Troubled Hearts: He opens their minds
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· 5 viewsThis is now the 4th visit from Jesus after His resurrection and He comes to give peace and assurance to His disciples.
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Transcript
Psalm 126
Psalm 126
A song of ascents. When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.
When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan, and bring your father and your families back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land.’ “You are also directed to tell them, ‘Do this: Take some carts from Egypt for your children and your wives, and get your father and come. Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours.’ ” So the sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them carts, as Pharaoh had commanded, and he also gave them provisions for their journey. To each of them he gave new clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five sets of clothes. And this is what he sent to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the best things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and other provisions for his journey. Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, “Don’t quarrel on the way!” So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. They told him, “Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.” Jacob was stunned; he did not believe them. But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. And Israel said, “I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”
But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. David said about him: “ ‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’
Troubled Hearts: He opens their minds!
Troubled Hearts: He opens their minds!
Sermon Intro:
It is said, “If something is too good to be true, it probably isn’t.” There are many people who have proven this true when their desire to believe the opposite as placed them in situations where they were scammed out of money. However, with God all things are possible, even the too good to be true.
Now, do not run out an buy a lottery ticket counting on God to provide you a win. I do not believe He will ever work that way. In such a situation you are putting your hope in the lottery and the state, not God. But allow me to share a story of my own where God worked in a manner that was too good to believe.
My son needed tennis shoes and I did not have any spare funds to buy him a pair. I was driving home from work and talking to God about the situation at which point I saw what looked like a new tennis shoe at the right hand side of the road. Trusting God, that He supplies all our needs I began scanning for another and a short distance up on the left hand side of the road I saw another. I quickly did a u-turn and retrieved the shoe. Finding it was a new shoe and just my son’s size, I drove the opposite way, did another u-turn to retrieve the first shoe. Finding them a perfect match, I continued home praising God for His answer to my prayer.
Today, we find a “too good to be true” moment when the disciples are faced with the fourth visit from Jesus on His resurrection day.
Previously, the women found the tomb empty and Mary had an encounter with the risen Lord. Then somewhere during that day, Peter had another encounter. Late that afternoon, two men enroute to Emmaus were again confronted by Jesus. Today’s passage takes up with them returned to the disciples to share their story.
Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Pray
Sermon:
Two week’s ago, we found the women perplexed when they discover an empty tomb. Last week, we find two men discouraged until Jesus opened their eyes. Today, we find the disciples with “troubled hearts” until Jesus opens their minds.
What we find in this story is a gathering of nervous, fearful people. We know this as John in his account of the event, shares that the door was for fear of the Jews. These followers of Jesus are fearful that Jesus fate will next be their own.
They are gathered together, sharing news of the day. The news has moved from what the Jewish leaders are doing, to the accounts of Jesus’ appearances when suddenly, Jesus just appears among them.
You can imagine their surprise and fear. They had seen Lazarus arise from the tomb. He was obviously resurrected from the dead before their very eyes, but Jesus was a different story. They had not witnessed it, they had just heard of sightings, but many had yet to see Him for themselves. Then when He suddenly appeared, well what flesh and blood does that. Lazarus had not demonstrated such abilities after his resurrection. Surely, Jesus was a ghost before them.
There is also the case that they were talking about Jesus. If you have ever been talking about someone when they walk into the room, you know how awkward that feels, even when you are saying good things.
So, you can imagine the fear they were experiencing in that moment. But Jesus does not come with any condemnation. In fact, He greets them with a blessing of “peace.”
“Peace be with you!”
However, the shock of it all is still with them and I can imagine they cowered back from Him some, even though this was a man they were close with, they just did not know what to think or how to react. So, Jesus encourages them further.
He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
Why are you troubled? Why do you have doubts? They have been with Jesus for 3 years. They have watched Him perform many miracles, even raising Lazarus from the dead. He told them multiple times He would die and then rise again. At this point, they have heard from four people who have seen and talked to Him in three different places on this very day. So, why have they not believed?
