"The Road After"

April 27, 2025

FBC Baxley

am service

Speakers in sanctuary, Vow renewal May 25th, Parent child dedication-mother’s day-sign up call office

Welcome radio and online guests…

Vision Statement: FBC Exists to Live & Share the Love of Jesus Christ, through worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry & Evangelism.

** I want you to know, GOD LOVES YOU!

*It’s ok however you’ve entered, we are all here seeking God’s will, way and plan.

Some rescued, redeemed, Some Saved….Some Not..

All Loved…

*Acts 4:12 (repeat)

Sermon Title: “The Road After”

Scripture Passage: Luke 24:36-49

36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!”

37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit.

38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?

39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.”

40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.

41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?”

42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish,

43 and he took it and ate before them.

44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,

46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,

47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

48 You are witnesses of these things.

49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

PRAY-

Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable in your sight,

O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Three Points:

1. Peace Provided vv. 36-43

2. Purpose Proclaimed vv. 44-47

3. Power Promised vv. 48-49

Introduction: The Moment After Victory

In April 1865, the American Civil War had drawn to a close.

The Union had triumphed, and President Abraham Lincoln had begun speaking of “malice toward none, and charity for all.”

But just five days after General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, Lincoln was assassinated.

What followed wasn’t immediate celebration—but uncertainty, fear, and questions about what would come next.

The war was over, but the road after would prove just as challenging.

In a similar way, Luke 24 tells us of a resurrection that has just changed everything—but the road after is still foggy for the disciples.

The tomb is empty, Jesus is alive, and yet the question remains: What now? (I think we are still asking that question...)

Background:

Luke 24:36–49 captures a pivotal time after the resurrection.

Jesus appears to the disciples, reassures them, teaches them, and sends them out.

This is the bridge between the empty tomb and the global mission of the church.

Where We Are in the Story

Luke 24 opens on Resurrection Sunday—the most important day in history.

Jesus has risen, but His followers don’t understand what’s happened yet.

Earlier in this chapter, two disciples are walking the road to Emmaus, discussing the traumatic events of the crucifixion.

Jesus joins them, veiled from recognition, and begins to explain the Scriptures that pointed to His death and resurrection.

Their eyes are opened when He breaks bread with them, and they realize it’s Jesus.

They rush back to Jerusalem to tell the Eleven.

Now we arrive at verses 36–49. The disciples are gathered together, still reeling from recent events:

The crucifixion—which shattered their hopes that Jesus was the Messiah.

Rumors of resurrection—which sound too good to be true.

Fear of the authorities—as they likely expect the same fate that met Jesus.

Into that mix of confusion, fear, and partial faith, Jesus suddenly appears.

Historical Context: A Traumatized and Uncertain Group

We often imagine the disciples as full of joy on Easter Sunday, but the reality is more complex:

They are emotionally exhausted, having witnessed betrayal, arrest, and execution.

They are mentally confused, trying to reconcile Jesus' death with His claims.

They are spiritually disoriented, because their understanding of Messiah didn’t include a cross.

In fact, John’s Gospel tells us they were locked behind closed doors for fear of the Jewish leaders (John 20:19).

The appearance of Jesus is not just comforting—it’s startling.

Everything that has happened is not the end—it’s the beginning of a global movement that will carry the name of Jesus to the ends of the earth.

The resurrection of Jesus calls us not just to believe in an event, but to begin a journey.

In this text, Jesus shows us what the road after the resurrection looks like—for them, and for us.

I. Peace Provided (vv. 36–43)

“Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace to you!’” (v. 36)

Greek Insight: The word Jesus uses for peace is εἰρήνη (eirēnē), which means more than the absence of conflict—it speaks of wholeness, restoration, and harmony.

Jesus shows them His wounds—not just as proof, but as a peace-producing reality.

The crucified Lord is the risen Lord.

He then eats in their presence—not because He needs to, but because He wants to reassure them of the physical, bodily resurrection. Key Thought: Peace is not the absence of problems, but the presence of the resurrected Christ.

II. Purpose Proclaimed (vv. 44–47)

“Everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” (v. 44)

Jesus gives them a panoramic view of the Scriptures—all of it was pointing to Him.

The Greek phrase in v. 45, διήνοιξεν αὐτῶν τὸν νοῦν (“He opened their mind”) means to fully unlock their understanding.

*The suffering, resurrection, and proclamation of repentance was not plan B—it was God’s purpose from the beginning.

In v. 47, Jesus highlights that repentance and forgiveness will be proclaimed (κηρυχθῆναι - kēruchthēnai)—a word used for royal declarations.

It’s not a suggestion, it’s a kingly command to announce good news.

Key Thought: The road after the resurrection isn’t directionless—it’s driven by divine design.

III. Power Promised (vv. 48–49)

“You are witnesses… But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (v. 48–49)

The word witnesses is μάρτυρες (martyres), the same root from which we get martyr.

They aren’t just spectators—they will be testifiers, and eventually, many will die for this message.

Jesus doesn’t just send them—He promises to empower them.

The phrase “clothed with power” implies being wrapped or immersed, like putting on a new garment.

This foreshadows Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit will come in power—not for emotional experience alone, but for evangelistic courage.

Key Thought: The mission Jesus gives is impossible without the power Jesus provides.

Conclusion: Life on the Road After

So, what do we do now that the resurrection has happened?

Like those first disciples, we live on the road after—and here are three specific applications for today:

Three Life Applications:

Lean into the Presence of Peace. In moments of fear or doubt, don’t just ask God to fix the storm—ask Him to stand with you in it.

Just like Jesus did in that locked room.

2. Live on Purpose, Not Passively. *How are we doing with our purpose? Your life is not an accident.

God’s Word points to Jesus, and now your life does too.

Every day is an opportunity to proclaim grace in word and action.

3. Look for Power, Not Performance. Stop striving in your own strength.

Wait, pray, and walk in the Spirit.

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead empowers you to live and love boldly.

Closing Thought:

Just like America found itself asking, “What now?” after the Civil War, the disciples found themselves asking, “What now?” after the resurrection.

And the answer wasn’t retreat—it was recommission. The empty tomb isn’t the end—it’s the beginning.

The road after is a road of peace, purpose, and power.

-Pray

-Invitation