WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.419 Well, with any event in history, there will always be different perspectives. Everyone who sees an event in history will see things from a different point of view. 00:00:12.419 --> 00:00:24.980 ! So, take church this morning. If somebody asks you this afternoon, how was church this morning? And what do you remember about it? What impression did church make on you? 00:00:24.980 --> 00:00:33.500 There is no doubt, is there, that your answer will be different to the person next to you, even if you have been living with that person for the last 50 years. 00:00:33.740 --> 00:00:46.260 We all have attended the same church service, at the same time, in the same place, and all our answers may well be reliable and true, but all our answers won't be the same. 00:00:46.259 --> 00:00:55.320 We all have, won't we, different perspectives. And that is true with any historical event, and with any eyewitness testimony. 00:00:56.399 --> 00:01:00.259 And so it's no less true when you come to the resurrection of Jesus. 00:01:01.519 --> 00:01:07.560 Many people at the time were aware that something strange and something surprising had happened. 00:01:07.560 --> 00:01:14.740 Some were beginning to develop firm convictions about it. Others were just confused. 00:01:15.859 --> 00:01:21.799 But over time, people's understanding grew in clarity, and a consensus emerged about what had happened. 00:01:22.939 --> 00:01:26.659 And that is when people like Luke, Dr. Luke, started to write it all down. 00:01:27.719 --> 00:01:30.740 But when he did, he still had a lot of choices to make. 00:01:32.420 --> 00:01:37.460 Luke would have to ask himself, how do I tell the story of the resurrection? 00:01:38.500 --> 00:01:41.939 What perspective shall I share with my reader, Theophilus? 00:01:42.680 --> 00:01:46.359 What shall I include? What shall I leave out? 00:01:47.320 --> 00:01:49.760 Because he couldn't write about absolutely everything. 00:01:50.180 --> 00:01:55.980 And so, guided by the spirit of the risen Jesus, Luke makes his decisions. 00:01:57.340 --> 00:02:00.719 And he writes this final great chapter of his Gospel, Luke 24. 00:02:00.719 --> 00:02:08.740 And as we reflect on this chapter this morning, I want us to think, first of all, about the decisions that he made when he wrote this chapter. 00:02:10.060 --> 00:02:14.620 I want to think for a few moments, how did Luke actually choose to tell his story? 00:02:14.620 --> 00:02:18.219 And first of all, I want you to notice what he leaves out. 00:02:19.039 --> 00:02:20.259 What he leaves out. 00:02:21.480 --> 00:02:22.439 It's fascinating. 00:02:22.580 --> 00:02:25.180 We're not actually told how Jesus' resurrection happened. 00:02:25.180 --> 00:02:31.219 We're not told how the stone was rolled away from the tomb. 00:02:32.420 --> 00:02:37.360 We're not told what happened to the soldiers who were guarding in front of the tomb. 00:02:37.360 --> 00:02:45.020 We're not told, are we, when Jesus' body surged again with life, that moment. 00:02:46.320 --> 00:02:48.420 Whether he walked out of the tomb. 00:02:49.380 --> 00:02:51.240 Or he just disappeared like that. 00:02:51.780 --> 00:02:53.120 We're not told any of that. 00:02:53.120 --> 00:02:57.480 Now, in one sense, that's entirely unsurprising. 00:02:58.140 --> 00:02:59.680 Because nobody saw any of that today. 00:03:00.659 --> 00:03:04.780 So he would have no place in an eyewitness account, because they didn't see it. 00:03:05.300 --> 00:03:12.040 Instead, as we read Luke 24, we experience the resurrection as the eyewitnesses. 00:03:12.180 --> 00:03:14.680 As those who saw it experienced it. 00:03:15.659 --> 00:03:20.900 And as they encountered the empty tomb and the risen Jesus himself. 00:03:20.900 --> 00:03:27.379 And the effect of that is to really authenticate the resurrection of Jesus. 00:03:28.400 --> 00:03:36.040 Not through some scientific method, explanation, of how a dead body was restored to life again. 00:03:36.360 --> 00:03:38.439 But through the testimonies of the people. 00:03:39.340 --> 00:03:41.540 The people who saw the person. 00:03:42.180 --> 00:03:45.740 Who two days earlier had been undeniably dead. 00:03:46.819 --> 00:03:49.040 And the other effect of reading the story this way. 00:03:49.039 --> 00:03:54.319 Is we're given insight into the impact of this event on people. 00:03:55.939 --> 00:03:58.620 That we're not just dealing with the facts this morning. 00:03:58.699 --> 00:03:59.699 But praise God we are. 00:03:59.919 --> 00:04:01.620 But it's not just the facts. 00:04:02.379 --> 00:04:05.539 But with people's reactions and their emotions. 00:04:06.840 --> 00:04:13.079 We come face to face with the impression that the risen Jesus made on people. 00:04:13.080 --> 00:04:19.139 And because of that, I think we'll find that Luke's account raises great questions. 00:04:19.720 --> 00:04:22.199 As to how are you going to respond to it. 00:04:23.360 --> 00:04:25.160 How are you going to react to it this morning. 00:04:26.500 --> 00:04:30.280 How are you going to feel about the resurrection of Jesus. 00:04:31.800 --> 00:04:33.900 Secondly, I want to point to you, what does Luke put in? 00:04:34.860 --> 00:04:35.780 What does he put in? 00:04:35.779 --> 00:04:41.139 And Luke's chosen method is, Luke tells us three separate stories. 00:04:42.179 --> 00:04:45.439 All set on one remarkable day. 00:04:46.739 --> 00:04:49.279 He doesn't choose to tell us anything about Easter Monday. 00:04:50.119 --> 00:04:52.479 He doesn't tell us anything about Tuesday. 00:04:53.119 --> 00:04:54.479 Or the rest of the week. 00:04:55.399 --> 00:04:59.019 In fact, with the exception of a couple of short verses right at the end of the chapter. 00:04:59.019 --> 00:05:02.419 Which describes Jesus, how he ascended into heaven. 00:05:03.539 --> 00:05:10.699 The whole chapter is telling us about people's experiences on that very first Easter Sunday. 00:05:11.719 --> 00:05:15.439 The Sunday after the Friday when Jesus had been crucified and killed. 00:05:16.459 --> 00:05:19.259 In the first of the three stories, which is in 1-12. 00:05:19.879 --> 00:05:21.039 He tells us about the women. 00:05:21.719 --> 00:05:23.279 The women who went to the tomb. 00:05:23.839 --> 00:05:26.419 To assist in the embalming process. 00:05:26.420 --> 00:05:27.900 The wrapping up process. 00:05:28.480 --> 00:05:29.540 For Jesus' dead body. 00:05:30.680 --> 00:05:32.160 And they found that the tomb. 00:05:32.900 --> 00:05:34.100 Is surprisingly open. 00:05:34.280 --> 00:05:36.920 And Jesus' body has gone. 00:05:38.060 --> 00:05:40.020 And they are deeply confused. 00:05:41.300 --> 00:05:43.720 And then two angels appear. 00:05:44.300 --> 00:05:47.020 And tell them that they were looking for the living. 00:05:47.379 --> 00:05:48.600 Among the dead. 00:05:49.860 --> 00:05:51.040 And it occurred to them. 00:05:51.040 --> 00:05:53.879 And that is exactly what Jesus predicted earlier. 