Lord Help me to see!
Notes
Transcript
Handout
13 Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. 15 And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. 16 But they were prevented from recognizing him. 17 Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
18 The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked them.
So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. 21 But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, 23 and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.
28 They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. 29 But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” 33 That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, 34 who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Now
Now
-As a part of any relationship there will be a moment when your expectations aren’t meet. There will be a moment when your hopes and dreams about a particular situation are flushed down the toilet.
-When this happens we leave these situations confused, hurt, and angry. Maybe because we have invested time, our treasures, and our hearts to this relationship
To the young women engage to married. She has invested time, energy, and money. She is praying God’s will would be done with her new mate. Out of the blue her fiance pulls out and is dating someone else within a month. That young bride leaves confused, disappointed and hurt. She is so hurt she can’t see the Lord saved her from an Adulterer her pain is such she can’t look through that and embrace God’s restraining grace.
The Disciples know what it means to leave wives & children for three years of Seminary Training in the class and in the field. The left jobs they took up their crosses and followed. They did this because they were genuinely Saved by Jesus.
Then all of the sudden their leader is executed to their surprise & disappointment. They are hurt and leaderless! Yall be easy on the disciples can you even imagine what it means to be lead by Jesus a perfectly loving, kind, wise, and powerful leader. He is the only leader where it is appropriate to worship! This is far different than losing a mate, Pastor or Coach.
Then
Then
-The scene is early Sunday morning as the sunrises.
-The woman who cared for Jesus and his disciples arrive at the tomb to take care of the body.
-In the midst of doing that it is revealed to them by an Angel at the tomb the Body is not there for the Son of man has arisen.
-The women leave the tomb excited, scared, fearful and confused.
-They find the disciples who are hanging out together confused & disappointed as well.
-Our story picks up right here in (v.9)
9 Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. 10 Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. 11 But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went away, amazed at what had happened.
(v.9) You will notice the women tell of Jesus resurrection to the 11 minus Judas who is dead, and “to all the rest” these are the nameless disciples who are not among the 12 named disciples, but followed the Lord just like the 11 disciples.
(v.11) The Report given to them by the women “seemed like nonsense”
Nonsense-silly talk, foolishness or trumpery
The disciples not really believing the women take off to the tomb. But not all of them. Some did not go to the tomb. Those are the ones who probably said ‘Those women are trippin!”
Intro:
Intro:
Thesis: When we can’t understand his plan we must learn to trust his word.
I. The Disciples Eyes are Closed
I. The Disciples Eyes are Closed
13 Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. 15 And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. 16 But they were prevented from recognizing him. 17 Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged. 18 The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked them. So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. 21 But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, 23 and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”
(v.13) Luke tells us on the same morning the women report of the Resurrection. Two of the disciples who were apart of the conversation left Jerusalem and headed towards Emmaus about 7 miles outside of Jerusalem.
(v.14-15) In the midst of an argument these two gentlemen were having Jesus joins the conversation. They were most likely arguing about the events that happened three days prior, and how too interpret what the women just told them. They are trying to make sense of an event they are having trouble believing.
(v.16) “But they were prevented from recognizing him”
(EXE) Now this is an interesting scripture right here. These men spent three years with this man eating, sleeping, and doing ministry together and they do not recognize who he is. After his resurrection did he take on another body? Did his voice change? How is it they can’t recognize their leader? How is that they can’t see a truth which is right in front of their faces?
First we need to examine:
Who prevented them? and why?
For now we will just accept the fact that they are walking with a man they spent three years with and don’t know who he is. In Part II we will have some more scriptural data to come to a solid conclusion as to why?
(v.17-19) Jesus dips into their conversation and ask them what they were arguing about and they bring Jesus up to speed on what has happened in the last week. First they are a little indignant that Jesus was unaware of the latest events that happened the last week.
sidenote: Jesus asked “what things?” Remember this principles when Jesus ask a question for clarification it is not for him. It is for you!
(v.19-20) 19 “What things?” he asked them. So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death and they crucified him
(Exe)-The disciples bring Jesus up to speed they tell him:
Jesus of Nazareth was:
A powerful prophet
In action(Miracles)
In speech(Dynamic Communicator)
Before God and all the People. These words sound good but these same words could have been said about Moses(Performed Miracles & Spoke), Elijah(Performed Miracles & Preached)
These men watched him heal the blind, Feed the Five thousand, and Raise the Dead. They also heard him say things like “before Abraham was I am” which is more than a Messianic claim. This is a claim to deity. Yet the best they could come up with is that he was a mighty prophet.
