On the Road to Healing
Notes
Transcript
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.
Let me make a couple of observations from this passage:
These men were heading toward Emaus, a town seven miles from Jerusalem.
They were extremely sad, and discouraged!
They had just witnessed the sudden public execution of their leader, Rabbi, best friend, and superhero, Jesus of Nazareth!
How would you feel?
Now, all of a sudden, there is another man walking with them.
It is Jesus, but they don’t know it, yet.
What happens next is kind of strange from a human perspective, for even the men thought so, because they ask Him if He is the only stranger in the area.
It is the question Jesus asks these men who He knows are distraught by the events that have taken place over the past four days.
Here it is -
“What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?”
This is the question that you and I must ask ourselves especially in light of this National crisis!
Because, regardless of how spiritually mature we believe ourselves to be, everyone of us experiences some sort of stress, or depression, or anger, or fear, at some time or another.
And if you don’t think so, well that’s because you are perfect!
But for the rest of us, there is Jesus!
We might think that Jesus is being insensitive to their emotions, but I assure you He is not!
He is about to give them a gentle rebuke to correct their thinking and bring their focus back to where it should be - on Him!
Now, I know something about gentle rebukes, because I’ve been married for nearly 38 years!
And, in my experience, sometimes they can be a bit more than gentle!
But, as I have learned - it is always justified, at least that’s what Michelle tells me ;)
Seriously, we all need to be reminded of some things, and occasionally, a good slap upside the head!
Sometimes on “the road to healing” we just need a reminder of why we should be joyful.
I. There is no sin I will pay for.
I. There is no sin I will pay for.
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.
21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Here’s what I find with so many people today, they just don’t understand that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross of Calvary was to pay the entire sin debt we owe!
He didn’t just pay for the ones up to that time, but every sin every where, for all time!
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Cor
You see, it is not that I have stopped sinning altogether, but that I’ve been washed in the blood of Jesus Christ!
That alone gives me reason to be joyful. But if that isn’t enough...
II. I am a child of God.
II. I am a child of God.
7 nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.” 8 That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed.
Many people find themselves displaced in life, with no parents.Some have been adopted into great families that consider them every bit of that family!
You know, when you have natural children, you have to take what you get, but when you adopt, you choose them.
But my heavenly father
God chose us in Christ, to be His children!
I am wanted and loved and provided for, because i am a child of God!
Now that’s a reason to be joyful! - But if that’s not enough...
III. Nothing on this earth can compare to the glory that will be revealed in me.
III. Nothing on this earth can compare to the glory that will be revealed in me.
III. Nothing on this earth can compare to the glory that will be revealed in me.
III. Nothing on this earth can compare to the glory that will be revealed in me.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
What are you suffering now?
What might you suffer later?
What things make you fearful, or angry, or depressed, or stressed?
If Jesus suddenly showed up in person during your daily activities, how will He find you?
This is what happened to these two men.
They were in their daily routine, caught up in the moment, when Jesus comes and wonders why they aren’t rejoicing.
What state of mind would He find us in?
For we have every reason to be joyful and content in whatever state we are in, as Paul said in Philippians.