00:05:54.020 --> 00:05:54.740 Through his life. 00:05:54.740 --> 00:05:57.680 So like the angel said. 00:05:58.180 --> 00:06:00.340 So the women race back to tell the men. 00:06:01.600 --> 00:06:03.699 Most of the men think that Jesus is kind of. 00:06:03.840 --> 00:06:05.000 Think of the women are. 00:06:05.120 --> 00:06:06.939 At least a cup of sandwiches short of a picnic. 00:06:07.319 --> 00:06:08.660 They think they've gone mad. 00:06:09.160 --> 00:06:10.300 But Peter at least. 00:06:10.420 --> 00:06:11.920 He hotfoots it to the tomb. 00:06:12.720 --> 00:06:14.259 And he sees. 00:06:14.480 --> 00:06:15.680 What the women had seen. 00:06:16.620 --> 00:06:17.879 An empty cave. 00:06:18.680 --> 00:06:19.540 And strips of linen. 00:06:19.540 --> 00:06:22.240 Which just a few hours earlier. 00:06:22.360 --> 00:06:23.620 Had wrapped the body of Jesus. 00:06:24.600 --> 00:06:25.540 A lifeless Jesus. 00:06:26.819 --> 00:06:28.060 The second of Luke's story. 00:06:28.520 --> 00:06:30.360 Is in verses 13 to 35. 00:06:30.460 --> 00:06:31.580 We're going to look at that a little bit later. 00:06:31.980 --> 00:06:33.100 And the couple of disciples. 00:06:33.360 --> 00:06:34.820 Meet the risen Jesus. 00:06:35.340 --> 00:06:36.879 On the road where they're travelling. 00:06:38.120 --> 00:06:39.220 Luke's third story. 00:06:39.660 --> 00:06:41.420 Is in verses 36 to 49. 00:06:41.420 --> 00:06:44.560 And many of Jesus' friends there. 00:06:44.640 --> 00:06:45.340 Gathered together. 00:06:45.680 --> 00:06:46.860 When all of a sudden. 00:06:47.080 --> 00:06:47.379 Poop. 00:06:47.379 --> 00:06:49.319 Jesus appears amongst them. 00:06:50.240 --> 00:06:51.500 And he proves to them. 00:06:51.560 --> 00:06:52.339 He is not a ghost. 00:06:53.120 --> 00:06:54.339 He is a real human being. 00:06:54.439 --> 00:06:55.240 Come back to life. 00:06:55.800 --> 00:06:56.879 The sort of human being. 00:06:57.000 --> 00:06:57.980 That eats fish. 00:06:59.139 --> 00:07:00.639 And explains things to people. 00:07:01.500 --> 00:07:02.699 And he explains them. 00:07:02.800 --> 00:07:04.500 That everything that has taken place. 00:07:05.019 --> 00:07:06.379 Was in fulfilment. 00:07:07.000 --> 00:07:09.180 To what the Old Testament foreshadowed. 00:07:09.199 --> 00:07:10.480 The Old Testament pointed forward. 00:07:11.420 --> 00:07:13.360 So those are Luke's three stories. 00:07:13.879 --> 00:07:14.839 But they are united. 00:07:14.839 --> 00:07:17.539 By one 24 hour period. 00:07:19.599 --> 00:07:20.479 Verse 13. 00:07:20.619 --> 00:07:21.959 The conversation took place. 00:07:22.219 --> 00:07:23.719 On the road to Emmaus. 00:07:24.019 --> 00:07:25.519 On the same day. 00:07:25.959 --> 00:07:27.039 That the women and Peter. 00:07:27.259 --> 00:07:28.259 Found the empty tomb. 00:07:28.899 --> 00:07:30.359 Verse 36 tells us. 00:07:30.579 --> 00:07:32.399 That it was while Jesus' followers. 00:07:32.799 --> 00:07:33.879 Were still talking. 00:07:33.959 --> 00:07:35.419 After they'd come back from Emmaus. 00:07:35.419 --> 00:07:37.339 And they joined with the other disciples. 00:07:37.579 --> 00:07:38.059 From Jerusalem. 00:07:38.419 --> 00:07:40.379 They were still talking about what had happened. 00:07:41.039 --> 00:07:42.339 Then all of a sudden. 00:07:42.479 --> 00:07:43.459 He's in the room with them. 00:07:43.459 --> 00:07:46.279 It is Sunday isn't it? 00:07:47.419 --> 00:07:47.919 It is Sunday. 00:07:49.620 --> 00:07:50.439 For those people. 00:07:50.560 --> 00:07:52.560 What a remarkable 24 hours. 00:07:53.759 --> 00:07:55.319 Their heads must have been spinning. 00:07:55.519 --> 00:07:57.039 When they got to bed that night. 00:07:58.180 --> 00:07:59.039 But nevertheless. 00:07:59.399 --> 00:08:01.099 The emerging consensus. 00:08:01.659 --> 00:08:03.060 About what had taken place. 00:08:03.159 --> 00:08:04.339 Was beginning to become clear. 00:08:04.459 --> 00:08:05.439 Even on that day. 00:08:06.339 --> 00:08:07.459 And it gets clearer. 00:08:07.699 --> 00:08:08.159 And clearer. 00:08:08.159 --> 00:08:08.699 And clearer. 00:08:08.839 --> 00:08:10.519 Can you see in verse 6. 00:08:10.959 --> 00:08:11.519 We read. 00:08:12.319 --> 00:08:13.019 He is risen. 00:08:13.459 --> 00:08:15.299 Verse 34. 00:08:16.239 --> 00:08:17.199 The Lord. 00:08:17.819 --> 00:08:18.680 Has risen. 00:08:19.979 --> 00:08:20.739 Verse 46. 00:08:20.879 --> 00:08:21.739 This is what is written. 00:08:21.859 --> 00:08:22.219 The Christ. 00:08:22.299 --> 00:08:22.759 God suffer. 00:08:22.939 --> 00:08:24.120 And rise from the dead. 00:08:24.579 --> 00:08:25.680 On the third day. 00:08:26.659 --> 00:08:28.519 And given that it was Christ himself. 00:08:28.680 --> 00:08:29.959 Who spoke to them at that moment. 00:08:30.459 --> 00:08:32.679 And given that it was the third day. 00:08:32.960 --> 00:08:34.319 Since he had been killed. 00:08:35.000 --> 00:08:35.960 I reckon we have to say. 00:08:36.019 --> 00:08:36.620 He's pretty right. 00:08:36.620 --> 00:08:39.360 Now thirdly. 00:08:39.519 --> 00:08:41.100 We've seen what he left out. 00:08:41.220 --> 00:08:41.899 What he put in. 00:08:42.039 --> 00:08:42.899 I want to see thirdly. 00:08:42.940 --> 00:08:43.720 The major theme. 00:08:45.200 --> 00:08:46.200 And the major theme. 00:08:46.259 --> 00:08:47.879 That Luke wants to draw your attention to. 00:08:48.019 --> 00:08:50.019 What he wants you to get this morning. 00:08:51.019 --> 00:08:53.240 In observing these three incidents. 00:08:53.440 --> 00:08:55.480 He wants you to see two things. 00:08:56.159 --> 00:08:58.200 He wants you to see the confusion. 00:08:58.200 --> 00:08:59.100 Of the disciples. 00:08:59.100 --> 00:09:02.980 But also the clarity of God's word. 00:09:04.019 --> 00:09:06.139 The confusion of the disciples. 00:09:07.300 --> 00:09:09.060 And the clarity of God's word. 00:09:11.060 --> 00:09:12.220 First of the three stories. 00:09:12.620 --> 00:09:14.759 The women are standing at the entrance of the tomb aren't they? 00:09:15.740 --> 00:09:18.659 And they're trying to make sense of the emptiness of that tomb. 00:09:18.659 --> 00:09:20.240 They are very confused. 00:09:20.419 --> 00:09:22.079 But the angels appear to them. 00:09:22.319 --> 00:09:23.240 And bring them. 00:09:23.719 --> 00:09:25.500 A clear word from God. 00:09:27.079 --> 00:09:27.719 They say. 00:09:27.799 --> 00:09:29.600 This is nothing more or less. 00:09:29.939 --> 00:09:31.759 Than what Jesus told you previously. 00:09:32.179 --> 00:09:34.139 He was no longer dead. 00:09:34.419 --> 00:09:36.419 He died according to God's purpose. 00:09:36.839 --> 00:09:38.379 But he's been raised again. 00:09:38.439 --> 00:09:39.559 According to God's power. 00:09:40.659 --> 00:09:42.319 And then they remembered. 00:09:42.439 --> 00:09:42.879 We're told. 00:09:43.079 --> 00:09:44.100 What Jesus said. 00:09:44.919 --> 00:09:46.860 And it all started to make sense. 00:09:46.860 --> 00:09:49.940 Do you see confused disciples. 00:09:51.279 --> 00:09:53.060 But clear word of God. 00:09:54.460 --> 00:09:55.220 Second story. 