Risen Indeed: The Bible’s Testimony of The Resurrection
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Good morning church!
Christ is risen!
(if no response:)
You’re supposed
to respond
He is risen indeed!
Let’s try it again
If I say
Chirst
is risen
you say
He is risen
indeed!
Christ is risen!
There we go!
If it’s your
first time
here
I’m Pastor Brandon
and I’m honored
for you to join us
today
in the celebration
of the resurrection
of our Lord!
Before we begin
our sermon
let’s pray.
Pray
Read Luke 24:13-24
Intro
A few years ago
there was a 67 year old woman
who was scheduled
for a cataract surgery
because her eyes
was drying out
and she thought
it was her old age.
But during
the surgery
the anesthetist
who began
to numb
her eye
for surgery
found something
interesting.
When he tried
to put
the anesthetic
in
he noticed
a blue mass
under the top eyelid.
And eventually
they found a mass
of 27
stacked
contact lenses.
The woman
was wearing
monthly
disposable
contact
lenses
for 35 years.
She would
try
to remove it
but when she couldn’t
get it
she assumed
she dropped it
somewhere.
But it was actually
getting stuck
in her eye
with the others.
When you have
too many
lenses
too many
perspectives
and views
on something
it can be very
harmful
and even
destructive.
And today
with the Easter
the Resurrection
there are too many
views
that people
hold to.
Some view
it as myth.
Others view
it about
a bunny
and chocolate eggs.
Some see
the resurrection
as a spiritual message
of perseverance
and overcoming challenges.
In fact
even the disciples
who were present
for Jesus’ resurrection
had different views
on His resurrection.
Look at Luke 24:1-9
the first
to witness
Jesus’ resurrection
were the women.
The stone
was rolled away
and two angels
explained
to the women
that He
has
Risen.
So then
they go
tell the
apostles
and other disciples.
In Luke 24:10-11
Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.
After hearing
the testimony
of the resurrection
of the women
the apostles
don’t
believe.
So already
moments
after
the resurrection
we have two groups
with different views
on the resurrection.
The women believe
that Jesus actually rose
from the dead.
But the men
think
they’re telling
an idle tale
or in other translations
non-sense.
The word
for idle tale
or non-sense
is also
used
in a medical context
to describe
delirious talk
of the very sick.
In other words
the men
thought the women
were so crazy
they thought
the women
were hallucinating!
Seems like
the relationship
between
men
and women
haven’t changed
for the past
2000 years!
So we see
even
immediately
after the resurrection
2000 years ago
we have people
that truly believe
in it
and others
who view it
as a fairy tale.
Two
completely
different
views.
So how
are we supposed to know
which view
is right?
We will see
in our passage
this morning
the only way
to confirm
which view
about the resurrection
is true
is to check
the Bible.
That is why
our title
for our sermon
for this resurrection Sunday
is: Risen Indeed: The Bible’s Testimony of the resurrection.
And this is our main point today:
Main Point: Without the Bible you are blind to the risen Savior.
Main Point: Without the Bible you are blind to the risen Savior.
Because the Bible
is the correct
prescription lens
the correct
view
that enables you
to see our risen
Lord.
So let’s look
at our first
point:
1. The Resurrection requires correct understanding (v.13-25)
1. The Resurrection requires correct understanding (v.13-25)
As Jesus
journeyed
from Galilee
to Jerusalem
to accomplish
salvation
through His death
on the cross
and resurrection
from the dead
coming out
victorious
we see
two disciples
journeying
from Jerusalem
to Emmaus
coming out
defeated.
Look at v.13-14
‘That very day two of them’
Now
before
we continue
there are key
things
in this phrase.
The first
is that very day.
This is the same day
that the women
testify
to the Resurrection
and the apostles
don’t believe.
So this journey
to Emmaus
happens
the very same day
of the resurrection.
Next
it says ‘the two of them’
meaning
these are two disciples
who were there
when they heard
the women’s
testimony
but also
thought
just like
the apostles
that the women
were crazy.
They also
didn’t
believe
Jesus
had risen
Back to v.13
‘that very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem’
Emmaus
is a 2 and a half
hour
walk
from Jerusalem.