Jesus isn’t asking this for His sake. He knows and understands are limitations. In fact, it works to the historical credibility that they didn’t believe. I spoke some on this last week. Their doubts and reluctance to see the truth proves from a historical stand point that they did not conspire to rob the grave to prove Jesus had not risen from the dead. Nor would they put their lives on the line and die for a lie. The story of the resurrection is true and today’s event provides more evidence. Their doubt allows an opportunity for scripture to give physical proof of Jesus resurrection.
Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
This account shows that Jesus was not just Spirit but He was once again physical. This was important evidence for those who tried to declare teachings of gnosticism and docetism later on.
“Gnostics believed that the material world was evil and the only way to salvation was through discovering the “secrets” of the universe. This belief flew in the face of Judaism and Christianity, both of which believed that God created the world (Genesis) and that it was good, not evil. Keeping revelation secret wasn’t meant to be; rather, it should be shared openly with others.
Docetism, a spin-off from Gnosticism, comes from the Greek word dokesis, meaning appearance. In the first and second centuries a.d., Docetists asserted that Jesus Christ only appeared to be human. They considered the material world, including the human body, so evil and corrupt that God, who is all good, couldn’t have assumed a real human body and human nature. He must have pretended.”
https://www.dummies.com/religion/christianity/catholicism/what-are-gnosticism-and-docetism/
In this account by Luke and John we find the physical evidence presented to counter these false teachings. The disciples could confirm that they had in truth touched Jesus and witnessed for themselves the truth that Jesus was flesh and blood, yet at the same time demonstrated the ability of a spirit as He appeared suddenly in a locked room.
Jesus provides even further evidence. Luke 24:41
And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”
Here again we see demonstrated they emotions of the disciples. They are overjoyed yet amazed, “surely this was too good to be true!” Yet here stood Jesus in their midst eating fish before them. Now, I am sure Jesus did not eat their fish in that moment because He was hungry. As resurrected Lord He could call up food of heaven which I bet has a lot more taste than broiled fish! Yet, He stood before them eating this humble repast knowing that this event would be written down for evidence for centuries to come.
This was not a first for the Jews. All through the Old Testament we find moments when God performed things too good to be true. Taking a loan man from Ur and creating a man of prestige among foreigners in Canaan. Providing food for Jacob/Israel in time of famine and restoring a son he thought was dead. Delivering the Children of Israel from Egypt and parting a Red Sea to cross over on dry land and the stories go on. Today’s Psalm reveals the same amazement and joy.
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
Now, Jesus stands before them eating three days after they saw Him die on the cross. And just as He had done with the two on the road to Emmaus Jesus points them to scripture.
Once again Jesus opened the scriptures for them providing them the means to understand what they were unable to see for themselves.
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
Even today we need God’s help to read scripture. Many say, I try to read the Bible but I get nothing out of it. However, once we give our hearts to Jesus He changes us from within and the scriptures open up for us revealing its wonderful secrets. This is not to say that we instantly understand it all. We don’t. Even I, after years of study and teaching from it, come across things that puzzle me. However, I trust that when the time is right and I am ready, God will reveal what He desires for me to see.
It is like a parent sharing their favorite book with their child. It is something fun you do together. It is relational and bonding time.
Then Jesus reveals even more. Luke 24:46-49
He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Jesus has been pointing to what scripture said must happen, now He discloses the why. So people can repent and find forgiveness for their sins forevermore. Before, sacrifice after sacrifice had to be made. Each new sin had to be repented and a new sacrifice offered, but now the final sacrifice had been made. We can ask for forgiveness and have assurance it is received and forgotten.
First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Then Jesus proclaims that this is the good news to be preached, not just to Israel but to all nations. It will begin in Jerusalem, then be carried on by THEM! Their purpose has not ended it is just beginning. They are to be His witnesses of all that has happened.
You are witnesses of these things.
But they cannot do it on their own. They need power from God and He promises to provide the power.