00:09:55.300 --> 00:09:56.539 We see the same dynamic work. 00:09:57.300 --> 00:09:58.000 The two companions. 00:09:58.200 --> 00:09:59.120 They walk along the road. 00:09:59.440 --> 00:10:00.419 But they don't understand. 00:10:00.560 --> 00:10:01.460 What has happened to Jesus. 00:10:03.240 --> 00:10:04.820 They don't know why that's happened. 00:10:05.080 --> 00:10:06.340 They didn't even recognize. 00:10:06.460 --> 00:10:07.680 The person talking to the mother. 00:10:09.580 --> 00:10:10.060 Either. 00:10:11.379 --> 00:10:13.519 But when their eyes were opened. 00:10:14.220 --> 00:10:15.460 The words of Jesus. 00:10:15.680 --> 00:10:16.800 Began to make sense to them. 00:10:17.860 --> 00:10:18.899 See those two things. 00:10:19.039 --> 00:10:20.019 Confused disciples. 00:10:21.560 --> 00:10:22.740 God's clear word. 00:10:24.240 --> 00:10:25.340 Then the third story. 00:10:25.419 --> 00:10:26.180 The gathered disciples. 00:10:26.539 --> 00:10:27.300 Are there aren't they. 00:10:27.820 --> 00:10:29.519 They are the first to see Jesus. 00:10:29.639 --> 00:10:30.580 Amongst them in that room. 00:10:30.659 --> 00:10:31.700 And they are amazed. 00:10:31.879 --> 00:10:32.419 And troubled. 00:10:32.879 --> 00:10:33.680 And joyful. 00:10:34.180 --> 00:10:35.019 And confused. 00:10:35.279 --> 00:10:36.440 All at the same time. 00:10:38.320 --> 00:10:39.259 But then he speaks. 00:10:40.680 --> 00:10:42.420 And all the pieces of the jigsaw. 00:10:42.519 --> 00:10:43.600 Begin to fall into place. 00:10:44.600 --> 00:10:45.540 And they come to understand. 00:10:45.540 --> 00:10:46.720 Not just his resurrection. 00:10:46.920 --> 00:10:48.879 But everything that had gone before as well. 00:10:49.580 --> 00:10:50.860 Confused disciples. 00:10:50.860 --> 00:10:51.300 God's. 00:10:52.300 --> 00:10:53.899 God's clear word. 00:10:55.460 --> 00:10:57.080 Luke's point couldn't be more clear. 00:10:57.240 --> 00:10:57.419 Could it? 00:10:57.419 --> 00:10:59.379 In the midst of confusion. 00:10:59.379 --> 00:11:00.399 Or doubt. 00:11:00.539 --> 00:11:01.139 This morning. 00:11:02.139 --> 00:11:04.159 It is the word that God sends. 00:11:04.279 --> 00:11:06.039 It is the word that Jesus speaks. 00:11:06.460 --> 00:11:07.680 That brings clarity. 00:11:07.679 --> 00:11:10.039 That is the disciples need. 00:11:11.779 --> 00:11:13.259 I want to focus in on the middle story. 00:11:14.259 --> 00:11:15.259 On the second story. 00:11:15.939 --> 00:11:17.919 Because I think all the major themes. 00:11:17.919 --> 00:11:19.039 Of what we are looking at. 00:11:19.259 --> 00:11:19.739 Are in. 00:11:20.079 --> 00:11:21.179 And struck in that story. 00:11:22.199 --> 00:11:23.419 And I want to do it by. 00:11:23.539 --> 00:11:24.739 Talking about bodies. 00:11:25.099 --> 00:11:26.179 It is all about the body. 00:11:27.459 --> 00:11:28.419 So first of all. 00:11:28.519 --> 00:11:29.179 Walking legs. 00:11:29.259 --> 00:11:30.120 And talking mouths. 00:11:31.339 --> 00:11:32.339 Walking legs. 00:11:32.939 --> 00:11:34.079 And talking mouths. 00:11:34.279 --> 00:11:35.039 Let me read to you again. 00:11:35.139 --> 00:11:35.919 From verse 13. 00:11:35.919 --> 00:11:37.479 That very day. 00:11:37.879 --> 00:11:39.799 Two of them were going to a village named Emmaus. 00:11:39.839 --> 00:11:41.079 About seven miles from Jerusalem. 00:11:41.719 --> 00:11:43.279 And they were talking. 00:11:44.000 --> 00:11:45.679 And discussing together. 00:11:46.539 --> 00:11:48.399 And Jesus himself drew near. 00:11:49.159 --> 00:11:50.819 And went along with them. 00:11:51.679 --> 00:11:52.939 So here are two disciples. 00:11:53.719 --> 00:11:54.659 They could have been friends. 00:11:54.779 --> 00:11:55.939 They could have been a husband and wife. 00:11:56.000 --> 00:11:56.459 We don't know. 00:11:57.479 --> 00:11:58.079 We are not sure. 00:11:59.000 --> 00:12:01.179 But they have sat down on a seven mile walk. 00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:02.599 From Jerusalem to Emmaus. 00:12:02.879 --> 00:12:03.919 And as they walked. 00:12:04.039 --> 00:12:04.819 They talked. 00:12:05.919 --> 00:12:08.000 As their legs carried them. 00:12:08.539 --> 00:12:09.299 Their minds. 00:12:09.500 --> 00:12:11.699 Churned over the last few days. 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:14.019 How Jesus had been arrested. 00:12:14.279 --> 00:12:14.860 And killed. 00:12:15.439 --> 00:12:16.860 And then the women had come back from the tomb. 00:12:16.919 --> 00:12:17.360 That morning. 00:12:17.459 --> 00:12:18.339 Saying that it was empty. 00:12:18.479 --> 00:12:20.099 But he wasn't there anymore. 00:12:21.259 --> 00:12:22.240 And then there is Jesus. 00:12:22.579 --> 00:12:25.219 And Jesus is walking with his legs. 00:12:25.479 --> 00:12:27.159 And talking with his mouth too. 00:12:27.159 --> 00:12:30.699 But the question that he asks. 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:33.519 Leads them to have downcast faces. 00:12:33.659 --> 00:12:34.159 Can you see that? 00:12:34.259 --> 00:12:35.079 Verse 17. 00:12:36.539 --> 00:12:38.179 Then one of them named Cleopas. 00:12:38.279 --> 00:12:38.899 Answered him. 00:12:38.959 --> 00:12:40.459 Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem. 00:12:40.459 --> 00:12:42.199 Who does not know the things that have happened. 00:12:42.360 --> 00:12:43.279 There in these days. 00:12:45.959 --> 00:12:47.500 It's almost amusing isn't it? 00:12:48.559 --> 00:12:50.279 It's almost amusing to Cleopas. 00:12:50.339 --> 00:12:50.939 In verse 17. 00:12:51.379 --> 00:12:52.699 That this man. 00:12:52.700 --> 00:12:54.720 That Jesus does not know. 00:12:54.800 --> 00:12:56.120 What went down in Jerusalem. 00:12:56.280 --> 00:12:56.980 In this past week. 00:12:58.420 --> 00:12:59.580 Everyone's talking about it. 00:13:01.980 --> 00:13:03.020 Everyone knows. 00:13:04.200 --> 00:13:05.800 It would be like turning up to work. 00:13:05.960 --> 00:13:06.900 This last week. 00:13:06.980 --> 00:13:08.140 In the middle of the day. 00:13:08.900 --> 00:13:11.620 And hearing people talk about the Brussels terrorism. 00:13:11.879 --> 00:13:13.280 And what's just happened in Brussels. 00:13:14.000 --> 00:13:15.040 And someone saying. 00:13:15.580 --> 00:13:16.720 At the water cooler. 00:13:16.820 --> 00:13:17.800 What are you talking about? 00:13:19.020 --> 00:13:19.879 What terrorism? 00:13:19.879 --> 00:13:22.240 You'd think wouldn't you. 00:13:22.299 --> 00:13:24.419 You'd think they'd been living under a rock that morning. 00:13:24.720 --> 00:13:26.580 But Jesus continues to play along. 00:13:26.600 --> 00:13:27.340 As if he's ignorant. 00:13:28.120 --> 00:13:30.659 And in response to the downcast followers. 00:13:33.120 --> 00:13:34.500 These downcast followers. 00:13:34.639 --> 00:13:35.759 They've given him explanation. 00:13:35.899 --> 00:13:36.100 Don't they. 00:13:36.139 --> 00:13:37.419 For the sad look on their faces. 