“and he was executed” just like all of the other prophets in the OT.
(v.21) Gives us some meat as to why they aren’t really grasping who it is they are talking too
(v.21) 21 But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened
(EXE)-The disciples are describing disappointment. We have left family and friends to support this great prophet yet he has disappointed us. He was a great prophet and preacher but he did not fulfill our greatest hopes and dreams which was Physical Redemption from the oppression of Rome. According to the OT the true Messiah would come and inaugurate his kingdom. Jesus did not do that so he must be like John Baptist a mighty prophet in the line of all the other prophets but not the Messiah.
OT expectation of the Messiah:
OT expectation of the Messiah:
3 You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people have rejoiced before you as they rejoice at harvest time and as they rejoice when dividing spoils. 4 For you have shattered their oppressive yoke and the rod on their shoulders, the staff of their oppressor, just as you did on the day of Midian. 5 For every trampling boot of battle and the bloodied garments of war will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.
OT Prophecy about the future messiah:
He will expand the influence of Israel
The Children of Israel will divide the wealth of all the nations
The Messiah will lift the yoke of oppression off the backs of his people
After defeating the occupying nation the Messiah will burn all of the tools of war and bring peace.
The Government shall be on his shoulders
His kingdom will be expansive
The Messiah will sit on the throne of David with Jerusalem being the capital city
-This is just one of the Prophecy about the future Messiah. You can see how the disciples would be disappointed about Jesus just dying via crucifixion as a defeated troublemaker based on this prophecy about him.
-These two disciples were even more skeptical of the claims of the women:
22 Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, 23 and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”
(v.22-24) The disciples report that the women who took care of Jesus and his disciples went to the tomb and Early on Sunday morning to take care of the body found an empty tomb and received word from An Angelic messenger that their Lord had been resurrected. Notice these two disciples said some of the disciples went to look at the tomb. These leads me to believe they didn’t take the women too seriously, as these two did not go to the tomb to verify the story.
What should they have done after the hearing about the empty tomb?
Reflection: Check the word!
OT references to the Resurrection: Does the OT report something I am missing or don’t understand. Let me reread the Prophecies about him to make sure I am not missing something.
Jesus own words when he was leading them. Jesus dropped many nuggets about his impending death & resurrection. They were so focused on his Physical Kingdom they did not listen to his constant reminder that “he must suffer first and then be raised from the dead”
21 But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened.
(v.21) “Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened” The disciples add this little phrase when they are talking to Jesus. Essentially they are saying the story of his resurrection sounds good, and fun to imagine, but its been three days since his death.
There is a reason they said this. The Jews had a commonly held belief that the spirit left the body on the third day in the grave. When they said this it meant “Jesus is good and dead now!” Game Over!
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
The disciples are blinded and cannot see what’s in front of their faces. They are talking to the person who they just said is “Good and Dead”
One of things unbelief does is blind us so that we are not able to see truth.
Open the doors of the church
Open the doors of the church
Online Audience-A, B, and C
Giving
1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.
Benediction
16 And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
Part II
Part II
Review:
Review:
Set the scene: The woman have informed the disciples of the resurrection
The men as a whole are skeptical
Two of the men one of who was named Cleopas were the road to Emmaus a town 7 miles outside of Jerusalem
On that Road they were joined by Jesus in the conversation
In (v.16) they were inhibited from seeing Jesus. They were talking to a man they spent the last three years walking with and they didn’t recognize his face or his voice.
The disciples were largely disappointed and discouraged because Jesus did not meet their expectation concerning his coming. We might say they had a little bit of an attitude because of what they sacrificed on behalf of them.
Last weeks only point was “The Disciples Eyes Closed” this Sunday we will move to the “The Disciples Eyes are Opened”
In the first part of the narrative the disciples are speaking while Jesus asks the question; in the second part of the video Jesus takes over the conversation.
