Sermon 2.16.20 4.12.2020 When Jesus Comes to Town He ends our Isolation. Luke 24.13-35

Far from Jesus....

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Entice: One of the new ways to describe the lost… far from Jesus. It seems even more appropriate since we are also far from one another. The western church has not experienced an Easter like this in generations. While we are social distanced, while we are 6 feet separate please remember those who are even further away from hope, and purpose, and God’s design for their life. Don’t forget those who are far from Jesus.

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Jesus grounds the Churches understanding of resurrection in the OT.

Even for Jesus-personal experience of resurrection is defined by the biblical expectation, God’s unfolding purpose, and the design of redemption.

He does not say “Here’s everything I know about the passion.” That would have been interesting but not too helpful. As God in flesh, freshly restored to life after crucifixion, He had experiences which were unrepeatable. INSTEAD He says… “Here’s everything YOU can know about my passion and God’s plan of redemption…grounded on scripture-and realized in resurrection.”

It begins that very afternoon upon the road. Some of what those two disciples heard that day likely sounded unfamiliar. Some of it was uncomfortable. From that day forward we have reason and resource to explain our experience of the Risen Christ. It is not an accident. It is not an after thought. It is the animating element at the heart of God's revelation.

Excite: I am excited because Jesus is not bound by our social distancing! He is not left out by our locked doors! He is not intimidated by our isolation, He will not quit though we are quarentined!

Excite: I am excited because

Jesus is not bound by our social distancing!

He is not left out by our locked doors!

He is not intimidated by our isolation,

He will not quit though we are quarantined!

Explore:

We may be isolated but we don’t need to be alone!

We may be isolated but we don’t need to be alone!

Explain:

Jesus clarifies His resurrected presence to us through explaining the scriptures

Body of Sermon: through them He...

through them He...

1. Comforts us when circumstances are crushing

Luke 24:13–18 ESV

13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 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?”

1.1 When we run away

In this fight or flight moment these two, at least, were unassing the area. We don't know how long they were planning on remaining apart from the disciples...but it is clear Jesus interrupted their plan.

It is possible to flee further into isolation. (Drugs, alcohol, depression, Self-pity)

1.2 When we experience traumatic stress.

through the Scriptures He...

2. Centers us when events are confusing.

Luke 24:19–24 ESV

19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 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. 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.”

2.1 He reminds us of the facts.

2.2 He restores hope

last of all using the Bible He...

3. Convicts us when the truth is challenging.

Luke 24:25–35 ESV

25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 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. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 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?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

3.1 Arresting our attention

3.2 Addressing our anxieties.

3.3 Answering our questions.

Shut Down:

Tomorrow you may be by yourself, but you don't have to be alone. Easter means that even as we keep distance from one another, Jesus can be as close as a whisper. He lives again and so can you. Your road of doubt, confusion, separation, suffering, anxiety, defeat-all of those things are realities in our world because of sin...all of that can be behind you and your heart can be filled even if your house is still empty.

Perhaps Covid-19 is your Emmaus. Jesus can explain it all. By His Word and through His Acts of redemption you can share the same eternal life the disciples experienced on that day they spent with Jesus. The time draws short. It is time to make a decision. Will you invite Him in? Will you hear Him out? Will you acknowledge Him as Lord, join in His feast, share in His redemption, rise in His new life?