00:13:39.399 --> 00:13:40.179 They see. 00:13:40.299 --> 00:13:41.419 There was this guy called Jesus. 00:13:41.559 --> 00:13:42.659 They knew he was a prophet. 00:13:43.460 --> 00:13:44.820 They knew that he was powerful. 00:13:45.259 --> 00:13:46.840 And they had really high hopes for him. 00:13:47.120 --> 00:13:47.720 They'd hoped. 00:13:47.820 --> 00:13:48.159 They say. 00:13:48.259 --> 00:13:49.419 That he was going to be the one. 00:13:49.419 --> 00:13:50.599 To redeem Israel. 00:13:51.939 --> 00:13:52.740 They had hoped. 00:13:52.860 --> 00:13:53.719 That he would be the one. 00:13:53.819 --> 00:13:55.139 To be the Messiah. 00:13:55.979 --> 00:13:57.879 That he would be God's promised king. 00:13:58.279 --> 00:13:59.259 And then all of a sudden. 00:13:59.439 --> 00:13:59.899 He's gone. 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:00.579 He's arrested. 00:14:00.779 --> 00:14:01.319 He's killed. 00:14:02.019 --> 00:14:02.679 And now. 00:14:02.799 --> 00:14:03.599 Even more bizarrely. 00:14:03.599 --> 00:14:04.439 His body has vanished. 00:14:06.519 --> 00:14:07.479 It's impossible. 00:14:07.479 --> 00:14:07.879 I think. 00:14:08.019 --> 00:14:09.299 To miss the irony here. 00:14:10.599 --> 00:14:11.360 The irony. 00:14:11.599 --> 00:14:12.979 Of Jesus himself. 00:14:13.639 --> 00:14:15.019 Hearing the story. 00:14:16.199 --> 00:14:16.679 Himself. 00:14:17.319 --> 00:14:18.579 From these two disciples. 00:14:20.339 --> 00:14:21.539 And they tell it to him. 00:14:21.599 --> 00:14:23.479 As if he's the most ignorant man in the world. 00:14:25.659 --> 00:14:26.699 And that is because. 00:14:26.839 --> 00:14:27.279 These travelers. 00:14:27.439 --> 00:14:29.120 Are not only people with downcast faces. 00:14:29.259 --> 00:14:30.679 They are people with slow hearts. 00:14:31.779 --> 00:14:32.639 Walking legs. 00:14:32.759 --> 00:14:33.519 Talking mouths. 00:14:34.159 --> 00:14:34.919 Sad faces. 00:14:35.360 --> 00:14:36.279 Slow hearts. 00:14:37.500 --> 00:14:38.599 And Jesus tells them. 00:14:38.740 --> 00:14:39.779 Then in verse 25. 00:14:40.079 --> 00:14:40.620 He says. 00:14:40.979 --> 00:14:41.719 And he said to them. 00:14:41.720 --> 00:14:42.680 Oh foolish ones. 00:14:42.759 --> 00:14:44.139 And slow of heart. 00:14:44.139 --> 00:14:44.879 To believe. 00:14:45.160 --> 00:14:46.680 All that the prophets have spoken. 00:14:48.279 --> 00:14:49.379 Was it not necessary. 00:14:49.500 --> 00:14:51.040 That Christ should suffer these things. 00:14:51.460 --> 00:14:52.960 And enter into his glory. 00:14:54.460 --> 00:14:54.980 And beginning with. 00:14:55.060 --> 00:14:55.879 Moses and all the prophets. 00:14:55.980 --> 00:14:56.779 He interprets to them. 00:14:56.820 --> 00:14:57.519 In all the scriptures. 00:14:57.639 --> 00:14:58.720 The thing is concerning himself. 00:14:59.139 --> 00:14:59.519 You see. 00:15:00.160 --> 00:15:00.920 Notice the irony. 00:15:01.120 --> 00:15:01.879 They concluded. 00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:02.220 Don't they? 00:15:02.420 --> 00:15:03.240 This Jesus. 00:15:03.399 --> 00:15:04.120 This traveler. 00:15:04.360 --> 00:15:05.480 He is the slow one. 00:15:05.480 --> 00:15:07.519 But here Jesus. 00:15:07.700 --> 00:15:08.100 Turns to the table. 00:15:08.220 --> 00:15:08.360 And say. 00:15:08.539 --> 00:15:08.639 Actually. 00:15:08.759 --> 00:15:08.899 No. 00:15:08.960 --> 00:15:09.899 You are slow ones. 00:15:11.240 --> 00:15:11.860 You should have known. 00:15:11.920 --> 00:15:12.680 What was going to happen. 00:15:13.039 --> 00:15:14.279 For reading the Old Testament. 00:15:15.259 --> 00:15:15.860 They should have known. 00:15:15.960 --> 00:15:16.639 That the Messiah. 00:15:16.860 --> 00:15:17.800 Would have to suffer. 00:15:17.920 --> 00:15:19.080 Before he would be glorified. 00:15:19.440 --> 00:15:20.779 You shouldn't be surprised. 00:15:21.879 --> 00:15:23.080 You shouldn't be confused. 00:15:23.200 --> 00:15:24.139 And downcast. 00:15:24.539 --> 00:15:25.740 They should have believed. 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:26.460 God's word. 00:15:26.560 --> 00:15:27.340 Through the prophets. 00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:28.600 But their hearts. 00:15:28.659 --> 00:15:29.220 Were slow. 00:15:30.580 --> 00:15:31.759 But as Jesus. 00:15:32.700 --> 00:15:33.139 Diagnosed. 00:15:33.259 --> 00:15:33.860 The slowness. 00:15:33.980 --> 00:15:34.779 Of their hearts. 00:15:34.779 --> 00:15:35.799 Their hearts. 00:15:35.980 --> 00:15:36.419 Began. 00:15:36.679 --> 00:15:37.240 To burn. 00:15:38.600 --> 00:15:39.659 Walking legs. 00:15:39.919 --> 00:15:40.699 Talking faces. 00:15:41.000 --> 00:15:41.839 Talking mouths. 00:15:42.299 --> 00:15:43.519 Downcast faces. 00:15:44.100 --> 00:15:45.039 Slow hearts. 00:15:45.759 --> 00:15:46.740 To burning hearts. 00:15:47.959 --> 00:15:48.480 When we get down. 00:15:48.539 --> 00:15:49.259 To verse 32. 00:15:49.419 --> 00:15:50.939 After it's dawned on Cleopas. 00:15:50.980 --> 00:15:51.679 And his companion. 00:15:52.019 --> 00:15:53.399 Who they were talking about. 00:15:53.839 --> 00:15:54.939 We hear them discussing. 00:15:55.100 --> 00:15:56.439 Jesus' conversation with them. 00:15:56.679 --> 00:15:57.199 On the road. 00:15:57.259 --> 00:15:57.699 And we're told. 00:15:57.799 --> 00:15:58.459 Verse 32. 00:15:58.740 --> 00:16:00.100 Then they said to each other. 00:16:00.399 --> 00:16:01.480 Did not our hearts. 00:16:01.759 --> 00:16:03.000 Burn within us. 00:16:03.419 --> 00:16:04.559 While he talked to us. 00:16:04.559 --> 00:16:05.219 On the road. 00:16:06.039 --> 00:16:06.939 While he opened to us. 00:16:06.979 --> 00:16:07.359 The scripture. 00:16:09.000 --> 00:16:10.199 They might have been slow. 00:16:10.279 --> 00:16:10.899 Up to this point. 00:16:12.239 --> 00:16:13.439 But as Christ. 00:16:14.639 --> 00:16:15.039 Explained. 00:16:15.039 --> 00:16:16.059 Their Christ. 00:16:16.279 --> 00:16:16.659 To them. 00:16:18.419 --> 00:16:19.519 It's as if somebody. 00:16:19.699 --> 00:16:20.519 Lit a match. 00:16:21.699 --> 00:16:22.559 Under the kindling. 00:16:22.639 --> 00:16:23.759 Of their partial knowledge. 00:16:25.079 --> 00:16:26.139 And it ignited. 00:16:26.139 --> 00:16:26.639 Boom. 00:16:28.059 --> 00:16:29.679 And they began to grasp. 00:16:29.679 --> 00:16:30.559 More fully. 00:16:30.559 --> 00:16:31.399 What the scriptures. 00:16:31.399 --> 00:16:32.319 Had said all along. 00:16:32.659 --> 00:16:33.960 And they began to sense. 00:16:34.000 --> 00:16:34.639 What they were hearing. 00:16:34.819 --> 00:16:35.139 Was true. 00:16:35.600 --> 00:16:36.539 And they began to love. 00:16:36.620 --> 00:16:36.980 This truth. 00:16:37.059 --> 00:16:37.840 With a glow. 00:16:38.740 --> 00:16:39.879 But they still didn't see. 00:16:39.980 --> 00:16:40.480 It all clearly. 00:16:42.120 --> 00:16:43.460 And that comes next. 00:16:44.319 --> 00:16:45.679 Where Jesus moves them. 00:16:45.779 --> 00:16:46.659 From slow hearts. 00:16:47.460 --> 00:16:49.100 Through their burning hearts. 