Home Worship for the week of April 19 – 3rd Sunday after Easter
Morning Prayer: Elusive God, companion on the way, You walk behind, beside, beyond; You catch us unawares. Break through the disillusionment and despair clouding our vision, that, with wide-eyed wonder, we may find our way and journey on as messengers of Your good news. Amen. (Lectionary Prayers)
Opening Hymn: #707 Hymn of Promise
- In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
- There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;
There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
- In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity,
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 51:1-6
51 Listen to me,
you who look for righteousness,
you who seek the Lord:
Look to the rock from which you were cut
and to the quarry where you were dug.
2 Look to Abraham your ancestor,
and to Sarah, who gave you birth.
They were alone when I called them,
but I blessed them and made them many.
3 The Lord will comfort Zion;
he will comfort all her ruins.
He will make her desert like Eden
and her wilderness like the Lord’s garden.
Happiness and joy will be found in her—
thanks and the sound of singing.
4 Pay attention to me, my people;
listen to me, my nation,
for teaching will go out from me,
my justice, as a light to the nations.
5 I will quickly bring my victory.
My salvation is on its way,
and my arm will judge the peoples.
The coastlands hope for me;
they wait for my judgment.
6 Look up to the heavens,
and gaze at the earth beneath.
The heavens will disappear like smoke,
the earth will wear out like clothing,
and its inhabitants will die like gnats.
But my salvation will endure forever,
and my righteousness will be unbroken.
Prayers of Intercession: (CORE prayers, adapted) Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.
Thank You, Jesus, for walking with us on our Emmaus roads. Thank You for speaking clear words that bring Scripture to life in our hearts. Thank You for making Yourself known to us in the breaking of the bread. Thank You for Your patient kindness when we are sad and bewildered.
Let the teaching and testimony of missionaries, pastors, and theologians of the Church cause many hearts to burn with repentance, faith, and joy. Prosper the words and works all who walk in paths of discipleship, to Your glory and for the building up of Your people.
Bless this congregation with Your dear presence. Let our hearts burn within us as we hear Your Word. Kindle sincere affection and love between us all. Make us eager and tireless in telling our family, friends, and neighbors about Your love for them, which has triumphed over sin and death.
Be the companion, comfort, and sure defense of everyone who is far from home and family. By Your grace, grant that they all may find a true and eternal home with You.
Heal the suspicions, cruelty, and self-centeredness which afflict the people and leaders of every nation. Teach us reverent obedience to You, who judges impartially according to our deeds. Cut our hearts to the quick when we see hurts and injustices. Give us strength to help however we can. Make all of us slow to condemn and swift to show mercy.
We plead on behalf of all who suffer in body, mind, heart, or spirit. Rescue their lives from death, their eyes from tears, and their feet from stumbling. Let them walk again in the land of the living, and praise Your steadfast love towards them.
Dear Jesus, with gratitude and affection, we remember Your servants whose death is precious in Your sight. Stay with us who still walk the long Emmaus roads of life. Bestow on us the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Deliver us from sin and sorrow; and teach us to love each other. Lead us into Your Kingdom.
We praise and magnify You, Jesus our Savior and as You taught us, let us prayer together …
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us, not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Offering spotlight: The 30 Pieces of Silver Lenten Offering garnered about $1,100. One quarter of those funds will be used within our church. Three quarters will fund growth at Withrow College in Ghana, which is one of our sponsored missions. They will use funds to build more classrooms so they can educate more nurses and public health professionals who will serve their communities.
Offering prayer: Astounding God of the road and the table, You walk with us even when we don’t recognize You. You speak, and our hearts burn within us. You break the bread, and our eyes are opened. Today, we bring these offerings as signs of our gratitude and hope. May our giving reflect the joy of being found, the wonder of Resurrection, and the call to share good news. Use these gifts to kindle faith, feed the hungry, and proclaim Your presence in every Emmaus moment. We give because we’ve seen You—alive, loving, and leading us still. In Jesus’ name, Amen. (Discipleship Ministries)
Hymn of Preparation: #378 Amazing Grace
- Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.
- ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.
- Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
- The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be, and long as life endures.
- Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace.
- When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun.
Scripture: Luke 24:13-35
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing Him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked Him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” He asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed Him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified Him; 21 but we had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find His body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said He was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if He were going farther. 29 But they urged Him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So He went in to stay with them.
30 When He was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, and He disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when He broke the bread.
Message: Dwayne Deska
Jesus asked a lot of questions. More than 300 are recorded in the four Gospels. He asks more questions than He makes statements by far. We should probably do the same.