And on
this long commute
home
of course
there would be
much time
to talk
which is what v.14
says,
‘and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened’.
As they walked home
they recalled
and remembered
Holy Week
where they remembered
Jesus
arrival
in Jerusalem
on a donkey
and being greeted
with palm branches.
To Jesus’ cleansing
and teaching in the temple
then the Last Supper
and betrayal
and crucifixion.
And now finally
it’s over
and they’re
walking home.
What a week.
So Jesus
the risen Lord
decides
to join them
on their journey
home.
Look at v.15
‘While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.’
The word for discussing
can also be translated
as debate
or an emotional conversation.
Jesus overhearing this
emotional
chat
drew near
which means
he intentionally
caught up
to them
to join
them
on their journey home.
Jesus knowing
that their hearts
were troubled
drew near
to help
them
and meet them
where they are.
Some of you today
may also
have pain
or trouble
in your heart
today.
Jesus came
and rose again
to meet us
where we are
in our sin
to save us
from our sin.
But even though
Jesus drew near
to the two disciples
they could not
recognize Him
look at v.16
‘But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.’
For some reason
even though
they saw
Jesus
during Holy Week
cleaning the temple
being nailed to a cross
and hung
in agony
they couldn’t
recognize Him!
And it’s not necessarily
because
Jesus had a change
in appearance.
It’s not because
Jesus was wearing
a hood
over his head
or was wearing
those disguise glasses
that have the big eyebrows
and big nose
and mustache.
No.
Their eyes
were kept
meaning
God
did not allow them
to recognize
Jesus.
Why?
God
had a special purpose
in not letting
them
recognize
Jesus
that you
will see
later on.
But for now
to begin
his mission
to help
these disciples
he asks them a question
in v.17,
‘And he said to them, ‘What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?’
Often
in the Gospels
Jesus
will ask
the disciples
a question
not because
He doesn’t
know
the answer.
But because
either
he wants
to
test
them
or to
let them
reveal
something
about
themselves
through
their own
words.
And the latter
is why
he asks
them
this question.
By allowing them
to explain
their own
conversation
they reveal
their understanding
of the resurrection.
So first
they reveal
their understanding
with body language.
Look back at v.17,
‘And they stood still, looking sad.’
Body language
has always
been
the language
of someone’s
thoughts
that they cannot
hide.
Their arms
drooped down
their eyes
were down cast.
The disciples
body language
reveals
that they viewed
the empty tomb
as bad news.
This shows us
that the reason
they were going back
home
to Emmaus
was because
they felt
there was nothing left
for them
in Jerusalem
because to them
Jesus is dead.
They were thinking,
‘Well that’s that.
So much
for our Messiah.
He’s dead.
So instead
of sticking around
and twiddling our thumbs
let’s go home.’
The disciples
were going home
not
like a sports team
that just won
a match
with smiles
and celebration.
They were going home
like a team
that lost.
But why?
Jesus
is risen!
Shouldn’t they
be celebrating?
And the reason
they are not celebrating
is because
they are confused.
Look at v.18
‘Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’
Now Cleopas
and the other disciple
are two people
with not too much
certainty
about their identity.
But regardless
they are confused.
Because they are looking
straight
in the eyes’
of a man
they think
is dead
Jesus
and think he has
no idea
of what happened
in Jerusalem
when in reality
Jesus
who is alive
is the one
who knows
exactly
what’s
going on.
So the disciples
reveal
their feelings
about the resurrection
so then
Jesus
asks
another question
that reveals
exactly
how
the 2 disciples
understand
the resurrection.
Look at v.19
‘And he said to them, ‘what things?’ And they said to him, ‘concerning Jesus of Nazareth’’.
So Jesus
knowing
that the recent events
are about Him
begins this quiz
about Himself
by asking
a simple
question
‘what things?’
and they respond
that the events
concern
Jesus of Nazareth.
Now the term
Jesus of Nazareth
is a term
that emphasizes
Jesus’ miracle power.
And that complements
their next
phrase
in v.19 ‘a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people’
This language
refers
to Deuteronomy 18:15
“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—
Here God
promised
that He will raise
a prophet
like Moses
in the future
which refers
to Jesus.
