The Word Alive

Introduction

The people of God, the followers of Jesus were processing the events of the day. The crucifixion happened from noon to three PM on Good Friday. Jesus was Jewish and we can only imagine that other than Roman soldiers for the most part, the event was attended by Jewish followers of Jesus. The power of the day of the civilized world was Rome and the Jews were in a time of oppression. Now, oppression for the Jews at this point in time was obviously very different than the time they were enslaved back in Egypt, but they were a people that learned to function by tiptoeing around the Romans. I imagine the crowds huddled around the crucifixion, but others stayed back an earshot to avoid being recognized or called out of the crowd by the Romans for being a part of the Way.

Luke 23:49 “49 But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.”

There were many people who wanted to be engaged front and center, but fear ruled and they stood off from the crowds.

We know that Peter was interrogated on three occasions as one recognized as being a part of Jesus’ followers and we know he denied Jesus on all three occasions. We can surmise that Peter and the disciples huddled around the corner of some building and looked on at a distance. In Luke 23:49 we note that the women stood at a distance.

Furthermore, We know that much of Jesus’ ministry was in the region of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee from Jerusalem is 80 miles away.

I mention that because the time of Jesus’ crucifixion was Passover. People had traveled far and wide to come to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. After Jesus’ death, there was only three hours to travel back home. The movement and activities of the Jews were shutdown on the Sabbath. Travel and meal preparation was prohibited. They could travel up to 3/4 mile within their home village and you could eat meals that had already prepared, but that was the extent of work and movement on the Sabbath.

The Sabbath must have been a grueling day. The crucifixion must have been difficult to look upon for the followers of Jesus. We can imagine they were internalizing all that had happened. They were replaying the scene in their minds and wondering “where do we go from here?” Our leader is no more and we now have to find our way. And those who traveled from the Galilean region were in limbo until Sunday.

All of us here today as Jesus’ followers still face life issues everyday just as these Christ followers faced on that Resurrection Day.

There are matters of this world that stun us and freeze us in our tracks. Life events place us in states of contemplation, fear, worry, uncertainty, insecurity and the list goes on. This morning we will dissect a scene and learn how to navigate life when those stunning moments stare us in the face. Those times when our world has been rocked and we must seek the Rock to find direction in life. Oh listen dearly beloved, Jesus’ crucifixion was not just a life event, He is life each and every day for our choosing.

Turn This morning in your Bibles to Luke 24:13-32.

Luke 24:13-32

Luke 24:13–32 NKJV

13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. 17 And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” 18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?” 19 And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22 Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23 When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24 And certain 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.” 25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. 28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. 29 But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. 30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. 32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”

Prayer

Message

This morning we study a transition period post the resurrection of Jesus. Last Sunday, Easter, Resurrection Sunday, the ladies in the scriptures attended a committal service and left the tomb commissioned for service by the Lord Himself. They left a funeral and by a touch of the Lord’s assurances they left on fire full of faith to share the good news. They gained a living faith that was active in sharing their testimony of the Jesus they served. Their faith was alive.

We see a pattern following Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus met several groups to offer assurances that the Jesus they served was alive and well. Jesus had to restore their mourning and bring them to an awareness that their lives had purpose and their lives had a mission to fulfill. Jesus met doubting Thomas. Jesus brought restoration to Peter that had denied Him. Jesus met the women at the tomb to calm their fears and give them hope that He was alive and well and would meet them in their greatest need. In 1 Cor. 15, Paul wrote that Jesus met some five hundred people to provide hope in their lives that Jesus was alive. Oh dearly beloved, these followers who had faltered had their faith strengthened and they became spigots of living water in Jesus’ name in the days ahead.

1. The Disappointment on the Road (VV. 13-24)

This morning Luke carries us to another scene a few miles away from Jerusalem where two men are in route home to Emmaus. They are on a different journey and they are processing the news of the day in a different manner.

Ill. I know we all clearly understand but whether you are a child of God or not we all face life issues every day. I know one this week that is facing major job decisions. I know a faithful couple here that are praying for their daughter who has been diagnosed with cancer. I know another faithful couple here this week that the husband fell against a sharp object and the point pierced through his hand and had to have stitches while at the same time his wife was hospitalized. Just a few examples of what a week brings in the life of believers, faithful believers.