We’re continuing our Easter account from the Gospel of Luke.
It’s still the first day after Sabbath Sunday. Luke is the only Gospel that gives us a very interesting story about two of Jesus’ followers who had quite an encounter on that first Easter.
That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. Luke 24:13-14
The next day was Sabbath, so they hid. What if they start rounding up Jesus’ followers? What if we’re next? They decide to get out of town as soon as possible. Go back home – it’s not safe here. Also, what’s the point in staying? Jesus is gone. It’s over.
They were sad. Devasted. Confused. While walking back home, they had some time to process their grief. They were talking about what had just happened. Their hope died with Jesus. How can they ever return to the way it was before?
Of course, we know something they don’t. Or at least something they refuse to believe. We know Jesus is alive – we know about the resurrection. We went with the women to the empty tomb, we heard them tell the others about the angels and that Jesus is risen – it all happened earlier that morning.
Our travelers heard about that, too. They just didn’t believe it. This is where things start to get interesting …
While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. He said to them, “What is the conversation that you are holding as you walk?” Luke 24:15-17
It wouldn’t have been unusual in that day for a fellow traveler to join that group while walking the countryside – safety in numbers and all. So, Jesus catches up and joins them, “But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.”
It doesn’t say they didn’t recognize Him – it says they were kept from recognizing Him. That’s very different. Jesus still looks like Jesus. This is the first appearance of the risen Christ in the Gospel of Luke. John has a similar story with Mary Magdalene. I think this continues to be how things work in the kingdom of God – no one sees Jesus for who He is until He reveals Himself to them.
Jesus asks what they’re talking about. Do you really think He doesn’t know?
There’s a lot we can learn from this. Every time we pray, God is asking what’s on our mind – not because He doesn’t know – it’s because He wants us to say it. In our own words. He created us to experience life, to have actual conversations, with each other, with Him.
Sometimes we avoid having particular conversations because we think we know how it will turn out – what’s the point. This is the point: We need to show each other the same courtesy Jesus shows us. We have to actually have the conversations – in real life, not just in our head. We need to speak and we need to listen.
Jesus asks what they’re talking about even though He already knew – He could have just barged in on their conversation and said what He had to say. But He didn’t – He asked. He let them speak. Listened to what they said.
Here’s a little experiment you can try after church today: In whatever conversations you find yourself having – only ask questions. Just questions. Don’t say anything about yourself, or your opinions, or how what they said reminds you of something about you – not unless they ask. Ha. Most people can’t do it. For most people, conversation is just a series of “Oh, that reminds me …” followed by thinking of the next thing we want to say while not really listening.
Well, if anyone had the right to treat conversation that way, it was Jesus – but He didn’t. Instead He asked a lot of questions. I know I could be better at this.
And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, “Are You the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know these things that have happened there in these days?” And He said to them, “What things?” Luke 24:17-19
Ooooh, they’re doing really well at this game of questions! Jesus asked a question. They answer Jesus with a question, and He fires one right back at them! Score is Love all.
Jesus asked what they were talking about and it stopped them in their tracks – overcome with sadness at the thought of explaining it all to a stranger. Cleopas speaks up, “How do You not know everything that happened?” He was pretty sure everyone knew about it. I mean, the sun went dark; there was an earthquake; the curtain in the temple ripped down the middle; and it was all about a popular rabbi what was executed publicly. Cleopas answered first but now they’re both telling the story …
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, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel. Luke 25:19-21
Statement. Fifteen Love. Statement. Thirty Love. I think Jesus is going to win this one.
Cleopas seems a little put out that he has to explain to this stranger all the things that have happened. You have to appreciate the irony. They don’t know they’re telling Jesus about Jesus.
It’s actually pretty sweet. They obviously loved Him very much. “A prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people.” His ministry had a big impact on them – and His reputation was great with the people. It also shows that the religious leaders’ plan didn’t work quite like they had hoped, because everyone was blaming them for the death of Jesus rather than blaming Pilate.
But that last line is the kicker: Their hope was gone. They “had” hoped Jesus would be the one to redeem Israel. Had. Past tense.
That was all just background information for what they were really talking about, though. This is the actual conversation that was happening when Jesus walked up …
Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 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. 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. Luke 24:21-24
Statement. Forty Love. And game! You can’t beat God in a game of Questions.
