2000 years ago – It’s a Sunday morning

• The disciples are hiding – why?
• It’s been a world-shattering weekend
• The two disciples of Jesus leaving Jerusalem –the others hiding

Their disposition –

• Afraid –leaving –hiding
• Downcast – sad
• Defeated (a prophet has been killed by the enemy)
• Confused – (we had thought)—
• Unbelieving – a vision not a real account and events because when some went and checked it out they didn’t see Jesus

Luke 24:13–49 (NLT) — 13 That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. 18 Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.” 19 “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. 20 But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago. 22 “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. 23 They said his body was missing, and they had seen (had a vision) angels who told them Jesus is alive! 24 Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.” 25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. 26 Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” 27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, 29 but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. 30 As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. 31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! 32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”

1. The scriptures are true …even though we missed it or didn’t believe

• Our unbelief doesn’t change the truth
• There was always something bigger going on –even though it took time –a lot of it —

2. He had to suffer –according to the scriptures –why?

Isaiah 53:5–7 (NIV) — 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

Isaiah 53:11 (NLT) — 11 When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.

3. Jesus was the Messiah –He is vindicated –risen from the dead –

Isaiah 53:11 (NIV) — 11 After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.

4. God was working all along – there really is something more –no fear

This changed everything, notice the response – They go back into the lion’s den. Well, this changes everything.

33 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, 34 who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” 35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. 36 And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! 38 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he ate it as they watched. 44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things. 49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

Acts 2: Disciples preaching in Jerusalem courageously

• This changed their lives in every way
• How they saw truth – each-other –their possessions – their purpose
• They were Jesus people – a community outside the camp but not alone

Acts 2:42–47 (NIV) — 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

So, we are changed today when we remember ….

Hebrews 13:12–14 (NIV) — 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.

Jude 20–21 (NIV) — 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Next steps:  As we remember this interaction – it changes us too

For Small Group Discussion: What impacted you from the Easter message at church?

Opening Question: What does springtime get you excited about?

Main Point: Christ’s resurrection changes everything!

Read/Tell the Story: Jude 24-25

Questions: Head –

• How did Jude go from a non-believer to a believer?
• How did you go from a non-believer to a believer?
• What unmet expectations did Jesus’ followers have of him?

Heart –

• What expectations do you have of God?
• How does God keep you from stumbling?
• What does it look like for you to live with great joy in this life as a follower of Jesus?

Hands –

• How can you cultivate perseverance and faithfulness in your life as we await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ?
• How does the assurance of our salvation impact the way you live and relate to others in our community and beyond?
• Could you share the gospel if the opportunity came up? Who comes to mind when you think about this challenge?

Supporting Scripture: Luke 24:13-35, Isaiah 12:2

For resources and more, go to https://realliferesources.org/current-series/