00:16:49.299 --> 00:16:50.019 To people of being. 00:16:50.159 --> 00:16:51.059 Opened eyes. 00:16:53.059 --> 00:16:54.000 Opened eyes. 00:16:54.000 --> 00:16:56.580 Because it was nearly evening. 00:16:56.700 --> 00:16:57.320 The two travelers. 00:16:57.500 --> 00:16:58.340 Stayed with them. 00:16:59.259 --> 00:16:59.919 In Emmaus. 00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:00.500 For the night. 00:17:00.679 --> 00:17:01.519 And as they sit down. 00:17:01.580 --> 00:17:01.840 To eat. 00:17:01.840 --> 00:17:02.620 Jesus does this. 00:17:02.620 --> 00:17:04.039 Most unexpected thing. 00:17:04.339 --> 00:17:05.599 What is the unexpected thing. 00:17:05.680 --> 00:17:06.220 Jesus does. 00:17:06.299 --> 00:17:07.079 In the third story. 00:17:08.480 --> 00:17:09.880 He plays the host. 00:17:09.980 --> 00:17:10.839 Rather than the guest. 00:17:10.920 --> 00:17:11.799 It's not his house. 00:17:13.420 --> 00:17:14.819 He took the bread. 00:17:15.779 --> 00:17:17.519 And he gives thanks to God. 00:17:17.640 --> 00:17:18.500 And he broke it. 00:17:18.579 --> 00:17:19.299 And he passed it. 00:17:19.319 --> 00:17:20.460 To his two traveling companions. 00:17:20.940 --> 00:17:22.220 And it's at that moment. 00:17:22.359 --> 00:17:23.180 That the light. 00:17:23.180 --> 00:17:25.320 Switches on. 00:17:26.620 --> 00:17:28.680 The last trace of darkness. 00:17:29.420 --> 00:17:30.920 In the disciples understanding. 00:17:32.900 --> 00:17:33.960 Comes into the light. 00:17:36.400 --> 00:17:37.779 In verse 16. 00:17:37.900 --> 00:17:38.380 It says. 00:17:38.860 --> 00:17:40.620 They had still been kept. 00:17:40.840 --> 00:17:42.160 From recognizing Jesus. 00:17:44.060 --> 00:17:45.600 God has closed their eyes. 00:17:45.700 --> 00:17:46.340 Verse 16. 00:17:47.900 --> 00:17:49.220 But now he's opened them. 00:17:51.220 --> 00:17:52.240 And at that very moment. 00:17:52.320 --> 00:17:53.000 Jesus vanished. 00:17:53.180 --> 00:17:56.080 But it didn't matter. 00:17:57.019 --> 00:17:58.080 It didn't matter to them. 00:17:58.140 --> 00:17:58.799 Because they knew. 00:18:00.060 --> 00:18:01.720 They just had the light switched on. 00:18:02.039 --> 00:18:02.920 And now they realize. 00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:04.200 That the whole Old Testament. 00:18:04.420 --> 00:18:05.080 Bore witness. 00:18:05.740 --> 00:18:06.840 To him. 00:18:08.320 --> 00:18:09.860 And now they also realize. 00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:11.019 That Jesus himself. 00:18:11.120 --> 00:18:12.100 Was bearing witness. 00:18:12.259 --> 00:18:13.960 To himself. 00:18:15.460 --> 00:18:16.700 And because they did. 00:18:16.759 --> 00:18:17.560 And they realized that. 00:18:17.620 --> 00:18:19.000 They were instantly transformed. 00:18:19.000 --> 00:18:19.600 Into witnesses. 00:18:19.740 --> 00:18:20.920 They didn't waste another second. 00:18:20.920 --> 00:18:22.960 They knew. 00:18:22.960 --> 00:18:24.519 That their newfound understanding. 00:18:24.519 --> 00:18:25.560 Needed to be shared. 00:18:25.880 --> 00:18:26.900 They couldn't send an email. 00:18:27.080 --> 00:18:27.840 Or a text message. 00:18:27.920 --> 00:18:28.740 Or a tweet about it. 00:18:28.779 --> 00:18:29.539 There was no phone. 00:18:29.620 --> 00:18:30.580 To call people on it. 00:18:31.140 --> 00:18:32.000 So having walked. 00:18:32.080 --> 00:18:32.820 The seven miles. 00:18:32.960 --> 00:18:33.500 From Jerusalem. 00:18:33.660 --> 00:18:34.340 To Emmaus. 00:18:35.340 --> 00:18:36.539 They promptly turn around. 00:18:36.660 --> 00:18:37.580 And walk the seven miles. 00:18:37.680 --> 00:18:38.019 Back. 00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:40.700 And they've got. 00:18:41.119 --> 00:18:41.819 Walking legs. 00:18:42.440 --> 00:18:43.440 And talking mouths. 00:18:45.220 --> 00:18:46.279 And their talking mouths. 00:18:46.359 --> 00:18:47.000 Get going again. 00:18:47.059 --> 00:18:48.039 They find their friends. 00:18:48.339 --> 00:18:49.779 Jesus and other disciples. 00:18:49.920 --> 00:18:50.480 Huddled together. 00:18:50.579 --> 00:18:51.379 Somewhere in a room. 00:18:52.079 --> 00:18:52.519 Perhaps. 00:18:52.680 --> 00:18:53.400 The same room. 00:18:53.460 --> 00:18:54.740 As they had the last supper in. 00:18:55.420 --> 00:18:56.680 Back on the Thursday night. 00:18:58.099 --> 00:18:59.139 But wherever they were. 00:18:59.220 --> 00:19:00.379 Cleopas and his companions. 00:19:00.579 --> 00:19:01.359 They barge in. 00:19:01.440 --> 00:19:02.180 Only to discover. 00:19:02.180 --> 00:19:03.639 That the other disciples of Jesus. 00:19:04.019 --> 00:19:05.180 Have come to the same realization. 00:19:06.220 --> 00:19:07.500 The lights have been switched on. 00:19:07.500 --> 00:19:07.900 As well. 00:19:08.839 --> 00:19:10.539 God opened their eyes. 00:19:11.579 --> 00:19:12.359 So they spend. 00:19:12.480 --> 00:19:13.319 The next week. 00:19:13.559 --> 00:19:15.019 Swapping their stories. 00:19:17.359 --> 00:19:18.279 And interestingly. 00:19:18.579 --> 00:19:19.539 Which I had not realized before. 00:19:19.740 --> 00:19:21.259 Cleopas and his companion. 00:19:21.359 --> 00:19:22.400 Whoever that companion is. 00:19:22.440 --> 00:19:22.839 Were present. 00:19:22.940 --> 00:19:24.299 For all three of the stories. 00:19:26.000 --> 00:19:26.759 They were there. 00:19:26.819 --> 00:19:27.759 When the women turned up. 00:19:28.079 --> 00:19:29.160 Talking about the empty tomb. 00:19:29.220 --> 00:19:29.700 In the morning. 00:19:30.119 --> 00:19:30.920 They were the ones. 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:31.900 Walking along the. 00:19:32.279 --> 00:19:32.940 Long journey. 00:19:33.099 --> 00:19:34.279 With Jesus to Emmaus. 00:19:34.359 --> 00:19:35.440 And then later in the night. 00:19:35.539 --> 00:19:36.579 They are back in Jerusalem. 00:19:36.579 --> 00:19:37.480 With the other disciples. 00:19:37.500 --> 00:19:39.200 When Jesus shows up. 00:19:39.259 --> 00:19:40.140 And speaks to them all. 00:19:42.339 --> 00:19:42.779 Cleopas. 00:19:43.160 --> 00:19:44.180 And his companion. 00:19:44.599 --> 00:19:45.339 Are I think. 00:19:45.420 --> 00:19:47.240 At the center of Luke 24. 00:19:49.180 --> 00:19:50.359 And why is that? 00:19:52.019 --> 00:19:53.680 Why are they so central? 00:19:53.799 --> 00:19:55.039 On what earth is Cleopas? 00:19:56.720 --> 00:19:57.700 Well it is because. 00:19:57.819 --> 00:19:58.900 Luke wants you and I. 00:19:58.960 --> 00:20:00.299 To see that what happened to them. 00:20:00.839 --> 00:20:02.819 Is not because they were unique. 00:20:03.819 --> 00:20:05.000 But because they weren't. 00:20:07.039 --> 00:20:08.079 Simply because. 00:20:08.279 --> 00:20:09.399 What was happening to them. 00:20:09.480 --> 00:20:10.159 Was indicative. 00:20:10.919 --> 00:20:12.519 Of what was happening to a bunch of people. 