In fact in Acts 7:22
Stephen
also
calls Moses
mighty
in deed
and word.
So the two disciples
clearly
saw Jesus
as the promised
prophet-like
Messiah.
Which is true.
So far
the disciples
are 100%
on this quiz.
However
this quiz
isn’t
over.
Jesus is more
than just
a prophet.
He’s God
in the flesh.
And the disciples
were missing that
in their view
of Jesus.
Let’s continue in v.20
‘and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.’
Notice that
they don’t
blame the Romans
for crucifying
Jesus
but their religious leaders.
Which again
is true
but they failed to see
that the Father
sent the Son
to be the sacrifice
for sins
and to rise again.
Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt
Isaiah
clearly
states
that it’s the will
of the Lord
to crush
Jesus
and put him to grief
so that Jesus
would be the offering
for our sin.
this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.
Peter in his sermon
says while the Jewish leaders
killed Jesus
but
it was ultimately
the plan
of God.
Again
the disciples
are correct
but not
completely.
And now
finally
in v.21
they disclose
their remaining
understanding
about Jesus
and for the first time
they reveal
a clear
error
in their understanding.
‘But we had had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.’
Jesus is indeed
the redeemer
of Israel.
So why
were their hopes
not met?
It’s because
like many
of the people
at the time
they
understood
the Messiah
as the one
who would conquer
their oppressors
the Romans
and that the Jews
would rule the world
with Him.
But because
Jesus
was crucified
their dreams
were lost.
You see
the disciples
had the wrong understanding
about Jesus
conceptually
merely
understanding
Jesus
as a savior
from their enemies
but not
their sin.
But the errors
continue.
They also
had the wrong
understanding
when it came
to the miracle
of the resurrection.
Look at v.22-23
‘Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.’
So they recall
what happened
earlier
in the morning
with the women
and then v.24
‘Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.’
So there were other
witnesses
in addition
to the women
about
the empty tomb
but what’s amazing
is instead of
being
excited
and rejoicing
the disciples
are sad
because
as they said
‘but him they did not see.’
So Jesus
told them
in Luke 9:22
saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”
and then
“Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.”
He literally says
‘Let these words sink into your ears’.
Because he told them
over
and over again
that He was going to die
and on the third day
be raised!
And now
that the disciples
have an empty tomb
before
their very eyes
instead
of rejoicing
about the resurrection
they are sad
because
Jesus is missing!?
You see
in Christianity
evidence
is not
a problem.
We have the resurrection
confirmed
as a historical fact
because we have
4 historical
witnesses
the 4 gospels
of the resurrection
plus over 500
witnesses
that Jesus appeared
to
after
His resurrection
as recorded
in 1 Cor 15:6.
So you would think
that people
like the disciples
with the empty tomb
and all these
miracles
would believe
but they don’t.
So what
is the problem?
Jesus tells us
in v.25
‘And he said to them, ‘O foolish ones,’
First Jesus
calls them
foolish
which refers
to their
slowness
in processing
in their mind
what is happening.
I can see
Jesus
face-palming
himself
after
hearing
the disciples’ view
about Him
and His resurrection.
‘How more obvious
can it be?’
‘I literally told you
what’s going to happen
dozens
of times.
I did miracles
giving the blind sight
and casting out demons
even raising
Lazarus
from the dead
and now
the tomb is empty
and you
still
don’t get it.’
But their lack
of understanding
in their mind
wasn’t
the only
problem
but also
their heart
for Jesus says
‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart’.
Slow of heart
refers
their slowness
in embracing
Jesus
and his teachings
in their heart.
They were slow
in their desire
and love
to follow His
teachings.
This was a lack
of understanding
in their heart.
And finally
they lacked
understanding
of the Bible.
Jesus says
‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!’
All the prophets
refers
to their recorded
words
in Scripture
in other words
the Bible.
Which for them at that time
was the OT.
Now note
that Jesus
does not say
‘Yeah
the Bible
sure is one hard book
I don’t blame you.’
But instead
he puts the blame
on them
for not
having
the correct understanding
in the Bible.
Jesus was telling them
‘you’re
the fool
not
the Bible.’
Because God
has made
everything
clear for them.
The miracles
were clear.
