Burning Heart Experiences

Preliminary:

Invite to Luke 24.

Thanks

Luke 24 is Luke’s main narrative on the appearance of Jesus after his resurrection that is only found in Luke’s Gospel. Mark 16:12 briefly brushes over the event.

The sermon is really found in the text - but lets read it

Read: Luke 24:13-35

Luke 24:13–35 KJV 1900

13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. 16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. 17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? 18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? 19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: 20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. 21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. 22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; 23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. 24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. 25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. 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 tarry with them. 30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? 33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, 34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. 35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

Introduction:

A. Setting: Our story begins on the way to Emmaus

Emmaus - Have you ever been to Emmaus? I’ve been there a time or two

Probably most of you have been there a few times as well.

If you haven’t been there yet, pack your bags there’s a road trip just ahead.

Where is Emmaus?

It’s the place where dreams go to die.

It’s the place where broken hearts are discarded.

It’s the place where shattered lives suffer in misery.

It’s a place of emptiness.

It’s a place of fear.

It’s a place of anger.

It’s a place of weeping.

It’s a place of hopelessness.

It is a place where you pray and you feel that even God has deserted you.

Our Emmaus Road is not a geographical place. It is a place that is a spiritual and emotional graveyard.

On the day of Jesus' resurrection, two disciples are traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus,One is named Cleopas.

We are not given the name of the other but “Tradition sometimes has assumed that Cleopas’ companion was Luke himself, who was too modest to include his own name.” Lexham Bible Dictionary

Context: They are discussing the recent events, including Jesus' crucifixion and the reports of His resurrection, with hearts filled with confusion and longing.

II. An Unexpected Encounter (Luke 24:15-16)

1. Jesus joins them on the road but conceals His identity, initiating a divine encounter.

2. Despite being in the presence of the resurrected Christ, their hearts are initially veiled, symbolizing the hidden nature of spiritual truths.

Some reasons given why Jesus' disciples initially failed to recognize him due to reasons that are not explicitly stated in the text.

The disciples were preoccupied with their grief and despair after Jesus' crucifixion.

Jesus' appearance was altered, possibly due to:

Scarring from his crucifixion.

Lack of beard.

Physical exhaustion from his recent ordeal.

Jesus was transformed in appearance after his resurrection, as evidenced by his glorified body and the fact that his disciples did not recognize him at first.

Jesus intentionally concealed his identity from the disciples until the appropriate time.

B. Jesus Inquires (Luke 24:17-24)

1. Jesus asks about their conversation, in a professed ignorance of the events - Asking them why they are so sad and downcast.

This prompted them to share their confusion and disappointment, which are common aspects of the human spiritual journey.

2. The disciples express their hope that Jesus would have been the redeemer of Israel, yet they lack full understanding.

III. Jesus Reveals the Scriptures

A. Teaching from Scripture (Luke 24:25-27)

1. Jesus rebukes their lack of understanding

Then he gives a seven and a half mile Bible study on the Scriptures concerning Himself

It is an unrecorded teaching of Jesus - possibly because we already have it in the Old Testament - When you look for Him He is there - everywhere!!!

2. As Jesus unfolds the Scriptures, their hearts start to burn within them, signifying the awakening of spiritual insight and fervor.

B. Hearts Set Aflame (Luke 24:32)

1. The burning hearts represent the transformative power of encountering divine truth, igniting a passion for deeper understanding and faith.

2. This spiritual illumination leads to a profound sense of connection with Christ and His teachings.

I am not into seeing who has the greatest spiritual experiences - but I am convinced that God’s children will have experiences with God.

These experiences may be, can be, often are emotional but should never be manipulated.

What do I mean by that...

Genuine spiritual experiences involve emotions that arise from a personal connection to the God, by Christ through the aid and work of the Holy Spirit,

Manipulative emotions often stem from external pressure, social expectations, or a desire for power.

I have seen some church communities expect people act certain ways and that is the only way - this is dangerous and can lead to manipulation - I have seen this happen and I have witnessed the damaging effects this has on people.

I want us to notice The four aspects of the experience described by the two disciples on the road to Emmaus

They had Personal experience. This experience was personal, individual, and different for each of them.

The author of the experience was Jesus Christ.

He met them in a real and personal way, and He opened their eyes to the truth of the scriptures.

The means of the experience was the scriptures.

Jesus expounded on the scriptures to them, and as He did, their hearts burned within them.

The result of the experience was that they were filled with joy and peace.

They immediately returned to Jerusalem to share their experience with the other disciples, and they were no longer afraid of death.

It isn’t transformative, it isn’t healthy, and it doesn’t help -

These men had a true spiritual experience - a burning heart experience, and it brought about transformation

IV. Recognition and Fellowship

A. Eyes Opened (Luke 24:31)

1. In the breaking of bread, their eyes are opened, and they recognize Jesus, symbolizing the unveiling of spiritual truths and divine revelation.

2. This moment of recognition brings about a deep communion with the risen Christ, even though they could not see him before and after he left them.

B. Reflecting on the Experience (Luke 24:32-35)

1. The disciples reflect on their burning hearts as Jesus spoke, realizing the spiritual depth and significance of their encounter.

2. They eagerly share their experience with the other disciples, spreading the joy and transformative power of encountering the resurrected Christ.

V. Conclusion

A. Transformation (Luke 24:33-35)

1. The disciples' burning hearts lead to a transformative experience, where doubts are replaced by certainty, confusion by clarity.

2. They are filled with joy, courage, and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to proclaim the good news of Jesus' resurrection boldly.

It was John Wesley’s heart strangely warmed that transformed England and dare I say shaped America

When we spend time with Jesus it will change us - oh we need some more burning heart experiences - not just for feeling - but the Lord can do so much in a moment that hours of therapy and counseling cannot replicate. And I’m not opposed to those resources and tools - but they are not the ultimate answers