I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
We know that this happens. The story is told in Acts 2, and we see evidence of the change in the portion read earlier in this service. Peter is boldly declaring to the very people he is hiding from in this Lukan passage, the message of Jesus Christ. The same message that led to Jesus arrest and crucifixion. There is no fear in Peter and he is preaching the scriptures with a new understanding as he uses Psalm 16 to point to Christ.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
The Holy Spirit continues to open scripture for them so they all can preach the story of salvation from Genesis through Revelation.
This message brought peace, comfort and boldness to the disciples. They went from defeated cowards to bold proclaimers of the message.
However, this is not just their story. Proclamation of the message is not just their responsibility. This same peace, joy, comfort and boldness is to be ours also. It begins with our believing and putting our trust in Jesus. It continues with our seeking that Pentecost experience of our own at which point the Holy Spirit works within us to open scripture to us for use in our own lives and for the proclamation of His message to others.
Peace is ours, a gift from Jesus Himself.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
It is provided for us to carry on His work here on earth.
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
We have this peace because we can rest that our sins are taken care of and we are at rest in our relationship with God.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
We have this peace because we know that God will always provide what we need when we need it.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
So, why is it that so many Christians have never really found this peace or their calling from God? It is because we stop short of the goal. Jesus did not leave that room that day telling them to get busy. He told them to wait for the power of God to come upon them. They were to wait for that moment. That did not mean they went about their business just waiting for it to happen. No, they had to intentionally wait and pray. They sought an upper room and prayed, seeking it and waiting on God to provide it. When it came upon them, there was no question about it. They knew it and other people knew it. Something had happened to these people.
Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
It was obvious that something had happened to these Galileans. But this is not something that happens when you ask Jesus to be your Savior. This is another step in your walk with God. It is a time of empowerment to do the work that we are all called to do.
We see this clearly taught in scripture. The apostles taught not only the need to be saved but to also be sanctified. We see evidence of this in Paul’s ministry in Ephesus.
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.
These men were believers. They believed in John’s ministry of repenting before God. They quickly received the good news of Jesus Christ, but the act of receiving the Holy Spirit was a further action on God’s part equipping the believers.
God never forces Himself on anyone. We must be willing. I believe the reason the good news is not being received as it should around our world is that too many are not being sanctified. They stop at repentance, so they never get to the fullness of the Spirit working within.
Now, some will say that you know you are sanctified or “Spirit-filled” if you speak in tongues. I do not believe that to be true. Scripture also cautions using tongues when there is no interpretation. In there time and place, they were surrounded by many peoples of different languages. As of today, every person I have met in Elgin has spoken English. There has not been any need of me speaking another language. Tongues is to provide communication for sharing the good news, not for self glorification, which is often what happens when it is used for the wrong purposes. I have never spoken in tongues, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I have been sanctified. It was an incredible moment I will never forget. At the time it happened, I knew clearly that I was called to ministry. There was no doubt or uncertainty.
Conclusion
Jesus provided for the disciples all the proof they needed to be His witnesses. He also stressed to them that they were to go and wait for the Holy Spirit. They did just that and when it happened, it changed them beyond recognition.
However, Jesus call to His followers then is still the call to His followers today.
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
We see the doubt here because they had not yet received the Holy Spirit, but ten days later, all doubt would be erased and the peace and boldness they needed came upon them in a supernatural way.
Have you been filled with the Holy Spirit? I am talking about a life changing moment when God poured out upon you in such a way that there is no doubt about it. When peace, joy and understanding so filled you that you could not contain it? If not, I implore you to ask God to fill you in that way. It will provide peace, wisdom, and direction in a way you have never known before. Do not settle for a portion of God. Instead, go for the fullness of God.
We live in unsettled times, but this is just the right setting for God to pour out His Spirit upon His people once again to lead many to a saving faith in God. They days are getting short. Do not put salvation or sanctification off another day. Call upon God today.
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.
Pray