Jesus’ telling them
in advance
that He
was going to be resurrected
was clear.
And finally
the Bible
is
clear.
But because
of their
failure
to understand
these things
they also
had the wrong
understanding
of the Resurrection.
And so
I want to challenge you
what’s your
understanding?
What’s your understanding
about Jesus?
Is he
just a prophet?
Just a good teacher?
Or is He
God
in the Flesh?
What’s your understanding
of the Resurrection
and miracles?
Is it just a fairy tale?
Do miracles
actually happen?
Or did Jesus
indeed
rise
from the dead?
And finally
what’s your understanding
of the bible?
Is it just a book
written
by a group of men
that contains
errors
or scientific mistakes?
Or is it
the very Word
of God?
This is very important.
This isn’t
one of those
‘there are no wrong answers’
type
of question.
There are
wrong answers.
And ultimately
if you have the wrong
answer
the wrong
understanding
of the Bible
you will be blind
to the Risen Lord
just like these disciples
even if Jesus
was in front
of your very own eyes.
And this is why
we need
to check
our understanding
of Jesus
His Word
and His resurrection
and make sure
it’s correct.
Last year
Amarion Sanders
was arrested
as a suspect
for an Ohio killing.
He was being held
with a million dollar bail
but was all of a sudden
released
because
one
of the court personnel
incorrectly
entered
an unrelated case
where the charges
were dismissed
and inputted that unrelated
case number
to Amarion
leading
him to be released.
Thankfully
they caught
the error
and he was re-arrested.
But one
small
error
led
to what was almost
a deadly
mistake.
And one
wrong
error
one wrong
understanding
makes us blind
to our risen Savior.
For example
if you
understand
Jesus
as one
who only taught
love
or tolerance
of all sins
and all religions
which isn’t love
then you won’t
actually listen
to Him
because you
can just do
whatever
you want.
So I encourage you
to desire
to grow
in your knowledge
and understanding
of the Bible.
Be a person
who wants
to learn more
about the Bible.
But it all
starts
with humility.
Humble
yourself
and admit
you
need
to grow
in understanding
and then
ask God
for understanding
and He will give it
to you.
Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
We need
correct
understanding
so that
the Lord’s teachings
are not lost to us
but instead
we keep it
and follow it
with our heart.
So ask God
and He will give you
understandingu
because
the Resurrection
requires
correct
understanding.
2. The Resurrection requires biblical exposition (v.26-32)
2. The Resurrection requires biblical exposition (v.26-32)
So now
that the disciples
have finished
sharing their
explanation
of the Resurrection
Jesus begins
to share
His.
Look at v.26.
‘Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’
The word Christ
is the Greek translation
of the word
Messiah
which is a title
that means
anointed one
who was prophesied
to come
in the OT.
Whereas
the disciples
viewed
the Messiah
as their ticket
to world domination
over the Romans,
Jesus viewed
the Messiah
as something greater:
that the Messiah
suffers
and enters
into his glory.
This refers
to his death
and his ascension
into heaven
where He will sit
at the right hand
of the Father.
But note
that Jesus
calls this
necessary.
Because to the disciples
Jesus’ death
was not
necessary
at all.
To them
his death
was total
defeat
and the end
of their dreams
but Jesus
wanted to explain
the purpose
of his death.
So in order
to show
them
it was necessary
Jesus
appeals
to none other
but the Bible.
Look at v.27
‘And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets,’
Moses
and the Prophets
is a phrase
that refers
to the Bible.
Notice
that Jesus
didn’t show the disciples
more
evidence
or miracles.
He didn’t
propose
Pascal’s wager
where if you die
not believing
you go to hell
but if you believe
you go to heaven
so what’s there
to lose?
No in order
to help
the disciples
He
opened
the Bible.
Moses
and the prophets.
If you remember
the parable of
Lazarus
and the rich man,
Abraham
tells the rich man
in hell,
He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’ ”
That if the rich man’s
brothers
don’t submit
to the Bible
then even if Lazarus
rose
from the dead
they wouldn’t
believe him.
And yet again
the importance
of Moses
and the prophets:
the Bible
is repeated
even
in the final chapter
of Luke.