00:20:12.899 --> 00:20:14.179 Like them at the same time. 00:20:15.439 --> 00:20:16.559 And what happened to them. 00:20:16.639 --> 00:20:17.799 Is at the end of the day. 00:20:18.559 --> 00:20:19.960 Is something that Luke happens. 00:20:20.759 --> 00:20:21.899 Hopes will happen to you. 00:20:23.399 --> 00:20:24.480 And will happen to everyone. 00:20:24.559 --> 00:20:25.539 Who reads his gospel. 00:20:25.539 --> 00:20:28.240 He hopes that like them. 00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:29.240 We will be transformed. 00:20:30.039 --> 00:20:30.980 By what we discover. 00:20:31.180 --> 00:20:31.879 In Luke's gospel. 00:20:33.079 --> 00:20:34.500 That we will be amazed to learn. 00:20:34.659 --> 00:20:35.920 That Jesus is the Christ. 00:20:36.079 --> 00:20:37.319 And that he is alive. 00:20:37.779 --> 00:20:38.639 And he hopes too. 00:20:38.680 --> 00:20:40.779 That we will get our walking legs. 00:20:40.779 --> 00:20:43.200 And our talking mouths going. 00:20:44.680 --> 00:20:46.119 And we will bear witness. 00:20:47.500 --> 00:20:49.079 To what we have come to see. 00:20:50.940 --> 00:20:52.579 And that is certainly the transformation. 00:20:52.740 --> 00:20:53.660 That these two underwent. 00:20:54.660 --> 00:20:56.420 They began the journey to Emmaus. 00:20:56.460 --> 00:20:57.839 Simply as sad friends. 00:20:58.139 --> 00:20:59.379 Companions in their sadness. 00:20:59.980 --> 00:21:01.379 But they end their journey. 00:21:01.379 --> 00:21:02.359 They end this section. 00:21:02.619 --> 00:21:03.799 As joyful witnesses. 00:21:06.359 --> 00:21:07.339 On the journey. 00:21:07.519 --> 00:21:08.759 They were downcast. 00:21:08.759 --> 00:21:09.920 But on the way back. 00:21:10.019 --> 00:21:10.799 They are elated. 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:13.720 They had news that must be told. 00:21:14.019 --> 00:21:15.420 They had a song in their hearts. 00:21:15.519 --> 00:21:16.960 And the difference was simple. 00:21:17.319 --> 00:21:18.019 They had met. 00:21:18.140 --> 00:21:19.660 And listened to the risen Jesus. 00:21:21.099 --> 00:21:22.460 And that is what Luke hopes. 00:21:22.539 --> 00:21:23.740 Will happen to other people too. 00:21:24.039 --> 00:21:25.079 That is what this chapter. 00:21:25.200 --> 00:21:26.200 Is in the Bible for. 00:21:28.099 --> 00:21:30.420 But it is a very important point. 00:21:30.559 --> 00:21:31.220 To grasp. 00:21:31.539 --> 00:21:33.180 Because you can treat the gospel. 00:21:33.279 --> 00:21:34.420 And people do treat the gospel. 00:21:34.420 --> 00:21:35.480 In all sorts of ways. 00:21:35.599 --> 00:21:35.940 Don't they? 00:21:35.940 --> 00:21:38.980 People treat the gospel. 00:21:39.120 --> 00:21:40.160 As a work of fiction. 00:21:41.720 --> 00:21:42.740 Some might see it. 00:21:42.840 --> 00:21:43.420 As merely. 00:21:43.700 --> 00:21:45.240 An historical artifact. 00:21:45.799 --> 00:21:46.420 Some would say. 00:21:46.539 --> 00:21:48.000 As a mystical form. 00:21:48.080 --> 00:21:49.420 Of spiritual inspiration. 00:21:50.940 --> 00:21:51.880 But none of those. 00:21:52.700 --> 00:21:53.880 Descriptions hit the mark. 00:21:55.259 --> 00:21:56.220 This book. 00:21:56.380 --> 00:21:56.960 Of Luke. 00:21:57.039 --> 00:21:57.500 Was written. 00:21:57.580 --> 00:21:58.880 For a specific purpose. 00:21:59.259 --> 00:21:59.960 It was written. 00:22:00.039 --> 00:22:01.500 To transform your life. 00:22:02.620 --> 00:22:03.380 It was written. 00:22:03.380 --> 00:22:04.200 To change people. 00:22:04.200 --> 00:22:05.039 Like you and me. 00:22:05.039 --> 00:22:07.319 Luke wrote. 00:22:07.440 --> 00:22:09.079 Because he had come to know. 00:22:09.200 --> 00:22:10.680 That the risen Lord Jesus. 00:22:11.059 --> 00:22:12.599 Wants to take your life. 00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:14.019 And he wants to move you. 00:22:14.099 --> 00:22:15.059 From being sad. 00:22:15.200 --> 00:22:16.159 And downcast. 00:22:17.359 --> 00:22:18.480 Or lonely. 00:22:19.480 --> 00:22:20.420 Or perhaps driven. 00:22:21.139 --> 00:22:22.079 Or successful. 00:22:22.379 --> 00:22:23.099 Or content. 00:22:23.519 --> 00:22:24.460 Or obsessed. 00:22:24.639 --> 00:22:25.460 Or disappointed. 00:22:25.639 --> 00:22:26.420 Wherever you are. 00:22:26.639 --> 00:22:28.159 He wants to take you. 00:22:28.500 --> 00:22:29.559 And move you. 00:22:29.639 --> 00:22:30.839 From where you are. 00:22:30.839 --> 00:22:32.440 To being a joyful witness. 00:22:32.599 --> 00:22:33.420 Of the risen Lord Jesus. 00:22:33.420 --> 00:22:36.560 And down through the. 00:22:36.800 --> 00:22:38.100 Last 2,000 years. 00:22:38.980 --> 00:22:39.800 That is what has happened. 00:22:39.880 --> 00:22:40.340 To millions. 00:22:40.600 --> 00:22:41.539 And millions of people. 00:22:42.259 --> 00:22:43.640 Who have read this chapter. 00:22:44.340 --> 00:22:45.600 Who have read this book. 00:22:46.980 --> 00:22:47.840 And that has happened. 00:22:47.900 --> 00:22:48.680 To some of those people. 00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:49.460 Who are in this room. 00:22:49.539 --> 00:22:50.060 Right now. 00:22:51.640 --> 00:22:52.560 We have found. 00:22:52.660 --> 00:22:54.259 That as we have read. 00:22:54.519 --> 00:22:54.880 It. 00:22:55.019 --> 00:22:56.039 Our hearts. 00:22:56.279 --> 00:22:56.600 Have. 00:22:57.140 --> 00:22:58.200 Begun to burn. 00:22:58.200 --> 00:23:00.880 And our eyes. 00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:02.220 Have come to be opened. 00:23:03.819 --> 00:23:04.680 And as the lights. 00:23:04.759 --> 00:23:05.400 Have come on. 00:23:05.680 --> 00:23:06.400 We realise. 00:23:06.500 --> 00:23:07.240 That we have met. 00:23:07.380 --> 00:23:08.120 Jesus Christ. 00:23:08.380 --> 00:23:09.620 Who was dead. 00:23:09.700 --> 00:23:10.279 But behold. 00:23:10.920 --> 00:23:11.900 Is now alive. 00:23:11.980 --> 00:23:12.500 Forevermore. 00:23:13.539 --> 00:23:14.960 And since he is alive. 00:23:15.080 --> 00:23:16.039 And since we have met him. 00:23:16.100 --> 00:23:17.160 We have come to realise. 00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:18.259 That actually. 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:20.600 We want nothing more. 00:23:20.660 --> 00:23:21.279 Than for others. 00:23:21.440 --> 00:23:21.900 To see that. 00:23:23.220 --> 00:23:24.539 To know what we know. 00:23:25.880 --> 00:23:27.039 And see what we see. 00:23:27.039 --> 00:23:30.440 And that is how this story. 00:23:30.960 --> 00:23:31.399 Intersects. 00:23:31.460 --> 00:23:32.220 And transforms. 00:23:32.460 --> 00:23:33.220 Our story. 00:23:35.119 --> 00:23:36.139 And my hope is that. 00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:37.420 If it hasn't happened to you. 00:23:37.480 --> 00:23:38.299 Then it will happen. 00:23:38.379 --> 00:23:39.200 This Easter day. 00:23:39.299 --> 00:23:40.259 There couldn't be a better day. 00:23:40.299 --> 00:23:40.639 For there. 00:23:42.579 --> 00:23:43.940 And even if it has. 00:23:44.019 --> 00:23:44.960 Happened to you. 00:23:45.279 --> 00:23:46.579 Then this transformation. 