April 11, 2010
Evening Service

Luke 24:13-53

 

Luke is also the author of Acts.  Luke was a companion of Paul, and is thought to be a gentile convert from Damascus Syria.  Acts is actually a continuation of the Gospel of Luke.  Written by Luke around 61 AD.  There are 3 events that happened around this time that if these letters would have been written later, no doubt the writer would have mentioned them.

1. The results of Paul’s trial in AD 62.
2. Nero’s persecution of the Jews in AD 64.
3. Then the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman Titus in AD 70.

 

We will look at the closing of Luke’s Gospel, and then take off into the Book of Acts next Sunday Morning.

 

The resurrection has taken place, and now Jesus appears to two of the disciples on the road to Emmaus.

 

Luk 24:13-53  And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.  (14)  And they talked together of all these things which had happened.  (15)  And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.  (16)  But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.  (17)  And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?  (18)  And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?  (19)  And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which 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 have crucified him.  (21)  But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done.  (22)  Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulcher;  (23)  And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.  (24)  And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulcher, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. 

• Here we see the wonderment in the voice of the disciples, and how that they are testifying to a stranger concerning the events that have recently happened.

(25)  Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 

• Here again we point to the importance of the Scriptures.  If we don’t believe the Scriptures we will be considered fools, and slow of heart.

(26)  Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 

• You will notice that He says, “the Christ”.  Because that is who Isa. 53 is talking about.  Where our faith comes in is that this Christ that was prophesied about is Jesus of Nazareth.   

(27)  And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 

• Hopefully we can see how important it is to know the Scriptures.  I am sure Jesus wasn’t carrying a huge scroll around with Him.  He was quoting from the Old Testament all the things that the Prophets had said concerning this Christ.

(28)  And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.  (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 tarry with them. 

(30)  And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and broke, and gave to them.  (31)  And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 

• This to me is a very touching moment.  Not much said.  He just opened their eyes, and understanding that they would recognize Him, and then vanished.

(32)  And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures? 

• This too is most excellently received.  Someone that is hungry for the Word of God could sit at the feet of Jesus, or most anyone that knows the Scriptures.  You never get tired of hearing the Word, because it is the Word of God.
• Remember what was said concerning Jesus, Joh 7:46  The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
• Another time, Mat 7:29  For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
• His speech was something that would catch your attention.  It was full of love, and concern for His fellowman.

(33)  And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,  (34)  Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.  (35)  And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. 

• This kinda leads me to believe that these two disciples were Peter, and John.

(36)  And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.  (37)  But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.  (38)  And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?  (39)  Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 

• Hopefully we can see the truth revealed in this statement.  Jesus is not off somewhere in Spirit, but has a glorified body.  He sent back His Spirit to dwell in believers, “for where two or three are gathered together in my name there I am in the midst.”
• I believe we have seen some wonderful truths when we studied the Scriptures concerning the Word of God. 

(40)  And when he had thus spoken, he showed them his hands and his feet.  (41)  And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?  (42)  And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of a honeycomb. 

• Compare that with the dinner you will have this evening.  Puts us to shame doesn’t it.

(43)  And he took it, and did eat before them.  (44)  And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.  (45)  Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures,

He still helps us to understand the Scriptures:

• 1Jo 2:27  But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
• 1Co 2:13  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

(46)  And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 

• Isa. 53; and Psa. 22:1-31.

And now Luke’s account of the great commission:

(47)  And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 

• This happened.

(48)  And ye are witnesses of these things. 

• And this gave them the confidence to carry out their charge.  That’s why I say a person’s testimony is so important.   Lined up with the Scriptures there ain’t no devil in hell or on earth can shake it.  I KNOW WHAT HAPPENED IN MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE LORD.  AND THAT’S HOW THESE DISCIPLES FELT ABOUT IT.

(49)  And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. 

• And this is what we will begin with in the book of Acts.  A continuation of this very thing.

(50)  And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.  (51)  And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.  52)  And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:  (53)  And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.