That’s how
important
the Bible
is
to understand
the Resurrection.
But this time
Jesus
adds
a couple
unique
words.
First he says
‘beginning with Moses’.
Moses
wrote
the first
5 books
of the Bible.
So Jesus
opened the Bible
not on some random
page
but on page
1.
Second
he says
‘all the Prophets’.
In other words
Jesus
went
all the way
from page 1
in Genesis
to the final page
of Malachi.
Jesus
went
to the whole
bible.
And then
continuing
in v.27
‘he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself’.
The word for interpret
literally
means
to explain
and make
understandable
or exposit.
Exposit
simply
means
to explain
and make clear.
Because he needed
to correct
their poor understanding
and he did it
by expositing
the bible.
And the bible
of Jesus’ time
was the OT.
So what
did He explain?
He explained
that the whole bible
the OT
from Genesis
to Malachi
was about
Him.
Now
Luke
doesn’t give
Jesus’
exact
Bible study
curriculum
but since
we know
Jesus
went through
the whole OT
I want
to give you
a sample.
Especially
since many
today
believe
that God
is a mean wrathful God
in the OT
and Jesus
is the kind loving God
in the NT.
Right
in the very beginning
Jesus
was prophesied
in Genesis 3:15.
When Adam sinned
death
was brought
into the world.
This is why
God ordered
the sacrifices
of animals
to the Israelites
as a partial
atonement
for sin
to teach them
sin
equals
death.
So in order
to destroy death
God
promised
a savior
the messiah:
Jesus
the Christ.
I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
This was a promise
that eventually
that in the line
of Adam and Eve
will be born
a savior
who crushes
Satan
his head
but will
also suffer
harm
his heel.
This is the gospel
already
proclaimed
in Genesis.
But even though
he suffers
harm
He will rise.
look at Isa 52:13
Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted.
The suffering servant
which is Jesus
the Messiah
will be high and lifted up
and exalted.
Resurrected.
And his resurrection
shall bring
great blessing
to many people.
As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind— so shall he sprinkle many nations.
The book of Isaiah
was written
740 years
before
Christ.
And yet
it was written
as if
Jesus
death
and resurrection
already
happened.
It was as if
Isaiah
was here
after
the resurrection
to report it.
But he said
this
740 years
before
Jesus.
And the reason
is because
even
740 years
before
Jesus
to God
Jesus’
death
and resurrection
was a certain
reality.
Isaiah
prophesied,
that as many
people
were shocked
at how brutally
Jesus
was treated
in his crucifixion
many people
will be sprinkled
by Him
or blessed
by Him.
Blessed
by his resurrection.
That
was just a snippet
of the 2 and a half hour
bible study
Jesus
would have had
with the disciples.
But Jesus’
exposition
was coming
to an end
look at v.28
‘So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going father,’
Arriving
closely
to home
their journey
was coming
to an end.
Yet
Jesus
acts
as if he were
going to continue
travelling alone
into
the night.
And He did this
to give them
an opportunity
to invite Him in
as Jesus
being polite
didn’t
want to force
His way in.
He was very sensitive
to the disciples
feelings
and did not
want
a direct
confrontation.
If there’s any evidence
that Jesus
was Filipino
that’s it
right
here.
But of course
being sensitive too
the disciples
invited
him to stay
look
at v.29
‘but they urged him strongly, saying ‘Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.’ So he went in to stay with them.’
Recognizing
that it’s getting dark
they really wanted
Jesus
to stay with them
because
of potential
robbers
and wild beasts
at night.
And what better
way
to end
Jesus’
bible study
than with
food?
Bible study
plus
food?
Jesus
was not only
Filipino
but
also
a baptist!
So Jesus
accepts
their invitation
and fellowships
with them.
Look at v.30
‘When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave to them’.
In ancient Israel
when people
were at table
for a meal
they would commonly sit
and recline
on the floor
with mats
and cushions
making themselves
as comfortable
as possible
and that’s
what Jesus did.
Imagine
you had Jesus
the risen Lord
over for dinner
and he’s relaxing
reclining
on your couch
and you’re enjoying
a wonderful
conversation
with Him!
That’s what these disciples
got to enjoy
having Jesus
in their home
their long
journey
home.
