagine being a disciple. Then. What do we do? I thought he was the one. And so I have compassion for these guys on the road to Emmaus.

[17:06] I really do. Because. In their hearts. They were so sold out and believing. They believed wholeheartedly. This is the Messiah. And now he's dead.

[17:18] What do we do now? But then. There were rumblings. Rumors. He's alive. The tomb is empty. He's alive.

[17:30] No. It can't be. No. I won't believe it until I see it. That's. The state of mind. These guys are in. They had to be persuaded.

[17:41] Because their immediate reaction. Was disbelief. Jesus is like. Look. Touch me. This is me. Their immediate reaction. Was disbelief.

[17:52] Who does that sound like? Us. Our reaction to the Lord sometimes. Can be disbelief. Oh no. It's too good to be true. It is.

[18:03] True. It's a great true. But we can react. With unbelief at times. 41 to 43. And. While they still disbelieved.

[18:14] For joy. And were marveling. He said to them. Have you anything here to eat? They gave him a piece of broiled fish. And he took it. And ate before them. I will say. You know.

[18:24] When I was a youth pastor. I had several guys. And this was their favorite verse. Have you anything to eat? That's the one thing they would memorize. They'd come in my house. Hey. Have you anything to eat?

[18:35] It's in the Bible. Right? Jesus is doing it here. It may be. That they didn't believe. Because it was just too good to be true. Some reject the gospel. Because it sounds like it's too easy.

[18:47] Well it's not. But I will say this. Romans 10. 9 says very simply. If you believe in your heart. And you confess with your mouth. That Jesus is Lord. And rose from the dead.

[18:57] You will be saved. That. Is. It. I can't make it more complicated than that. Even if you wanted me to. I can't. It's as simple as that.

[19:08] And I've said it before. And I'll repeat it again. You may think. Well. You know. What's that really like? Well. I tell you. Jamie told me. To this Thai food place in Sunray.

[19:19] Like a year ago. You know. I went there. I couldn't shut up about it. That place is great. Good food. Jesus is Lord. See. When you find something good.

[19:31] You tell the world about it. When you find Jesus. You tell the world about it. That's all it takes. Is to believe so wholeheartedly in your heart. That you'll tell everybody. Thai food is great.

[19:43] Okay. Jesus is great. I should say. Jesus wanted their faith. To be a reasoned faith. He didn't want them. Just to be excited. He wanted them to understand.

[19:54] What it was that was happening. Jesus is risen. It's real. This is not your imagination. We did not make this up. And even though we have. Decades and centuries.

[20:05] And centuries. Between ourselves. And this period. It's still real today. Jesus is still alive. He's in heaven. Praying for each one. One of us here.

[20:17] Interceding. What a beautiful thought that is. Jesus wants us to think. And believe. And he wants us to have the faith.

[20:28] That can celebrate joy. And believe through the grief. Because this world presents grief to us. But we can still celebrate with joy. For what he's done.

[20:40] Jesus was so committed to them. He wanted to eat. To prove this was real. You know. I will say. I'm a little bit of an introverted cat. And the idea of somebody watching me eat.

[20:53] Doesn't sound great. And as the Lord has a sense of humor. There was a time years ago. Where I had a friend who was a seminary student. And his name was Rajan Matthew.

[21:04] You know. An East Indian guy. Wonderful family. Wanted us to come over for dinner. And so we did. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Because apparently. Culturally. It's very very polite.

[21:16] For the host to feed you first. And then they sit there. And they talk with you. But they're watching you eat. And of course. There's no cutlery. So you have to use your fingers. And then shovel with your thumb.

[21:28] You know. And like this. I'd never done that before. At least not like this. You know. And so I'm kind of like this. With rice and curry. And I'm thinking. This is the worst experience I've had in a while. You know. Like this is really bad.

[21:39] And Rajon's sitting there. And he's like. Oh this is wonderful. So glad to have you guys here. It was a nightmare. I tell you. But Jesus wanted them to see him eat. Because a ghost doesn't do that.

[21:50] A fake doesn't do that. And you know. There's something about eating with someone. That is recognizable. You'll know what I mean. If you eat with someone long enough. You'll see how they eat. Some people eat like they're in prison.

[22:01] And they just get it down. As fast as they possibly can. Other people take their time. They cut up everything. They separate the food. Right. We all have our little things. Okay. But seeing Jesus eat.

[22:13] Would have been a very familiar thing. For the disciples. Because they spent years. Watching him eat. Around a campfire. Out in the wilderness. In the towns.

[22:24] They would have seen him eat. And this would have been a recognizable thing. I think Jesus did this to show. Look guys. It's me. This is real. Powerful evidence.

[22:35] Verses 44 to 48. And 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. And the law of Moses.

[22:46] And the prophets. And the Psalms. Must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds. To understand the scriptures. And said to them. Thus it is written. That the Christ should suffer. And on the third day.

[22:57] Rise from the dead. And that repentance. For the forgiveness. Of sins. Should be proclaimed in his name. To all nations. Beginning from Jerusalem. You are my witnesses.

[23:08] Of these things. The risen Jesus. Had two Bible studies. In one day. Amazing. Right? And he had them with his disciples. The physical.

[23:19] Risen Jesus. Was right in front of them. If there ever was a time. For Jesus. Or anyone to say. Put your Bible away. And just listen to me.

[23:30] This would have been the moment. And yet Jesus. The risen Messiah. Said. Let's go to the word. If that doesn't emphasize. The importance. Of the word of God.

[23:41] In our lives. I'm not sure what does. Because if anybody. Had the right. To say. Put away your Bibles. It would be Jesus. And he. Was recalling.

[23:51] The word of God. To them. So let us take that lesson. Verses. 49 to 53. And I'll close shortly after. And behold. I'm sending the promise.

[24:02] Of my father upon you. But stay in the city. Until you are clothed. With power from on high. And he led them out. As far as Bethany. And lifting up his hands. He blessed them. And while he blessed them.

[24:13] He parted from them. And was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him. And returned to Jerusalem. With great joy. And were continually. In the temple. Blessing God. There's three things.

[24:25] I think we have to call attention to here. One. Just consider the posture. Of Jesus. Arms stretched out. Blessing his people. This was the position of a priest.

[24:36] Blessing his people. It's beautiful. There was wisdom. In his ascension. As well. Because. His physical presence. Was leaving this earth. And would not be coming back.

[24:48] Until his return. So this was like a bookmark. He's coming back. Jesus. Jesus. Is coming back. He wanted his people.

[25:00] To know that he was leaving. And that there wouldn't be a person. Who claimed to be Jesus. No. Jesus. Himself. Was leaving. And would return again. One day.

[25:12] And number three. He also sent the Holy Spirit. And that's what he told his disciples. To wait for. And ten days later. The Holy Spirit fell. So. Thank you Lord.

[25:24] For this blessing. That we received from you. Thank you Lord. Thank you for the cross. If there's anybody here.

[25:35] And I include myself with this. That needs a time of refreshing. With the Holy Spirit. Today's a pretty good day. And all it takes is just.

[25:45] While we sing this last song. In prayer. Say Lord. Lord. I need you. I need you. It's been too hard. This difficulty.

[25:56] Has been too long. My hope has been deferred. I'm struggling with belief. You fill in the blank. Of whatever it is. You need to say to the Lord. But do it today.

[26:08] And let his Holy Spirit. Fill you. And bring great joy. And courage. And belief. Through the difficulty. Because whatever happens. To this world. It is in God's hands.

[26:19] And we are in God's hands too. Let's pray. Thank you.