Easter: Making It Personal

Luke 24:13–35 NLT

13 That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. 18 Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.” 19 “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. 20 But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago. 22 “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. 23 They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! 24 Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.” 25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. 26 Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” 27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, 29 but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. 30 As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. 31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! 32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” 33 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, 34 who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” 35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread.

INTRODUCTION:

A- Tell the Easter Story (Luke 24:1-12)

Luke 24:1–12 NLT

But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.” Then they remembered that he had said this. So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.

1- One of the best, if not the best witnessed event in all of history-especially ancient history.

a. Note the list of witnesses listed in I Corinthians 15:3-9

1 Corinthians 15:3–9 NLT

3 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 5 He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7 Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him. 9 For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.

b. Jesus appeared on multiple occasions to his followers:

B- Jesus appeared to the disciples and proved he was alive.

* (Acts 1:3)

Acts 1:3 NLT

During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

* he appeared= ὀπτάνομαι = “to see” (Eng. “optical,” etc.)

*παρίστημι = “a sure sign, a positive proof, demonstrative proof”

1- Jesus appeared to them over a 40-day period

2- Christ's post resurrection appearances:

* In every case, Jesus appeared to and with the people in question

• to Mary Magdalene, (John 20: 10– 18)

* Jesus called her by name

* she evidently touched him, for he told her "don't cling to me"

• to the other women. (Matthew 28: 8– 10)

* Jesus spoke to them

* The encounter was physical, they grasped his feet

• to Cleopas and another disciple on the road to Emmaus. (Luke 24: 13– 32)

* Jesus talked with and instructed them

* He picked up the bread and blessed it

• to eleven disciples and others. (Luke 24: 33– 49)

* He spoke to them

* He allowed them to touch him - hands and feet

* He ate broiled fish

* He instructed them

• to ten apostles and others, with Thomas absent. (John 20: 19–23)

* He spoke to them

* He instructed them

* He showed them the wounds in his hands and side.

• to Thomas and the other apostles, - eight days later. (John 20: 26– 30)

* showed his wounds

* rebuked Thomas

* displayed that he knew about Thomas' doubt statement

• to seven apostles. (John 21: 1–14)

* Called to the disciples - knew what they were doing (fishing)

* cooked some of the fish they had caught

* served the disciples fish and bread

* spoke and instructed Peter

• to the disciples. (Matthew 28: 16– 20)

* Jesus met them at the mountain in Galilee (prearranged)

* Gave them the Great Commission

• to the apostles at the Mount of Olives before his ascension.

(Luke 24: 50– 52 and Acts 1: 4– 9)

* Led them (physically) to Bethany

* held a specific discussion on prophesy

* Promised the gift of the Holy Spirit (which happened at Pentecost)

* Commissioned them as witnesses

· to 500 at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6)

· to James, his 1/2 brother (1 Corinthians 15:7)

· to Paul (1 Corinthians 15:8)

B- Read the text (Luke 24:13-35).

Luke 24:13–35 NLT

13 That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. 18 Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.” 19 “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. 20 But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago. 22 “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. 23 They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! 24 Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.” 25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. 26 Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” 27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, 29 but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. 30 As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. 31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! 32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” 33 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, 34 who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” 35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread.

TS: If Easter is to become personal, there is a three-step progression that will make it so.

Luke 24:13–14 NLT

That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened.

1. Placing your hope in things that don’t happen.

a) Circumstances will leave you broken hearted.

* Like Solomon (Eccl. 1:12-14)

Ecclesiastes 1:12–14 NLT

12 I, the Teacher, was king of Israel, and I lived in Jerusalem. 13 I devoted myself to search for understanding and to explore by wisdom everything being done under heaven. I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race. 14 I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind.

(1) Jobs that don‘t pan out

(2) Investments that flop

(3) Adversity that comes

(4) Things that don‘t fulfill

2. Placing your faith in people that don’t deliver.

a) People will disappoint you.

(1) Leaders that disillusion

(2) Friends that forsake

(Mark 14:50)

Mark 14:50 NLT

Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away.

(2 Timothy 4:10)

2 Timothy 4:10 NLT

Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia.

(3) Family that makes the heart break

Luke 24:15–16 NLT

15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him.

(2 Corinthians 4:4)

2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT

4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

1. Blinded to who Jesus really is.

a) Jesus is God (John 1:1)

John 1:1 NLT

1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2. Blinded to the opportunity of worship.

a) The opportunity of worship is meeting with God

(Psalms 95:2)

Psalm 95:2 NLT

2 Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.

Luke 24:17–21 NLT

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. 18 Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.” 19 “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. 20 But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.

1. The truth of the gospel.

2. The truth of the resurrection.

Luke 24:22–24 NLT

22 “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. 23 They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! 24 Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.”

1. Testimony about what they have seen.

2. Testimony about what they have heard and experienced.

Luke 24:25–27 NLT

25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. 26 Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” 27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

(John 16:8-10)

John 16:8–10 NLT

8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more.

1. An encounter with the Word of God always has an effect upon the heart.

( 2 Timothy 3:16-17 )

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NLT

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

a) Conviction

b) Correction

c) Instruction

Luke 24:28–32 NLT

28 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, 29 but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. 30 As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. 31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! 32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”

1. When we fellowship with the Savior, it sets our hearts on fire with passion for Him.

Luke 24:33 NLT

33 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them,

1. Belief causes us to get up and go!

(Matt. 28:18-20)

Matthew 28:18–20 NLT

18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

(Acts 8:1-4)

Acts 8:1–4 NLT

1 Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. 2 (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) 3 But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison. 4 But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.

2. Belief causes us to want to be with other believers.

(1 John 3:14)

1 John 3:14 NLT

14 If we love our brothers and sisters who are believers, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead.

Luke 24:34 NLT

34 who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.”

1. Belief causes us to affirm the faith of others.

2. Belief causes us to encourage others to believe.

(1 Thessalonians 5:11)

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT

11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Luke 24:35 NLT

35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread.

1. Attesting to the things that have happened to us.

2. Attesting to how the Lord has revealed himself to us.

Illustration:

Carved in Stone (Legacy Five)

CONCLUSION:

How do I know that Christ has risen?

What proof have I to give?

He touched my life one blessed day,

And I began to live.

How do I know he left the tomb

That morning long ago?

I met Him just this morning,

And my heart is still aglow.

How do I know that endless life

He gained for me that day?

His life within is proof enough

Of immortality.

How do I know that Christ still lives,

Rich blessings to impart?

He walks with me along the way

And lives within my heart.

Easter: Making It Personal

I- A BROKEN HEART (Luke 24:13-21)

A. Broken over the things that happen (Luke 24:13-14)

B. Broken because of blinded eyes (Luke 24:15-16)

C. Broken because of a failure to comprehend the truth (Luke 24:17-21)

II. A BURNING HEART (Luke 24:22-32)

A. Burning because of the testimony of others (Luke 24:22-24)

B. Burning because of an encounter with the word of God (Luke 24:25-27)

C. Burning because of fellowship with the Savior (Luke 24:28-32)

III- A BELIEVING HEART (Luke 24:33-35)

A. Belief that leads to action (Luke 24:33)

B. Belief that leads to affirmation (Luke 24:34)

C. Belief that leads to attestation (Luke 24:35)