How sweet it is
to fellowship
with Jesus!
To have a relationship
with Him!
Whenever
we pray
and read His word
we commune
with Christ
and fellowship
with Him
and feast
on His Word
just like
these disciples
who enjoyed
fellowship
and dinner
with Him.
So I want to ask you
when’s
the last time
you fellowshipped
with Jesus?
Some of you
are having a rough week
and are really down.
All you need
is fellowship
with Jesus.
And when you do
you’ll find great
joy
hope
and peace.
That’s what the disciples
received.
They received
fellowship
with Jesus
over dinner.
That’s what we see
with the bread.
‘Taking the bread
blessing it
breaking it
and giving it
to them’
is the same
language
used
when Jesus
fed
the 5000.
Luke writes it this way
for us
to remember
that sweet event.
Remember
the good times
when Jesus
fed
the 5000?
The disciples
also
got to enjoy
those good times
but today.
The wonderful things
Jesus
did
before
his crucifixion
he continued
after
his resurrection
because He
is
alive.
Jesus
is risen.
And like a good guest
Jesus does not
overstay
his welcome.
look at v.31
‘And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight’.
Finally
their eyes
are opened!
They finally
recognize Him.
And Jesus
vanishes
instantly.
Why?
Because they finally
believe.
Jesus accomplished
what He came to do:
help
these poor disciples.
To help them
believe.
And now
that they believe
in Him
Jesus no longer
needs to stay
because as long
as they have faith
in Jesus
He
is always
with them.
Some of you
fellow believers
in the Lord
need to hear this
that Jesus
is always with you.
Some of you
feel alone.
But you need to remember
Jesus’ promise
that He will never
leave us
nor
forsake
us
and that as we go
and make disciples
He is with us
always.
Now
we must ask
what
exactly
opened
the eyes
of the disciples?
The answer
is in v.32
‘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?’
The disciples
describe
their hearts
burning
within
them.
And it’s because
when Jesus
talked with them
as they journeyed
home
He opened
to them
the Bible
and exposited it
to them.
The reason
God
had
their eyes closed
from the beginning
was to show
that without
the Bible
we are blind
to our risen Lord.
What opened
the eyes
of the disciples
was Jesus’
exposition
of the Bible
that taught
that Jesus
death
and resurrection
wasn’t
a mistake
but God’s plan
all along.
God’s
genius
plan
that used
what seemed
foolish:
the murder
of His Son
Jesus
and turned it
for the best:
the defeat
of Satan
and the salvation
of souls
from sin.
And this deep perspective
they they never
had
before
was thanks
to Jesus’
exposition
of the Bible.
And that
gave them
a fire
in their heart.
A passion
and an excitement
to follow Christ
and to learn more
about His Word.
They finally
understood
the resurrection
because
of Jesus’
biblical exposition.
Back in 2019
I was at a pastor’s conference
in California.
And I heard
a sermon
on 1 Timothy Chapter 4
where Paul
exhorts
Timothy
to practice
and immerse
himself
in teaching
the Bible
so that he
would improve
as a preacher
and Bible study teacher
and that the church
would see this
improvement
in him
as well.
And the reason
I understood
this Bible passage
so clearly
is because
the preacher
exposited
the text.
He explained
everything
about that passage.
From the historical
context
to the Greek
so that we would understand it.
And then he exhorted us
with passion
to apply it
in our life:
that as men
who
are already in ministry
or were desiring
to do ministry
need to take
as many
teaching opportunities
as possible.
And his passionate
fiery faith
ignited
a great passion
in my faith
and from then on
I pursued
to teach
the bible
expositionally
full-time
and I never looked back.
One of the main reasons
I’m standing here today
is because
of that expository sermon
from 2019.
On the flight back home
I worked on a sermon
that I would preach
to my Sunday school class
the very next day.
And I continued working
overnight
into Sunday morning
kept awake
by the flame
lit
within me.
After I preached
that sermon
to my class
I overheard
conversation
from the members
‘what is this
burning
I feel
in my heart?’
And I realized
that the fire
in my heart
I received
from the preacher
in California
spread
all
the way
to the people
in the church
in Virginia
because
of biblical
exposition.
