Burning hearts for God
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(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?”
Burning Hearts:
Objectives:
Prayer:
Introduction:
Indeed, all those who had followed Christ were still in despair that afternoon, though they had heard bits and pieces about the empty tomb. As we pick up the story, two of them were on the road to a village named Emmaus, located a short distance from Jerusalem. One of them is identified as Cleopas (v. 18; cf. —I believe the “Clopas” mentioned there is the “Cleopas” in ), a blood relative—Jesus’ uncle, the brother of his father Joseph. The best guess as to who the other traveler was is that it was his wife Mary, as she is identified in . Uncle Cleopas and Aunt Mary, overcome with grief, were making the sad journey back to their lodging in Emmaus.[1]
Main Body:
Second Appearance (24:13–35) Jesus appears to two of his followers on the road to Emmaus.
A. The reunion with Jesus (24:13–16): These two believers are joined by the Savior.
1. Their discussion (23:13–14): They are talking about the Crucifixion.
(The Message)
13 That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem.
14 They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened.
2. Their darkness (24:15–16): Neither disciple recognizes the stranger who joins them.
(The Message)
15 In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them.
16 But they were not able to recognize who he was.
B. The request from Jesus (24:17) : He asks why they are so sad.
When we humans ask a question, it's usually because we're lacking information. God, on the other hand, knows everything. He's omniscient; nothing is a mystery for Him. So I started wondering, Why are there so many Scriptures in which God asks a question? As I began looking through my Bible, I found hundreds of them!
What I've discovered is that God does not ask questions because He doesn't know the answers. He asks us deep, penetrating questions because He wants us to think.
The famous philosopher Socrates, who lived about 400 B.C., used the very same teaching method. Rather than merely giving his pupils the answer to a particular problem, Socrates would ask them questions that forced them to analyze the situation and find the answers for themselves, which in turn helped them learn each subject more thoroughly.
When God asks us a question, we really need to sit up and pay attention. When He tells us, "Come now, and let us reason together" (), the Lord is inviting us to ponder along with the Almighty! What a privilege.
Where Are You?
The first question God asks in the Bible is "Where are you?"
Adam and Eve had just sinned, and in their fear and confusion they ran away from God. In , we read that "The Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?"
If you believe that God knew where Adam was, then you must pause to consider why God asked that question. I believe He wanted Adam to think: "What has sin done to me? Why did I leave God, and why am I running away from Him?"
The question "Where are you?" was posed first to Adam, but it's actually directed to you and me, as well. Every sinner is running from God, and the Bible says that our sins have separated us from Him (). You need to hear God say to your soul, as a sinner: "Where are you? Are you hiding in the bushes, sewing together fig leaves in an attempt to cover your nakedness? What has sin done to you?"
It is probably no accident that God's first question to man in the Old Testament is "Where are you?" while the first question the wise men ask in the New Testament is "Where is he?" (). Humans have been separated from God by sin, and there is a massive search underway. God is looking for us, and we are looking for Him.
The Bible tells us that as soon as we begin to make an effort to return to God, He will draw near unto us (). It's like the story of the prodigal son who ran away from his loving father. As soon as the father saw the young man approaching, he ran to embrace his son. God is looking for us, and He wants us to come back.
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
In response to God's question, Adam said, "I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself" ().
Then God asked, "Who told you that you were naked?"
Here God was prompting Adam and Eve to compare their current condition with the unspoiled joy and peace they had previously experienced. Before they sinned, Adam and Eve had worn no artificial clothing. Instead, they had been clothed with garments of light. It was probably similar to the aura that Moses began to reflect after spending 40 days on Mount Sinai talking face-to-face with God (). He returned to the Israelite camp shining with a light so bright that the people were afraid to come near him until he had veiled his face.
After Adam and Eve sinned, they lost that unbroken communion with God and felt naked (). Nobody had to tell them they were naked. Whenever we sin, our conscience will condemn us. The Bible tells us that if our conscience condemns us not, we have peace with God ().