The third day. Jesus said He was going to rise on the third day. But was it really three days? He died Friday afternoon, resurrected on Sunday morning. Sometimes people get weird about this. They’re like, “Friday afternoon to Sunday morning isn’t three days; three days is 72 hours. That was barely 39.” Okay but that’s not what it means.
If there were two people standing next to me, wouldn’t you say I was the third person?
Friday is the first day, Saturday the second, and Sunday is the third. It was the third day.
Sometimes we need to get out of our modern way of looking at things to understand what the authors of the Bible are saying. In their way of thinking, the day started at sunset the night before, and any part of a day was considered the full day when referring to it. It’s not something to get stuck on – but I’ve known people who did.
Jesus had said this over and over – the Son of Man will be killed and will rise on the third day. It had to be cool hearing an echo of His own words in what they were saying. Well, except for the not believing it part.
They tell Him about how early Easter morning, the women went to the tomb, found it empty and saw a couple of angels who told them Jesus was alive. Some of the guys went to check it out – and sure, the tomb was empty but – you know, that doesn’t mean He was alive.
They didn’t believe the women. They didn’t believe Jesus had come back from the dead. He clearly was not pleased with their lack of faith and understanding.
And He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24:25-27
Remember, they don’t know this is Jesus. It’s a good thing Cleopas didn’t smack Him. Jesus talks to them like Gandalf scolding a Hobbit.
Jesus rebukes them for their slowness to believe – both their lack of understanding (foolishness), and their lack of faith (slow of heart). He’s like, “Haven’t you read your Bibles? – or at least paid attention in synagogue? How could you have missed the point so completely? How do you not understand that the Messiah (the Christ) had to suffer all these things you’re talking about before He enters His glory?” This was God’s plan for saving the world all along. How did you miss that?”
So this stranger that they still didn’t know was Jesus, starts laying it all down. Shows how the entire Old Testament – every bit of it – points to the Christ. You might think, “Man, I sure wish we had a copy of that Bible study!” And I’m with you but here’s the thing – we do. It’s called the New Testament – which is really just a divinely inspired commentary on the Old Testament.
So Jesus began with Moses and all the Prophets and interpreted how they’re all about Him. Moses is the first five books of the Old Testament – the Pentateuch. The prophets are the rest of it. All of it points to Jesus.
When we read the Old Testament, we read it through faith in Jesus. He is always the point. If you find yourself reading the Old Testament with anything but Jesus in mind, you’re missing the point.
Seven miles is a nice long walk. Jesus had time to cover a lot of ground in this Bible study.
We might wonder specifically what He said but Luke includes a lot of what Jesus must surely have told them all through His Gospel. Luke says He interviewed eyewitnesses and included their testimonies in his account – Cleopas was clearly one of those people. In Mary’s Magnificat, Zechariah’s and Simeon’s songs, Jesus speaking at the synagogue in Nazareth. Luke includes a ton of the things he probably got from Cleopas and that Jesus Bible study.
Understanding Scripture is foundational for a life of faith. Study your Bible? Yes. But also, pay attention when it’s read to you in church, and explained in teaching. Go to a Bible study, discipleship groups. Ask questions. Pay attention and believe. Don’t be foolish or slow of heart. Hear the word of the Lord, believe the word of the Lord – and then do what it says.
So they kept walking, and Jesus laid down the mother of all Bible studies – until they got to their house.
So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if He were going farther, 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. Luke 24:28-29
Some people think the two disciples are Cleopas and his wife – it’s just speculation but it makes sense. They went back home. On the way they met a guy who didn’t seem to know much about current events, but He really knew His Bible. When they got to their house, it was late so they invited Him in for supper. Jesus didn’t act like He assumed they would invite Him in – that would be rude. In typical Mediterranean fashion, they probably invited Him and He probably declined, but they insisted, so He accepted their hospitality.
It was clearly Jesus’ plan all along to join them for dinner but He waited for them to ask. Apply this to your understanding of God and prayer and everything else. He wants you to ask!
They might not have recognized who the stranger was but they seem to have become quite fond of Him. They want to spend more time with Him. I’d want more than an hour and a half Bible study if Jesus was teaching it, too. Wouldn’t you?
So He came inside and they threw together a simple meal …
When He was at table with them, He took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. And He vanished from their sight. Luke 24:30-31
Poof! Gone. He finally let them see who He was, but He was already gone. I’ll bet they wanted to ask some questions now!
He takes the bread and blesses it, and breaks it, and gives it to them. The way this is worded, it obviously sounds a lot like Communion.