And we all deal with life issues differently. Scripture tells us that when Mary, the mother of Jesus was given the big news that she would be the mother of Jesus, the Christ, she “pondered things in her heart.”

This morning as these two men are walking to Emmaus they followed somewhat a pattern of Jesus we see in Luke 2:46 “46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.”

Scriptures teach us that Jesus matured by discussing the things of God with the elders and the ministers of the synagogue.

Luke 2:52 “52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

The Bible states that these men “conversed and reasoned.” These men were talking out and releasing their frustrations and fears between each other as they discussed their hurts over Jesus’ crucifixion.

There are so many ways people do respond to troubling news. Shock/denial, anger/frustration, sadness or depression, anxiety, and fear. We can rationalize the information or minimize it in our minds. We can chase down distractions to take our minds off the matter, we can pursue structure and routine. There are all types of ways to respond to troubling news. Let’s seek God’s way today.

They had lost hope and they found some semblance of coping by sharing one with the other. I believe there are several truths we can take from times that we hear troubling news and the actions that follow.

A. Internalizing to Externalizing

Firstly, take internalization to externalization means taking the matter directly to God. But it can also mean to take the matter to a friend, a Christian friend, a fellow believer. When a matter becomes overwhelming, solicit someone that is your accountability partner to discuss your news, your fears, your uncertainty, the decisions you face.

Moses & Aaron

Exodus 4:10-16 we learn that Moses carried his fears and insecurities to God when God chose him to deliver Israel out of bondage. God called Moses to approach Pharaoh as the voice of God for His enslaved people and the decision scared Moses to death.

Moses externalized his fears to God about his inadequacies. “I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” Moses shared openly with the Lord and guess what, God provided answers to his fears. He sent Aaron as his helper and reassured Moses that the Lord would be present with him. “I will be your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you should do.” And the Lord did, eventually Moses did not need Aaron to speak, Moses spoke.

B. Two

Secondly God honors two in the mix. Oh you know that the Lord needs to be the top priority in your mix as you assimilate troubling news. But, a second person is so beneficial.

These two Christ followers were discussing their hurts and disappointments together. Oh dearly beloved, for the believer I pray you have someone you can discuss the things of God with. Have you ever considered how much is said in God’s Word about the blessings of two or more?

Turn with me in your Bibles to Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Ecclesiastes 4:9 “9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.”

Ecclesiastes 4:11–12 “11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Matthew 18:16 “16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’”

Matthew 18:19 “19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”

These two men were in turmoil over Jesus. The things of God did not turn out as they thought it would.

Now, let me say that there will be times you take matters to Jesus and He doesn’t handle the matter in the way you think it should be handled. Stay the course. See the Lord through.

Oh dearly beloved, God’s ways are better than our ways. The good news, God news, that if you get to talking about life with your friend and you incorporate God things, if you incorporate the Lord while discussing, God will show up.

Jesus made a promise about this very thing.

Matthew 18:20 “20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.””

Well, Jesus joined them on their walk as a stranger. Scriptures state their eyes were restrained.

When we discuss with a friend matters, when we pray with someone, when we meditate answers may not come immediately, but keep praying, keep meditating, keep discussing and you will find Jesus will reveal Himself in new and fresh ways over the matter.

In this room right now, good people, god fearing people are dealing with troubling news, troubling decisions, major concerns. Solicit the Lord. And, solicit some Christian friends to help you carry the burden on their backs that will pray for you and encourage you.

2 Corinthians 5:7 “7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

A perfect stranger or so they thought neared them and walked with them as they were discussing the crucifixion of Jesus. Listen to their words as Jesus inquired (not yet knowing they were speaking to Jesus Himself).

Luke 24:17–24 NKJV

17 And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” 18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?” 19 And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22 Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23 When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24 And certain 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.”

At this point in time there were basically three different mindsets of the day of Jesus in the region. Firstly, the Jews did not believe Jesus was the Messiah. The second group and for many until they met Jesus in a new way were looking for an earthly Messiah, one who would show earthly power and redeem Israel from Roman control. And lastly, those that came to a clear understanding as Peter for example.

Matthew 16:16 “16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.””

Jesus joins us when we have periods of deep contemplation and we choose to engage Him in our hunger for answers.