What Is This You Have Done?
After that first act of disobedience in the garden of Eden, God asked Eve, "What is this you have done?" (, NKJV).
At first, Adam and Eve probably had very little comprehension of how far-reaching would be the consequences of that first little choice of rebellion. Part of the ugliness of sin is that it usually causes a chain reaction. Think of all the sin and suffering in the world today. Visit the emergency room of a hospital, and walk down its corridors. Go to a police station and listen to the dispatcher. Take a walk through a cemetery and think of all the misery experienced throughout the ages.
God says to each one of us: "What is this you have done? Do you have any idea how much misery and woe and heartache is going to follow in the path of your one act of disobedience?"
Where Are You Going?
Adam is not the only runaway mentioned in the Bible. In , we find that Hagar the Egyptian ran away from Abraham's wife, Sarah. As soon as Hagar had learned that she was pregnant, she started to despise her mistress, who seemed cursed because she was unable to bear children. Alarmed by such blatant disrespect, Sarah retaliated by treating Hagar harshly.
Although there later came a time when Hagar needed to separate from Abraham's family (), in this case she had decided to flee before the appointed time.
God always seems to ask the runaways why they are running. He said to Hagar, Sarah's maid, "From where have you come, and where are you going?" That is a very good question. You'd be surprised how many people have no idea where they've come from or where they are going.
I am convinced that people cannot be happy unless they understand three basics: where they've come from, what they're doing where they are, and where they're going. If you're an atheist, there's no purpose for life. You think that you've come from nothing and that you're going nowhere. So in the meantime, you're trying to prove to everybody that nothing matters and that everything is relative.
What Are You Doing Here?
Another Bible hero who was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time was the prophet Elijah. He was hiding in a cave on Mt. Horeb when the word of the Lord came to him and said, "What doest thou here, Elijah?" ().
God had just worked a mighty miracle through Elijah on Mt. Carmel; but instead of celebrating, the prophet of God was hiding in a remote desert cave.
Isn't it amazing that Elijah was not intimidated by the 850 false prophets, yet he lost heart and ran away from a single woman? He wasn't afraid to stand up against Ahab, the prophets of Baal, and the whole nation of Israel. However, when Ahab's wife Jezebel sent a threatening message, he ran for 40 days and 40 nights to a cave to hide.
Notice that God sustained him even as he was running in the wrong direction! God sent angels to feed him while he was fleeing the wicked queen.
I've seen some people try to justify their disobedience by saying, "I must be doing the right thing because God is blessing me and taking care of me."
Who Touched Me?
One day Christ was walking through a crowd on His way to heal-and ultimately resurrect-the daughter of a synagogue ruler named Jairus. On the way to the man's house, Jesus passed a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. Rendered unclean by virtue of this ailment, she had been barred from worshiping in the temple for more than a decade.
After hearing so many wonderful stories about the great Healer from Galilee, this woman believed with all her heart that if she could just touch the hem of His garment, she would be healed. As Jesus traveled through the crowd, she somehow managed to get past the inner circle of apostles, and her outstretched fingers touched the hem of His garment.
That's all it took. Instantly a flash of vitality passed from His body to her body, and she knew she had been made whole. The woman stopped, beaming with joy that this horrible medical problem, which had drained her bank account and caused so much unhappiness, had finally been resolved. Hardly a moment passed before Jesus stopped, turned around in the crowd, and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" ().
Jesus knew who had touched His clothes, and He also knew why the woman had reached out to Him. He knew the entire story, yet He stopped the huge procession and asked, "Who touched me?" ().
Fearful and trembling, the newly healed woman finally spoke up and shared her testimony. If Christ had not asked, "Who touched me?" her story would not have been included in the Bible.
Christ's question remains relevant for you and me today. It reminds us that if we reach out in faith and grasp the hem of His garment, the righteousness of Christ's robe still heals our sins.