And their eyes were opened! Jesus had kept them from recognizing Him until this moment. Until after they invited Him in – which was in response to hearing Him teach the Scriptures. Until after He blessed the bread, broke it, and gave it to them …
Adam ate what God told him not to eat and lost communion with Him.
Jesus says to take and eat the bread of Communion and it is restored.
He blessed the bread, broke it, and gave it to them …
What’s the rest of the line from the Lord’s Supper? In chapter 22, Luke put it this way, “And He took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.’”
He blessed the bread, broke it, and gave it to them …
And they remembered Him. They recognized Him. At the moment when He gave them the bread. At the moment when He previously has said, “remember Me.”
That should give you chills. It’s so cool.
Then He vanished. Disappeared.
Meanwhile, they’re sitting there with the taste of bread in their gaping mouths. Jesus had faded from their sight as soon as they recognized Him.
This wasn’t just physical recognition; this was them putting it all together. This was true revelation. The one they had known as Jesus, the one who did miracles and taught with authority, the one who had been crucified – He was even more than they had hoped. Jesus is Lord. He’s alive. The resurrection is true – but He’s more than just back from the dead, like Lazarus. He’s so much more than just not dead. He’s on a whole other level! Glorified! Obviously divine! He has not physical limitations.
They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He open to us the Scriptures?” Luke 24:32
Looking back, come to think of it, didn’t we kinda suspect something? The way He talked, the way He taught. When He spoke, it was like our hearts were glowing! Why didn’t we ask?
Well, their eyes were opened now. All of a sudden it didn’t seem like such a good idea to hide alone in their house. They wanted to get back to their friends. They wanted to tell them what they had seen, what Jesus has told them.
And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread. Luke 24:33-35
They probably ran all the way. They show up and they aren’t the only ones who have seen the risen Jesus. Simon Peter has also seen Him – so have the women. A bunch of them were gathered talking about it. Everyone was excited. This is what people who have seen Jesus truly do – they gather with other Christians.
Our two disciples told their story and how Jesus made Himself known to them in the breaking of bread; then vanished.
It’s interesting to me that the Bible study isn’t where He revealed Himself. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ – but this time it was also sacramental, in the bread.
They got a rocking Old Testament survey from Jesus Himself on the road to Emmaus. But that’s not what opened their eyes. It’s quite possible to know the Scriptures like the back of your hand and have all your theology squared away – and still miss Jesus!
And we all know what that looks like. Christians beating each other over the head with Bible verses. Arguing with unbelievers and calling it “sharing their faith.” Condemning people and calling it “Evangelism.” Making sarcastic remarks about how stupid all those confused pagans are and calling it “Witnessing.”
Knowing the Bible without knowing who Jesus really is will get us in trouble.
Two disciples were running away. They had lost hope. They were acting according to their doubt – not their faith. Acting on their fear – not their hope. Then Jesus had mercy on them. He came to them – even while they were walking away. He asked them what was on their mind. What was on their heart. He showed them the Gospel using the Scriptures. He filled them with faith – everything about Himself and the promise of salvation. And He waited. They weren’t going to see Him until that faith was activated. Until they invited Jesus into their home. Until they gave Him the place of honor. Until He said the blessing. Until He broke the bread. Even in their own home, Jesus is the host. He serves the bread. They just receive it. This is the Gospel. That’s when the miracle happened – when they received the bread – His body broken for them. Their eyes were opened and they saw Jesus for who He truly is – their divine Lord and Savior. They were changed. Transformed. They literally turned around and ran back to where they were supposed to be! That’s true belief, that’s true repentance.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son who died for our sins, died for my sins and died for me. Thank You for the Scripture this morning. Thank You for everything You do in our lives. Let this, our road to Emmaus, be eye opening. And if we haven’t, let us ask You into our hearts and into our homes. It’s in Your Son’s precious name I pray. Amen.
Closing Hymn: #389 Freely, Freely
- God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name, I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name,
and in Jesus’s name I come to you, to share His love as He told me to.
Refrain: He said, “Freely, freely you have received, freely, freely give.
Go in My name and because you believe, others will know that I live.”
- All power is given in Jesus’ name, in earth and heaven in Jesus’ name,
and in Jesus’ name I come to you, to share His power as He told me to. (Refrain)
The blessing: May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you this week.
Go Now in Peace: Go now in peace. Never be afraid. God will go with you each hour of ev’ry day. Go now in faith, steadfast strong and true. Know He will guide you in all you do. Go now in love and show you believe. Reach out to others, so all the world can see. God will be there, watching from above. Go now in peace, in faith, and in love.