It’s wasn’t
that preacher’s
intellect
or my skill
that was to credit.
You see
when the Bible
is exposited
God’s power
is unleashed
and hearts
are set
ablaze.
But some of you
today
in your heart
the flame
has gone down.
The fire
has cooled.
You’re not
praying
as much
as you used to
or not reading
as much
as you used to.
The excitement
and passion
to serve others
and learn more
about the Bible
has gone down.
If that’s you
and you want
to have that fire
again
for God
you need to
hear
expositional preaching.
If you are a visitor
today
I encourage you
to go to a church
that has expositional preaching.
What is
expositional preaching?
I’ll let
the Bible
answer
that question:
So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.
They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
Even
in the OT
expositional teaching
was how
the Bible
was taught.
They read
the Bible
and they gave the sense
or explained it
which means
exposited it
so that the people
understood
the reading.
Expositional preaching
is not
just
going book
by book
verse by verse.
It’s explaining
the verses
so that you understand
what it means.
And unless
a church
has a pastor
expositing
the scriptures
every Sunday
like how Ezra
did
and how
our risen Lord
did
you are not
being fed spiritually.
And if you’re
not being fed
spiritually
you cannot
and will not grow
as a Christian
and your fire
for God
will
go down.
Now
for those
of you
who already
go to a church
that has
expositional preaching
such as this church
recognize
that you have a part
to play as well.
For the assembly
included
men
and women
and those
who could understand.
This means
all ages
who can understand
not just
full-grown
adults.
All ages
who can understand
such as those
who are in 6th grade
or older
need
to be part
of the service
and need to hear
expositional preaching.
So there needs to be
people
who can understand
but there must also be
full attention.
And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.
The people
old enough
to understand
were not only
present
but they also
paid attention.
So if you
come to service
but don’t
pay attention
you won’t grow
in your faith
either.
So whatever
is causing
you
to not pay attention
in service.
Whether it’s some distraction
like your phone
or a person
or you can’t stay awake
because
you slept too late
last night
make sure you address it
so you can also
pay attention
to the exposition
of the Bible.
Because ultimately
the faith
of the disciples
and their
understanding
of the resurrection
depended
on biblical exposition.
If you want
to have a powerful
relationship
with our risen
Lord
and to understand
the resurrection
you need
biblical exposition.
3. The Resurrection requires faith (v.33-35)
3. The Resurrection requires faith (v.33-35)
Jesus’ biblical exposition
started
a fire
of faith
in the disciples’ heart
that continued burning
with excitement.
Look at v.33-
‘And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem.’
You remember
that it was getting dark
so they
strongly
urged
Jesus
to come inside.
And now
all of a sudden
that goes all
out
the window.
Their faith
was lit aflame
and they are so excited
they no longer
care
that it’s dark.
They no longer
are afraid
of thieves
or wild beasts.
They are
so excited
to share
this good news
their faith
with others.
And this is because
Jesus has brought
the victory
of His resurrection
to the disciples’
hearts.
When Jesus
journeyed
to Jerusalem
to die on the cross
and rise again
it symbolized
his mission of conquest
and victory
over sin.
But for the disciples
to leave Jerusalem
and go home
to Emmaus
it symbolized
failure
and defeat.
It was a retreat.
And now
for them
to go back
to Jerusalem
it showed
that Jesus
has successfully
rallied
them back
to him
to enjoy
his victory
in Jerusalem.
Some of you
today
have felt defeated
this past week.
And you’re on
the retreat.
You’re not sure
where
you’re going
and you’re straying.
Come
back.
Have
faith
in the victory
of the resurrection.
Rejoin
the fellowship
and rejoin
the victory
Jesus
achieved for us
by getting plugged in
at church.
If you’re not a member
I encourage you
to join us
be a member
and join the victory
Christ earned for us
at CCBC.
Because
when you’re excited
to share
your faith:
sharing
how Jesus
was victorious
for you
this week
with others,
you’re excited
to share it
with your fellow
church
family
to encourage them.
This is what the disciples did
in the final verses
of v.33-35
‘And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.’