00:23:46.879 --> 00:23:47.579 This chapter. 00:23:48.519 --> 00:23:49.000 Describes. 00:23:49.099 --> 00:23:50.200 What will take place. 00:23:50.200 --> 00:23:50.839 In your life. 00:23:51.159 --> 00:23:52.119 More and more. 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:52.899 As you grow. 00:23:53.059 --> 00:23:53.639 As a Christian. 00:23:55.619 --> 00:23:56.420 That's what I hope. 00:23:56.500 --> 00:23:57.019 For myself. 00:23:57.039 --> 00:23:57.399 Too. 00:23:59.960 --> 00:24:00.859 And as I finish. 00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:02.000 I just want to point out. 00:24:02.059 --> 00:24:02.200 To you. 00:24:02.259 --> 00:24:02.659 What I think. 00:24:02.720 --> 00:24:04.220 Are the two ingredients. 00:24:04.619 --> 00:24:05.519 In this transformation. 00:24:07.440 --> 00:24:08.339 If you are not. 00:24:08.420 --> 00:24:09.039 Very interested. 00:24:09.200 --> 00:24:10.099 In being transformed. 00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:10.720 By Jesus. 00:24:10.879 --> 00:24:11.700 Now is the time. 00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:12.420 You can tune out. 00:24:12.500 --> 00:24:12.639 Alright. 00:24:12.680 --> 00:24:13.339 You can go to sleep. 00:24:15.180 --> 00:24:16.200 But if you want. 00:24:16.379 --> 00:24:16.659 God. 00:24:16.779 --> 00:24:18.159 To change your life. 00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:20.539 If you want God. 00:24:20.619 --> 00:24:21.159 To enrich. 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.940 And empower. 00:24:22.059 --> 00:24:22.460 Your life. 00:24:22.519 --> 00:24:23.159 If you want to know. 00:24:23.240 --> 00:24:23.559 Jesus. 00:24:23.920 --> 00:24:24.240 Better. 00:24:24.240 --> 00:24:24.359 There. 00:24:25.120 --> 00:24:26.240 Then I want to urge you. 00:24:26.339 --> 00:24:26.599 This morning. 00:24:26.680 --> 00:24:27.259 To pay attention. 00:24:27.359 --> 00:24:28.220 To the two things. 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:28.799 That come out. 00:24:28.799 --> 00:24:29.559 Of Luke 24. 00:24:30.359 --> 00:24:31.019 Two things. 00:24:31.120 --> 00:24:31.259 Okay. 00:24:31.319 --> 00:24:31.839 Let's wake up. 00:24:33.920 --> 00:24:34.279 Firstly. 00:24:34.440 --> 00:24:35.380 What we can do. 00:24:36.980 --> 00:24:37.819 And secondly. 00:24:37.980 --> 00:24:39.259 What only God can do. 00:24:41.160 --> 00:24:41.519 Firstly. 00:24:41.519 --> 00:24:42.400 What can we do. 00:24:42.579 --> 00:24:43.180 From Luke 24. 00:24:45.059 --> 00:24:45.460 Well. 00:24:45.539 --> 00:24:46.059 What we can do. 00:24:46.160 --> 00:24:46.420 Of course. 00:24:46.519 --> 00:24:47.539 Is open the scriptures. 00:24:47.539 --> 00:24:48.099 Because. 00:24:49.779 --> 00:24:50.180 Because. 00:24:50.339 --> 00:24:51.119 That is the way. 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:52.200 We pay attention. 00:24:52.200 --> 00:24:53.559 To God's words. 00:24:55.019 --> 00:24:56.059 As we've seen. 00:24:56.180 --> 00:24:56.599 This morning. 00:24:56.980 --> 00:24:58.559 It is the word of God. 00:24:58.639 --> 00:24:59.899 That brings clarity. 00:25:00.759 --> 00:25:01.960 Where there is confusion. 00:25:03.539 --> 00:25:04.940 So we ought to expect that. 00:25:05.019 --> 00:25:05.779 Even now. 00:25:07.059 --> 00:25:08.319 The word of God. 00:25:08.420 --> 00:25:09.879 Will be the best remedy. 00:25:09.879 --> 00:25:11.099 For our confusion. 00:25:12.519 --> 00:25:14.259 And when we open the Bible. 00:25:14.379 --> 00:25:15.519 And when we get the Bible open. 00:25:15.519 --> 00:25:16.279 We will find. 00:25:16.579 --> 00:25:17.539 What the disciples. 00:25:17.720 --> 00:25:18.519 In Luke 24. 00:25:18.519 --> 00:25:18.960 Find. 00:25:19.259 --> 00:25:19.559 Found. 00:25:19.660 --> 00:25:21.220 That the whole Old Testament. 00:25:21.639 --> 00:25:22.579 Bears witness. 00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:23.359 To Jesus. 00:25:25.119 --> 00:25:26.639 And that Jesus himself. 00:25:26.740 --> 00:25:27.279 Shines light. 00:25:27.339 --> 00:25:27.960 On everything. 00:25:29.359 --> 00:25:30.339 And that the New Testament. 00:25:30.639 --> 00:25:32.200 Has even come down to us. 00:25:32.259 --> 00:25:33.519 Because of the very experiences. 00:25:34.299 --> 00:25:35.859 Described in this chapter. 00:25:38.339 --> 00:25:39.400 The New Testament. 00:25:39.579 --> 00:25:39.779 Of course. 00:25:39.879 --> 00:25:40.759 Is basically. 00:25:41.039 --> 00:25:41.700 Written by. 00:25:42.119 --> 00:25:42.720 Eyewitnesses. 00:25:42.759 --> 00:25:43.759 Of Jesus resurrection. 00:25:45.519 --> 00:25:48.519 People who were transformed. 00:25:48.680 --> 00:25:49.379 By their encounter. 00:25:49.379 --> 00:25:50.539 With the risen Jesus. 00:25:51.859 --> 00:25:52.680 And so. 00:25:52.859 --> 00:25:54.000 If you want to know. 00:25:54.119 --> 00:25:55.220 The risen Jesus. 00:25:56.180 --> 00:25:56.819 Read. 00:25:57.139 --> 00:25:57.680 The scriptures. 00:25:59.519 --> 00:26:01.460 And if you want to be transformed. 00:26:02.019 --> 00:26:03.319 By the risen Jesus. 00:26:03.819 --> 00:26:05.019 Study the scriptures. 00:26:06.200 --> 00:26:07.279 If you want. 00:26:07.339 --> 00:26:08.859 His resurrection power. 00:26:09.059 --> 00:26:09.639 In your life. 00:26:09.759 --> 00:26:10.900 Develop an appetite. 00:26:10.900 --> 00:26:11.740 For the scriptures. 00:26:12.440 --> 00:26:13.859 Treasure God's word. 00:26:13.859 --> 00:26:14.959 Bathe in it. 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:16.139 Don't take it for granted. 00:26:16.639 --> 00:26:17.819 Learn to love it. 00:26:19.939 --> 00:26:20.919 Learn from it. 00:26:21.619 --> 00:26:22.479 Live by it. 00:26:24.139 --> 00:26:25.359 And if we do that. 00:26:25.439 --> 00:26:26.919 We will be joyful witnesses. 00:26:27.159 --> 00:26:27.759 About Christ. 00:26:28.299 --> 00:26:28.819 Because. 00:26:29.099 --> 00:26:30.319 For no other reason. 00:26:31.459 --> 00:26:33.119 Than we've come to know him personally. 00:26:34.799 --> 00:26:36.399 The Jesus who died. 00:26:36.740 --> 00:26:37.139 Lives. 00:26:38.379 --> 00:26:39.299 And he speaks. 00:26:39.299 --> 00:26:42.039 He speaks to us. 00:26:42.119 --> 00:26:43.339 As he spoke to them. 00:26:44.319 --> 00:26:46.000 And when we listen attentively. 00:26:46.299 --> 00:26:47.659 We will be transformed. 00:26:47.879 --> 00:26:49.019 That is what we can do. 00:26:49.079 --> 00:26:50.259 We can open the scriptures. 00:26:52.819 --> 00:26:53.799 And so for us. 00:26:53.859 --> 00:26:55.079 As a church family. 00:26:56.480 --> 00:26:57.940 That has got to be the litmus test. 00:26:57.980 --> 00:26:58.480 Of what we're doing. 00:26:58.519 --> 00:26:58.779 Isn't it? 00:26:58.799 --> 00:27:00.519 We've got to get the Bible open. 00:27:00.639 --> 00:27:01.339 And teach. 00:27:02.759 --> 00:27:02.879 I. 00:27:03.039 --> 00:27:03.259 I. 00:27:03.259 --> 00:27:03.519 I. 00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:04.200 I just. 00:27:04.359 --> 00:27:05.279 I'm baffled. 