After Easter

Luke 24:30–53 “Many people are religious during Lent and at Easter. But, what happens after Easter? Notice what happened to the disciples after Jesus’ arrest There was a change. When Jesus was judged and convicted, they were all gone. However, They began to be better and more loving Christians. They were different people. Later, these same people changed the world.

We as humans, as Christians have a tendency to only see exactly what is in front of our faces, let’s take a look today a little of what the early Christians experienced because of “Easter” because of the crucifixion of Jesus.

I. THE FIRE THAT ENTERS OUR HEARTS WHEN RECEIVING JESUS AS OUR SAVIOR—vv. 30–32

1. Fellowship—v. 30. Christ shares bread with the disciples. Communion can ignite a fire in our souls. Luke 24:29–32 “29 But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. 30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. 32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” This past Thursday evening, services for Maundy Thursday, we received communion. How beautiful it was. AMEN?

2. Faith—v. 31. By faith they knew Christ arose, now their spiritual eyes are open and they know it is Christ.

3. Fire—v. 32. They rejoice as He explains the Scriptures, the walk to Emmaus, we have all heard of this, Jesus was teaching and preaching.

II. THE FAITH—vv. 33–35

Luke 24:33–35 “33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.

1. Proof, They tell how Christ has risen from the dead. They have proof. They know for sure, they were walking with Him.

2. People, Two men from Emmaus tell how their hearts burned as Christ talked to them.

III. THE FEAR—36–40

1. The Savior—v. 36. Christ appears and says, “Peace be unto you”

Luke 24:36–40 36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” 40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.

2. So do you think they were a little scared? I would be wouldn’t you all? They are fearful, thinking they are seeing a ghost. It was Jesus who had risen from the dead.

3. The Scars were part of the evidence, Christ proves He is the Son of God. He shows the scars in His hands and feet.

Can anyone in here this morning show the scars of our lives? Of course we can, people can usually see the “scars” of pain, loneliness, sadness, the sadness of others misunderstanding who we are, grieving written on our souls can’t they?

IV. THE FELLOWSHIP, they are back around the table. My Mom has taught us for years, food brings families together.....AMEN

Luke 24:41–46 “41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 And He took it and ate in their presence. 44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. 46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day,

1. So now in their hearts it is real, reality is sinking in. well except for Thomas. Here is proof that both His body and spirit arose from the dead.

2. Reminder, Christ reminds them of the Scriptures, do any of you ever use the phrase “I told you so?” He speaks of the prophets’ words being fulfilled. He opens their understanding. He tells of His resurrection. Jesus is still teaching and He reminds His disciples of what they know from scripture and their time with Him while Jesus was walking this earth.

3. Repentance, Repentance and remission of sins are to be preached, beginning at Jerusalem (compare with. Remember in school, the teacher using the term, “moving on” or “let’s move forward.” This is what Jesus is telling them, “see, I told you these things, now you have understanding and really must get with it, I am confirming what I have taught and told you while I was with you all.

V. THE FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL BE SENT TO YOU, TO US.

Luke 24:49 49 “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father

1. Promise—“And behold, I send the promise of my Father unto you.” The disciples would need power to carry on the work of the Lord, this power is the Holy Spirit.

2. Power—“But stay in the city of Jerusalem, until you receive the power from on high, the Holy Spirit because you are believers in ME ” Later, we see the disciples and other believers receiving this power in the upper room.

VI. THE FAITHFULNESS—vv. 50–53

Luke 24:50–53 “50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.

After blessing the disciples, Christ ascends into heaven. Notice the words of the Savior before He goes into heaven. These words are both powerful and soothing.

John 14:1–6 1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Could Jesus be more reassuring, more loving, more compassionate? He says, “LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED,” DON’T WORRY, DON’T FRET, DON’T BE ANXIOUS,” IF YOU BELIEVE IN GOD, ALSO BELIEVE IN ME AND YOU WILL HAVE GOOD STUFF., LAUGHTER, JOY, FRIENDS, MAYBE FAMILY! AMEN!

Remember last week, I wanted to paint you all a picture? Well, is Luke painting a picture here? Sure he is, Luke also tells how He ascends.

Acts 1:11 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

2. They all were remembering Jesus’ words, Praising Him, filled with joy. They praise and worship the Lord. They were continually in the temple, worshiping and praising the Lord.

Luke 24:52–53 “52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.

Today, What does Christ mean to you? Do you know Him personally? We know when we do and we know when we don’t, AGREED? Can you say, “He walks and talks with me.” Have you made Him your Lord? Is He your Master? Does He have first place in your life? When Christ has first place in our lives, then every day will be a holy day!

AMEN Let’s now stand and turn to page 310 in our Hymnals and sing “He Lives”