So once
the disciples
arrive
back
in Jerusalem
and they find
the apostles
and other believers
already
celebrating
their faith
in the Resurrection
by encouraging
one another
that the Lord
has risen
indeed!
That the resurrection
is true!
Simon
which is Simon Peter
the leader
of the apostles
and the one
who denied
Jesus
3 times
went from thinking
the resurrection
was nonsense
when he heard it
from the women
but now
he has
also
seen Jesus
and now
finally
has faith
in the Resurrection
too
because it is true!
And then
these disciples
who left Jerusalem
to go home defeated
have come back
to Jerusalem
triumphant
because of our Lord’s
resurrection
to also
share
their testimony
as well.
Hope
and faith
is restored!
What a beautiful ending
to this event.
From loneliness
defeat
and broken faith
on the road home
to fellowship
victory
and faith
back
in Jerusalem.
The Resurrection
the conquest
and victory
over death
that Jesus achieved
when He came
out
of that tomb
He made sure
to bring
that same victory
to the hearts
and faith
of the believers
so that they
would also
enjoy
the spoils
of victory
the resurrection!
And because
the resurrection
is true
there is hope
there is joy
because death
is not the end.
But the key
here
is faith.
And for those
who don’t have faith
in the Resurrection
there is powerlessness
and no hope.
There was a small town
that was selected
to be the site
of a hydroelectric plant.
They were going
to set a dam
across the river
which would submerge
the entirety
of the small town
in water.
And although
the residents
were given
notice
months in advance
to relocate
something
strange
happened.
The care
of the town
stopped.
Streets
lawn care
maintenance
of the buildings
halted
grass
and vines
reclaimed
the town
buildings
and streets
fell apart
and the town
already
looked abandoned
long before
the residents
even
moved.
One resident
said,
‘Where there is no hope
for the future
there is no power
in the present.’
Because the residents
had no hope
no faith
in the future
of the town
they lived
in the present
with no
power
and gave up
on the town.
Some of you
today
are living
with no power.
You may
look fine
on the outside
some
even successful
to the eyes
of man.
But inside
you are dead.
Because
you have no hope
because
you don’t
have faith
in the resurrection.
And if that’s you
I urge you
to repent.
Turn
away
from putting
your faith
in yourself
and put
your faith
in the only thing
that can save you
the risen
Lord Jesus.
The beauty
of salvation
is that
God
offers it
as a free gift.
How?
Because
Jesus
did
the impossible.
Earn
salvation.
No human being
could
live
a sinless life
die
as a sacrifice
for sin
and rise
from the dead.
And yet
Jesus
being God
did
all of that
for those
who believe
in Him.
If you
want to enjoy
the spoils
of the Resurrection
that Jesus
achieved:
peace
joy
hope
put your faith
in Christ
today.
And thankfully
for us Christians
we know
our future.
One day
we will also
be resurrected
into a new
beautiful
eternal world
and new
sinless
eternal bodies
when our
risen Lord
returns.
This current life
that we have
these aching bodies
wasting away
is not it!
There’s more
to look forward
to!
All
you need to do
is have faith
in the Resurrection!
No matter
what happens
in life
no matter
how awful
things have been
health
problems
death
of a loved one
we always
have hope
because Jesus
rose
from the dead!
So have faith.
And if you’re struggling
to have faith
in the Resurrection
whether
it’s because
you’re still
having a hard time
getting
your head wrapped
around
it
or
you are going
through a trial
or you’re struggling
to have faith
because
the pleasures
of this world
are looking
more appealing
to you
don’t
worry.
If you simply
come
to Jesus
for more faith
He will give it
to you.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
As Paul says
we are saved
by grace
through faith.
And even our faith
is not our own
ability
because our faith
is given
to us
from God
as a gift.
So if you need
more faith
God promises
to give it
to you.
Because the resurrection
requires
faith.
So in conclusion
Our main point
was:
Without the Bible you are blind to the risen savior.
The Resurrection requires correct understanding (v.13-25)
The Resurrection requires biblical exposition (v.26-32)
The Resurrection requires faith (v.33-35)
May you fully
enjoy
Resurrection Sunday
today
by
understanding
it from the truth
of the bible
and seeing
our risen
Lord.
Let’s pray.