00:27:05.399 --> 00:27:06.419 I'm bamboozled. 00:27:06.420 --> 00:27:06.840 Of how. 00:27:07.200 --> 00:27:08.480 The church in this country. 00:27:08.580 --> 00:27:09.300 The church in this city. 00:27:09.440 --> 00:27:10.240 Thinks that we can. 00:27:10.720 --> 00:27:12.039 See people come to Christ. 00:27:12.080 --> 00:27:13.140 Without teaching the Bible. 00:27:14.519 --> 00:27:15.700 Without showing them. 00:27:17.360 --> 00:27:19.060 Without letting them hear Christ's voice. 00:27:21.380 --> 00:27:22.160 What we can do. 00:27:22.220 --> 00:27:22.960 We can open the scriptures. 00:27:24.700 --> 00:27:25.820 The other key ingredient. 00:27:25.920 --> 00:27:26.519 In this transformation. 00:27:26.960 --> 00:27:28.160 Is something that we can't do. 00:27:29.640 --> 00:27:30.920 That only God can do. 00:27:32.019 --> 00:27:32.660 And what is it. 00:27:32.660 --> 00:27:33.820 That only God can do. 00:27:34.779 --> 00:27:36.140 That is open our eyes. 00:27:36.420 --> 00:27:39.519 And that was the experience. 00:27:39.620 --> 00:27:39.840 Wasn't it? 00:27:39.860 --> 00:27:40.700 Of the two travelers. 00:27:41.000 --> 00:27:42.580 That they had on the road to Emmaus. 00:27:44.200 --> 00:27:45.340 And it is the experience. 00:27:45.440 --> 00:27:47.019 That verse 45 describes. 00:27:47.100 --> 00:27:48.340 When it talks about the disciples. 00:27:51.240 --> 00:27:52.920 Verse 45 says. 00:27:53.019 --> 00:27:53.380 Doesn't it? 00:27:53.420 --> 00:27:54.039 Can you see it? 00:27:55.100 --> 00:27:57.500 Then he opened their minds. 00:27:59.160 --> 00:28:00.740 To understand the scriptures. 00:28:00.740 --> 00:28:00.880 Jesus. 00:28:01.599 --> 00:28:06.500 And so at the end of the day. 00:28:07.960 --> 00:28:09.660 We won't believe. 00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:12.779 That Jesus was raised from the dead. 00:28:13.019 --> 00:28:15.220 Unless he opens our eyes to see it. 00:28:15.220 --> 00:28:21.000 We won't know him. 00:28:22.140 --> 00:28:23.920 Unless he opens our minds. 00:28:25.620 --> 00:28:27.640 And we won't see him for who he is. 00:28:27.740 --> 00:28:29.920 And be transformed by the risen Jesus. 00:28:30.079 --> 00:28:32.400 Unless God flicks the light on for us. 00:28:32.400 --> 00:28:37.840 What that means of course. 00:28:37.840 --> 00:28:40.640 Is that if you don't believe in the risen Jesus yet. 00:28:41.780 --> 00:28:43.519 If you don't follow him. 00:28:44.280 --> 00:28:45.519 Or live for him. 00:28:45.980 --> 00:28:46.920 Or love him. 00:28:47.620 --> 00:28:48.840 But you want to. 00:28:49.980 --> 00:28:51.740 Then you can't manufacture that. 00:28:51.740 --> 00:28:54.359 But instead. 00:28:54.480 --> 00:28:55.660 What you need to do. 00:28:56.160 --> 00:28:57.500 Like what we all need to do. 00:28:57.559 --> 00:28:59.339 Is call out to God in prayer. 00:28:59.579 --> 00:29:02.380 And ask him to bring light to your eyes. 00:29:04.980 --> 00:29:06.319 And what it also means. 00:29:06.819 --> 00:29:09.299 Is if you long for greater transformation. 00:29:09.299 --> 00:29:10.779 In your Christian life. 00:29:11.859 --> 00:29:14.160 If you long for a clearer vision. 00:29:14.279 --> 00:29:15.500 Of the resurrected Jesus. 00:29:15.839 --> 00:29:18.779 If you long to be a more joyful witness for him. 00:29:19.059 --> 00:29:20.859 Then the answer to your longings. 00:29:20.859 --> 00:29:22.259 Is no different is it? 00:29:23.079 --> 00:29:24.299 But you need to pray. 00:29:24.619 --> 00:29:26.259 And I need to pray constantly. 00:29:26.679 --> 00:29:29.259 That God would bring a light to our eyes. 00:29:30.659 --> 00:29:32.059 And when we pray like that. 00:29:32.139 --> 00:29:32.699 Earnestly. 00:29:33.159 --> 00:29:34.059 And humbly. 00:29:35.439 --> 00:29:36.599 And when he answers. 00:29:36.839 --> 00:29:39.279 And it is a prayer that he loves to answer. 00:29:39.279 --> 00:29:40.459 We will see. 00:29:40.759 --> 00:29:41.659 And we will know. 00:29:42.579 --> 00:29:45.119 And we will live like Jesus. 00:29:45.339 --> 00:29:47.599 Who really did die and rise again. 00:29:48.479 --> 00:29:49.979 And who really is alive today. 00:29:50.859 --> 00:29:54.539 And that we really do have a relationship with him. 00:29:57.019 --> 00:29:59.819 And that of course is astonishing to say isn't it? 00:30:03.959 --> 00:30:05.479 You cannot say that in Islam. 00:30:07.699 --> 00:30:10.219 You cannot have a relationship with Allah. 00:30:10.220 --> 00:30:14.620 You cannot have a relationship with Muhammad. 00:30:16.579 --> 00:30:20.600 But in Christianity you can have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:30:22.279 --> 00:30:24.380 It's almost too incredible to believe. 00:30:24.440 --> 00:30:25.559 But that is what is on offer. 00:30:25.940 --> 00:30:29.220 And this chapter was written that we might take it up. 00:30:30.160 --> 00:30:32.360 That we might like those disciples. 00:30:33.100 --> 00:30:36.440 That we might find our confusion evaporating. 00:30:36.440 --> 00:30:38.620 In the light of his clear words. 00:30:40.059 --> 00:30:41.799 And that we like those disciples. 00:30:41.980 --> 00:30:43.820 Might find our eyes opened. 00:30:44.340 --> 00:30:45.539 To see the risen Jesus. 00:30:46.620 --> 00:30:48.820 And to be irreversibly changed by him. 00:30:48.819 --> 00:30:52.679 I don't know about you. 00:30:52.679 --> 00:30:54.319 But as I studied this chapter this week. 00:30:54.419 --> 00:30:55.779 I find myself this Easter. 00:30:56.200 --> 00:30:57.139 Freshly stunned. 00:30:57.439 --> 00:31:01.319 That the Jesus who lived and died 2,000 years ago. 00:31:01.679 --> 00:31:02.679 Lives in 2016. 00:31:03.720 --> 00:31:04.439 And I know him. 00:31:06.159 --> 00:31:08.500 Not just as someone who is a central character. 00:31:08.500 --> 00:31:09.799 In an ancient story. 00:31:09.879 --> 00:31:10.819 In a passion play. 00:31:11.099 --> 00:31:13.700 But as someone who I'm actually in a relationship with. 00:31:13.700 --> 00:31:17.400 And once again this is. 00:31:17.480 --> 00:31:19.420 We need to pinch ourselves as we come to Pinnah. 00:31:19.480 --> 00:31:20.900 This is an incredible thing. 00:31:23.860 --> 00:31:25.279 I can't speak for you. 00:31:25.360 --> 00:31:26.600 But I can speak for myself. 00:31:26.720 --> 00:31:28.279 And I really do want to know him better. 00:31:28.640 --> 00:31:31.580 I really do crave in my relationship with him. 00:31:31.819 --> 00:31:33.680 I do really want to be changed by him. 00:31:33.680 --> 00:31:35.940 And that is why Luke 24 is so encouraging. 00:31:36.140 --> 00:31:36.360 Isn't it? 00:31:37.880 --> 00:31:39.220 That it really is possible. 00:31:41.140 --> 00:31:43.620 And that the risen Lord Jesus is up for it. 00:31:43.700 --> 00:31:47.120 Luke says. 00:31:47.299 --> 00:31:49.500 Then their eyes were opened. 00:31:51.840 --> 00:31:53.080 And they recognised him. 00:31:55.480 --> 00:31:57.400 And I'm going to pray the same would be true for us. 00:31:57.600 --> 00:31:58.180 Will you join me?