Have you touched Jesus? Most people today, like those in that crowd long ago, jostle against Jesus throughout the week but get no lasting benefit because they aren't reaching out and touching Him in faith. When Christ asks, "Who touched me?" He's asking us whether or not we've reached out in faith and grabbed hold of His righteousness.
He ask the Moses What is that you have in your hand, He asked Ezekiel can these dry bones live? He asked the disciples who do men say that I am? He asked Mary and Martha concerning their brother where have ye laid him? He asked Peter who do you say that I am? He asked the crowd who touched me? He asked the disciples out on the stormy sea on night where is your faith? He asked the lame man will thou be made whole? He asks Abraham is there anything to hard for God?
And now he asked these two disciples, “What are you talking about? And why are you so sad?”
(The Message)
17 He asked, “What’s this you’re discussing so intently as you walk along?” They just stood there, long-faced, like they had lost their best friend.
C. The reply to Jesus (24:18–24)
1. They tell him their problem (24:18–21): The Crucifixion has dashed their hopes that perhaps Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the Messiah!
(The Message)
18 Then one of them, his name was Cleopas, said, “Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard what’s happened during the last few days?”
19 He said, “What has happened?” They said, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene. He was a man of God, a prophet, dynamic in work and word, blessed by both God and all the people.
20 Then our high priests and leaders betrayed him, got him sentenced to death, and crucified him.
21 And we had our hopes up that he was the One, the One about to deliver Israel. And it is now the third day since it happened.
2. They tell him their puzzle (24:22–24): Some women found his tomb empty and were told by two angels that he has risen!
(The Message)
22 But now some of our women have completely confused us. Early this morning they were at the tomb
23 and couldn’t find his body. They came back with the story that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive.
24 Some of our friends went off to the tomb to check and found it empty just as the women said, but they didn’t see Jesus.”
D. The rebuke by Jesus (24:25–27)
1. Their ignorance of the Scriptures (24:25) : He says they have forgotten the prophecies concerning his death and resurrection.
(NIV)
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
(NIV)
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
(NIV)
13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”
2. His interpretation of the Scriptures (24:26–27): He now reviews for them all the Old Testament passages which speak of him.
Jesus In Every Book Of The Bible
Genesis Seed Of The Woman
Exodus Passover Lamb
Leviticus High Priest
Numbers Star Of Jacob
Deuteronomy Great Rock
Joshua Captain Of The Lord’s Host
Judges Sword Of Gideon
Ruth Kinsman Redeemer
Samuel Seed Of David
Kings Lord God Of Israel
Chronicles God Of Our Fathers
Ezra Lord Of Heaven And Earth
Nehemiah Rebuilder Of Broken Walls
Esther God Of Providence
Job Ever Living Redeemer
Psalms Good Shepherd, King Of Glory
Proverbs Wisdom Of God
Song Of Solomon Altogether Lovely
Isaiah Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince Of Peace
Jeremiah Lord Our Righteousness
Lamentations Weeping Prophet, Compassionate God
Ezekiel Wheel In The Wheel
Daniel Fourth Man If The Fire
Hosea King Of The Resurrection
Joel Baptizer In The Holy Ghost
Amos Plumbline
Obadiah Destroyer Of The Proud
Jonah God Of The Second Chance
Micah God Of Jacob
Nahum Avenging God
Habakkuk Everlasting Glorious God
Zephaniah King Of Israel
Haggai Desire Of All Nations
Zechariah Pierced In The House Of His Friends
Malachi Lord Of Remembrance
Matthew King Of The Jews
Mark Suffering Servant
Luke Son Of Man
John Eternal God
Acts Ascended Lord
Romans Lord Our Righteousness
Corinthians Resurrector
Galatians Redeemer From The Law
Ephesians Head Of The Church
Phillippians Supplier Of Every Need
Colossians Fullness Of The Godhead
Thessalonians - coming Christ
Timothy Mediator Between God And Man
Titus Great God And Savior
Hebrews - Heir Of All Things
Better Than The Prophets And Angels
Captain Of Our Salvation
Merciful And Faithful High Priest
Great Intercessor
Mediator Of The New Covenant