Sidenote: When you can’t understand his plan trust his word
Sidenote: When you can’t understand his plan trust his word
Transition statement:
Transition statement:
After the two disciples bring Jesus up to speed about all the events surrounding his death and seeming resurrection our Lord begins to gradually reveal his identity.
II. The Disciples Eyes are Opened
II. The Disciples Eyes are Opened
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures. 28 They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. 29 But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” 33 That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, 34 who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
(v.25) 25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken”
(EXE) We are not used to a Jesus like this. We are used to a kind, patient and gentle man. But notice Jesus words to these two disciples. Jesus calls them out.
25 And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!
The NASB gives us a better rendering of this verse from the Greek NT.
“How foolish you are” foolish- uncomprehending.
Jesus is not talking about Intellectual? Mental slowness! He is talking about a Moral Slowness. Notice he did not say “Slow of mind” he said “Slow of heart” in the bible the “Heart” is where the desires, affection and will are talked about. In our vernacular “We would say stop being so hard headed!” This is not person who doesn’t understand but a person who understands and still is resisting in his heart.
The Disciples are so focused on the Physical Redemption of Israel they cannot see what has taken place. Now that you understand this truth lets go back and answer the question from earlier:
Notice when Jesus was basically describing himself what he called himself
Notice when Jesus was basically describing himself what he called himself
26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?”
Notice how the disciples referred to him.
Notice how the disciples referred to him.
19 “What things?” he asked them. So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people,
Do you see the difference?
The disciples: Great prophet in line with all the other great prophets of the OT. Must be another one coming.
Jesus: I am the Messiah the last and final in a long line of godly men. There will be no more after me
16 But they were prevented from recognizing him.
You will remember I ask earlier Who blinded them and why?
(v.16) “were prevented” imperfect(past)passive verb. This means the blinding came from someone outside of them in the past. In this case Jesus actively contributes to their blindness and this blindness wasn’t new they were walking in blindness before this conversation with Jesus. They were so morally blind they could not recognize a man they lived with for three years. We know the “who” they have been blinded by “Jesus” Now lets answer why? Go to verse (v.26-27)
26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.
(v.26-27) “Wasn’t it necessary for the messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory? Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.
(EXE-26) Jesus asks them a rhetorical question. I believe he may have said it like this: “How many times did I tell you I had to suffer in fulfillment of the scriptures and I would be raised in fulfillment of the scriptures” Did we not talk about this many times before!!!!
(EXE-27) Jesus then took them to Bible School and started from the basic. He tells them Moses and all the Prophets talked about the events surrounding my Death & Resurrection. This should not be a surprise to you. Did you read what the Psalmist said about me in Ps 16:10:
10 For you will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful one to see decay.
(v.10) David wrote this Psalm:
Was he talking about himself? or someone else? whoever this person is they will go to the grave but their bodies will not suffer the natural decaying process that happens to the dead
10 Yet the Lord was pleased to crush him severely. When you make him a guilt offering, he will see his seed, he will prolong his days, and by his hand, the Lord’s pleasure will be accomplished. 11 After his anguish, he will see light and be satisfied. By his knowledge, my righteous servant will justify many, and he will carry their iniquities.
(v.11) “After his anguish”(Death) he will see the light(Resurrection) by this single act of sacrifice Jesus will “justify many, and he will carry their iniquities”
If they were still confused Jesus said this to them privately about the ending of his life:
If they were still confused Jesus said this to them privately about the ending of his life:
31 Then he took the Twelve aside and told them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. Everything that is written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished. 32 For he will be handed over to the Gentiles, and he will be mocked, insulted, spit on; 33 and after they flog him, they will kill him, and he will rise on the third day.”
You will remember we were grappling with “Why?” Jesus has hid his identity from the disciples for a reason:
The scriptures tell us that when we seek Jesus we will find him. Well the converse is also true. When you know truth yet hold onto your own will instead of God’s will then “You could stare truth right in the face and not see it” When you choose to remain in darkness Jesus will contribute to that process. When you choose to remain in unbelief he will help you.
You cannot see nor understand Spiritual Matters without Jesus. He is called the Self-Revelator, which means outside of his Self-Revelation we would all still be swimming in unbelief & darkness.
Pre-Crucifixion believers must live by faith, Crucifixion believers must live by faith and Post Resurrection believers must live by faith. This faith must be rooted in his word
What does it mean to live by faith?
