Resurrection Sunday
The morning of the day of Jesus’ resurrection was a day of sadness, anger, and confusion. The man that many had followed was now dead, and now His body was missing. In Luke 24:1-12, we see the beginning of this account. The people were perplexed and frightened. Peter, on the other hand “saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.”
Paul says it well in 1 Cor 14, 17, “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.” “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.”
The Luke 24 (vs 13-31) story continues with a couple of men walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. “While they were talking and discussing toigether, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.” They didn’t know who he was, and they were a little confused that he didn’t seem aware of what all had just happened. They said, “But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.”
Disappointment=Expectations-Reality
Then, Jesus gives them a giant “connect-the dots” history lesson for the next several miles. He says in vs 26, “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.” Some of what he would have shared:
Gen 3 – This is the first time we see the foreshadowing of sin and judgement. We also see God providing animal skins when Adam/Eve must leave the garden. This is the first time we see the shedding of blood, which was God’s provision for man – points to Jesus
Gen 22 – As Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac out of obedience, God sends a ram as a substitutionary sacrifice – points to Jesus
Exodus 12 – When the Hebrews were delivered from Egypt culminating with the Passover – Jesus is a picture of the Passover Lamb.
Exodus 16 – God gave manna in the desert as a food provision to the Hebrews. It was bread of life. Jesus calls himself the “Bread of Life”. He was born in Bethlehem which means, “House of Bread”.
Lev 23 – Jesus was a picture of all the offerings that needed to be fulfilled. Jesus was the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement.
Psalm 22 – “They have pierced my hands and feet/they divid my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots” – That just happened with Jesus!
Psalm 69 – “They gave me poison for food, and for my thrist they gave me sour wine to drink” – That just happened with Jesus!
Isaiah 53 – He was the suffering servant that died “for the sin of all”.
They offered for Jesus to stay with them, and He did. While they broke bread together (v31) ” And their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him.”
To Discuss Today:
1. In a season where everything seems constantly changing and things can be crashing down around you, where do you put your hope?
2. The men on the road encountered Jesus. Their eyes were opened and they were encouraged. An encounter with Jesus always changes you somehow. How have you encountered Jesus this week?
3. Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Why does that matter to you?