James Great Physician
PETER UNBLEMISHED LAMB
JOHN ADVOCATE, PROPITIATION
JUDE LORD THAT COMETH WITH 10,000 SAINTS
REVELATION ALPHA AND OMEGA
LION OF JUDAH
SLAIN LAMB
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS
BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR
Banker Hidden Treasure
Jeweler Pearl Of Great Price
Baker Living Bread
Lawyer Advocate With The Father
Shepherd Lamb Of God
Doctor Great Physician
Lonely Friend That Sticks Closer Than A Brother
Florist Lily Of The Valley, The Rose Of Sharon
Builder Sure Foundation, Corner Stone
Thirsty Fountain
Lost Way, Truth, Life
Philosopher Word Of God
Carpenter Door
Gardener True Vine
Astronomer Day Star
Judge Faithful Witness
Sinner Savior Of The World
E. The recognition of Jesus (24:28–35)
1. The meal (24:28–31a)
a. The invitation (24:28–29): The two disciples invite Jesus to join them for a meal.
(NIV)
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.
b. The revelation (24:30–31a): After he prays, Jesus distributes the bread. At that moment they recognize him!
(NIV)
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.
2. The miracle (24:31b): He suddenly disappears out of sight!
(NIV)
31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
3. The meditation (24:32) : They reflect, “Didn’t our hearts feel strangely warm as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”
A Hammer.
“Is not my word … like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” (). This figure suggests the power of the Word, constantly applied, that will eventually break the heart that is as hard as a rock.
A Sword.
“And take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God …” (). “For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.…” (). This is the believer’s one offensive weapon in his contest with the “principalities” and “powers” and “rulers of the darkness of this world … [and] spiritual wickedness in high places” ().
Food.
“I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” ().
Milk.
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby …”
Bread.
“… Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” ().
Meat.
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil ().
Honey.
“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” ().[2]
Fire.
“Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord.…” (); “Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay” (). As the word “fire” is used here it seems to suggest a consuming impulse and energy. “My heart was not within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue” ().
4. The mission (24:33–35): The two disciples now return to Jerusalem and report all this to the apostles![3]
Now I have got to go and tell somebody!
Conclusion/ Celebration:
Call to Discipleship:
Father God, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bind and break all witchcraft, curses, spells, and powers - and through the Blood of the Lamb - destroy the works of every witch, warlock, wizard, sorcerer and all other powers of darkness.
Through the Blood of Jesus Christ we break all their powers - including the influences of witchcraft, evil powers, spells, hexes, vexes, voodoo, hoodoo, roots, potions or any such things - off every person who is present in this service today we also invoke Then we will not turn back from You; Revive us, and we will call upon Your name., "so we will not go back from thee: quicken us and we will call upon thy name" so that those who are here today will understand, remember and apply consistently what they hear the Spirit say to the church.
Through the Blood of Jesus Christ we also bind up and destroy all their spirit-guides, helps, and shields of these workers of evil, and leave them without any strength - stripped of their evil power and influence.
In the name of Jesus Christ, and by the Blood of the Lamb, we now seal up their powers within themselves, so that they cannot use them on anyone, and that their works might be destroyed, in the hope that their souls might be saved for the glory of God. AMEN.
Benediction:
[1] Hughes, R. K. (1998). Luke: that you may know the truth (pp. 404–405). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
[2] Duffield, G. P., & Van Cleave, N. M. (1983). Foundations of Pentecostal theology (pp. 26–27). Los Angeles, CA: L.I.F.E. Bible College.
[3] Willmington, H. L. (1999). The Outline Bible (). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.