It means in absence of his Physical Presence we are to trust his word!
Jesus always says “I am doing this to fulfill the scriptures” this is a critical statement. How else can we trust his word if he does not fulfill all of his word. God expects us to have such faith that when he says something “It is done” the only way that happens is if he fulfills all of his word. He cannot leave one stone unturned! Every prophecy and promise must be fulfilled.
This is why he is so “Hard” on these disciples because they refuse to Trust his word. You see Jesus wants all of us to trust his word even when there is not physical/tangible evidence to back up that claim. In other words “You didn't need to see the body to believe I rose, because I told you I was going to rise the women should have simply been confirming the truth you already knew!
The Physical Resurrection is simply confirmation of his word. When God speaks something it is already Done!
Did the Disciples ever get it? Did they eventually get it together?
22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to these words: This Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through him, just as you yourselves know. 23 Though he was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used lawless people to nail him to a cross and kill him. 24 God raised him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by death. 25 For David says of him: I saw the Lord ever before me; because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices. Moreover, my flesh will rest in hope, 27 because you will not abandon me in Hades or allow your holy one to see decay. 28 You have revealed the paths of life to me; you will fill me with gladness in your presence. 29 “Brothers and sisters, I can confidently speak to you about the patriarch David: He is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn an oath to him to seat one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Messiah: He was not abandoned in Hades, and his flesh did not experience decay. 32 “God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this.
This is a sermon by Peter after having being recommissioned by the resurrected Jesus Peter makes some very powerful points in this sermon:
This man Jesus did signs and wonders that attested to his deity
He was rejected by man, but his rejection was within the sovereign will of God
He was raised three days later because it was impossible for the Grave to hold him
The OT saints spoke of this event. David predicts 1. Someone in the future will be sitting on my throne 2. David’s soul was at rest because he understood this meant the Throne of David would ultimately be occupied by “the Lord” 3. This Man Jesus will die but he will not be left in the grave 4. David was invigorated that this prophecy was given to him by the Spirit.
Like David we should rejoice on an event we did not see but we trust his word. David was saved by on his hope in a future event and we are saved based on our hope in a past event David was looking forward, but we look backwards.
Notice Peter conclusion: “Brothers and Sisters, I can confidently speak to you about the patriarch David: He is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn an oath to him to seat one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was to come, he spoke concerning the resurrection of Messiah: He was not abandoned in Hades, and his flesh did not experience decay.
Look at Pete!!! This is the same guy who denied the Lord and ran away a defeated and depressed man. When Jesus found them the second time Peter was back fishing again. Pete says “I am confident the Man Jesus has been raised from the dead! So I will speak boldly even if my life is taken like his because I have seen him face to face and no I see truth that I could not see before.
Conclusion: Lord help me see what I cannot see!
Conclusion: Lord help me see what I cannot see!
28 They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. 29 But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” 33 That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, 34 who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
(v.28-29) The disciples approached a village and they urged him to stay with them. They are now seeking and thirsting. They are no longer focused on the Physical Redemption of Israel, because the truth of Spiritual Redemption has caused them to focus on that.
(v.30-31) Notice the language of this text. This mirrors the language of the first communion in the Upper room.
14 When the hour came, he reclined at the table, and the apostles with him. 15 Then he said to them, “I have fervently desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you, from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way he also took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
Jesus seems to be recreating the upper room experience, and during that process the disciples had to start wondering how would this man know what happened in that room during Passover???? Unless he was there!!! notice
(v.31) Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight.
Why did Jesus disappear after the breaking of bread?
16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”
(v.16) Jesus tells them at Passover I will not share communion with you again until the Eschaton(Final Culmination) of all things.
After this the men’s eyes were opened fully.
Notice (v.32)
(v.32) “They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” Notice what the word was doing to their hearts.
Thesis: When you can’t understand his plan trust his word
This is a story of trust. The central thesis of this narrative is “Trust what I told you”
Don’t let your will blind you from seeing my will!!!
Truth is often staring you right in the face if you learn to just trust him
Open the Doors of the Church
Open the Doors of the Church
ABC gospel
Giving
Giving
30 It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?”
Eyes were opened. Now you can see
Benediction
Benediction
16 And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