2. The Disclosure of the Scriptures (vv. 25-27)

Luke 24:25–27 “25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”

Oh foolish ones sounds so harsh. Our English language doesn’t attack the Greek Words in the best choice of words. Your thinking is shallow or unwise. Men, you haven’t considered what the prophets spoke. So, Jesus began in the Old Testament and He walked them through the revelation of things concerning Himself. Jesus took the Scriptures and brought to light His coming. He shared that He must suffer for the people, that He must die for the people and that He would be raised again on the third day through prophetic text.

Isaiah 53:1–6 “1 Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. 3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

Jesus took them from an “Oh me, to an Aha moment.”

Jesus expounded to them the Scriptures.

Expounded

A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible 1329. διερμηνεύω

diĕrmēnĕuō, dee-er-main-yoo´

You will remember that these Christ followers began by internalizing their struggles and then they externalized to each other, but ultimately to Jesus.

Illumination

Jesus in turn brings Illumination to the matter by sharing the Word with them.

Hebrews 4:12 “12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Why is having Christian friends so priceless? Why is it so important to have someone you can share your struggles with? I remind you are in a shocked state. You are not at your best and you do not see things as clearly. Your Christian accountability partner is more removed. They are back from the fire and they can see godly counsel with greater clarity. They can recall text from the Word of God that will offer you clarity, offer you peace, to give you a sense of security. They expound the scriptures with you.

Isaiah 41:10 “10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”

God’s presence is personal (I am with you). His strength is promised(I will strengthen you). His support is certain, “I will uphold you.”

John 16:33 “33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””

Why do these words offer us hope?

Trouble is real, but its not final. Peace is available in Him. Our victory is already won in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Oh dear brother, dear sister listen:

When our hearts are cold or confused, the Word of God brings understanding. The Bible is not just information — it's divine revelation that points us to Jesus.

Romans 10:17 “17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

3 The Discovery at the Table (vv. 28-32)

Luke 24:28–32 “28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. 29 But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. 30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. 32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?””

Oh dear brother, dear sister listen to me. They began by internalizing the matters and then externalized their fears and hurts. Jesus met them on the road an began the process of illumination through sharing the Word. Oh dear friend, the Bible is alive and it provides answers and what is interesting, you will have read a text time and again, but it takes on a whole new appreciation based upon the matter you are faced with.

And listen to this. Godly counsel and godly assurances breed more of the same. When you begin to hear of the great promises of God and you are reminded how time and again He has met you at every need it multiples your hunger to keep your mind stayed on Him. He is the peace that passes all understanding.

Psalm 119:105 “105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”

God’s Word does offer clarity, direction and security as we face the realities of this world.

Romans 15:4 “4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”

Every time we read and are fed the hope of Jesus in Scripture it is the constant reminder that he has been your hope to bring you to this point.

They did not want to depart from Jesus and at this point they still did not know it was Him. Even when you don’t know Jesus, the Good News is just that good news and it gives us hope. Jesus is alive and He gives us hope. Their hurts turned into a help from the Lord and turned into hope.

I need to close out this message.

Luke 24:30–31 “30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.”

Inspiration

He took them from illumination to inspiration (hope).

Luke 24:32 “32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?””

The Lighthouse in the Storm

There’s an old story told of a sailor who had spent his life navigating the roughest seas. One night, a violent storm struck as he was nearing the rocky coastline. Waves towered, rain poured, and darkness surrounded him. With no stars to guide him and no land in sight, fear began to set in.

But then — far off in the distance — he saw a faint glimmer of light. It was the lighthouse. Small at first. Barely visible through the storm. But as he fixed his eyes on that steady beam, he found his bearings. He turned the wheel, fought the winds, and kept moving toward the light. Finally, drenched and exhausted, he reached safe harbor — because he never lost sight of the light.

Friends, we live in a world of storms. Waves of fear, doubt, and sorrow crash against our lives. But if we will lift our eyes and pursue the Light — Christ Himself — we find hope, direction, and safe passage through whatever trouble comes.

Jesus is not just a distant light — He walks with us, speaks through His Word, and leads us home.

“Are you looking for answers in the storm? Fix your eyes on Him. Pursue His Word. He has not left you adrift. He is your Light, your Anchor, and your Hope.”

Let’s pray.