CHURCH
LUTHERAN
Our Savior's of Elderon
2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER (16) INI LUKE 24:13-35
Our text for today Jesus we see Jesus walking with 2 men on the road to Emmaus. This is one of the most dramatic accounts in the Bible. Not only is this a very interesting story with a delightful twist on the end, but it’s also an excellent study of human character. It shows the difference between overwhelming sorrow and great joy. It shows the difference between a life that is meaningless and empty and a life that has purpose and direction to it. It shows the difference between despair and positive, confident hope.
What is the difference? It’s obvious from our text that the difference is Jesus. Without Jesus every day is filled with sorrows and desperate trials. Without Jesus life has no hope, there is no comfort and ultimately, it has no meaning. On the other hand, life with Jesus is looking up.
Put yourself in the shoes of those men walking along the road to Emmaus. We can only begin to imagine the sense of loss these two men felt. Of course, they weren’t the only one feeling that way. No doubt anyone who thought Jesus was going to be the one to redeem Israel felt the same way.
Just think about that for a second. Suppose you had been one of those 2 men walking with him or one of the many men and women who followed him. Suppose you had listened to the sermons he preached, listened to him teach. Saw the lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, and the dead raised to life. You had joined the crowd in Jerusalem shouting, “Hosanna.” You had hoped and waited and watched for Jesus to make his move that would put him on top, and you’d be right there with him.
But then he was crucified, put to death. You were shocked, horrified as all your hopes went down the drain. You watched from a distance as a few brave men took his lifeless body down from the cross. Jesus was dead and all your hopes and dreams that you had for yourself and Israel, died with him. He had been the object of your faith and now he was dead.
But then on Sunday, the 1st day of the week you hear a rumor that some women claim to have seen a vision of angels. Mary Magdalene even claimed she saw the Lord alive and well. Soon there were many more reports of people seeing him alive.
The men on the road to Emmaus told Jesus; “He (Jesus) was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” You can almost hear the confusion and frustration these two men felt as they tried to make sense out of the events of the past few days.
How did Jesus react to what they said? Well, first of all, he did not say; “Hey guys, come on, it’s not that bad. Hang in there. Things will get better. Keep your chin up.” Instead he said; “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
You know, when you think about it, it’s almost funny; all the stress and anxiety these poor men were inflicting on themselves because they didn’t understand. Their faith was weak and their lack of faith drove them to the point of sadness and confusion. It would almost be funny, if it weren’t for the fact you and I often do the exact same thing.
Think about it! Isn’t it true that you often get to feeling down about things? How often don’t you feel confused or uncertain about the direction your life is going? You’re not always upbeat and happy, are you? There are times you feel down and blue, depressed. You don’t have all the answers, do you? You don’t always know what to say to comfort people, do you? You don’t always say the right things or in the right way at the right time, do you? Do you ever feel like life is an emotional roller coaster? Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down. You get confused. You feel pain and loss. You don’t always deal with those things, well, do you?
There are countless things in this life that will drag you down. That’s what happens when you live in a world ruined by sin. This world is filled with pain, heartache, suffering and sorrow. There are trials and troubles galore. I’m sure each of you has your own list of troubles you face.
Or, on the other hand, perhaps everything is going so well for you that a kind of smugness has taken over. You feel like you’re on top of the world, in control of your life, and so God isn’t all that important right now. I call that the still before the storm.
Jesus knows and understand each and every situation you might be experiencing. Do you know what he’s going to say to you? Well, he is not going to tell you to tough it out, or hang in there. Instead he’s going to wipe away your tears and calm your fears by very gently and lovingly saying to you; “How foolish you are and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”
Folks, life with Jesus is looking up. You too have seen Jesus. He has risen. He lives! What a difference that simple truth made for the disciples on the road to Emmaus. “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. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
All it took was for the veil to be lifted, the veil of ignorance and blindness that not only covered their eyes, but also their hearts. When that veil was removed they saw Jesus. Right away their sorrow, frustration and confusion were gone. Their feelings of hopelessness and lose were also gone.
They had seen Jesus and because of that, life took on a whole new meaning for them. That’s one of the most awesome things about this account of the two disciples; the 180 degree turn in their hearts, emotions and their lives. All of a sudden, with Jesus in the picture, life was looking up.
Folks, you have seen Jesus and with Jesus life is looking up. Resurrection confidence, resurrection joy, the certainty of eternal life, eternal joy is yours everyday with your risen Savior. Now, understand that I am not saying you’ll never feel sad or blue, but when life seems overwhelming you certainly know where to turn. Turn to Jesus your risen and living Lord and Savior. Say with the Psalmist; “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
No matter where you are in life, no matter what trials, troubles or sorrows you’re facing, there are some simple truths that no one can ever take away from you. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life in your place, he died on the cross as punishment for your sins, and he rose again from the grave so you to shall someday rise to life eternal according to both body and soul. Christ has washed you in his blood. You have been cleansed of your sin and guilt by the grace of God and clothed in the white robe of Christ’s righteousness.
No matter what troubles, trials, or afflictions this world or Satan himself might try to throw at you, the gift of salvation has been secured for you by the blood of Jesus Christ and sealed to you through faith by the working of God’s Holy Spirit through his Word and Sacraments. You know that Christ is your redeemer and so you can confidently say; 25 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)
In order to truly and completely celebrate the eternal life you have through Christ you must know the Scriptures. Cleopas and his friend were down on life, confused and depressed, not only because of the tragic events they had witnessed over the weekend, but also because they simply didn’t know the Scriptures. Jesus opened their eyes by showing them that this was all part of God’s plan, that Christ would suffer, die and rise again. If they had truly known the Scriptures just think of the grief, they would have been spared.
How often don’t you and I work ourselves into a frenzy about something in life, because we don’t know the Scriptures well enough? Perhaps you don’t know how to deal with a situation you’re facing, you don’t know where to find strength, because you don’t know the Scriptures well enough.
If you don’t know the Scriptures well enough the counsel of God is like a closed book. It’s like going through life without an instruction manual or road map. The bottom line is we all need to know the Scriptures better. So keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Remember, with Jesus life is looking up. Amen.2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER (16) INI LUKE 24:13-35
Our text for today Jesus we see Jesus walking with 2 men on the road to Emmaus. This is one of the most dramatic accounts in the Bible. Not only is this a very interesting story with a delightful twist on the end, but it’s also an excellent study of human character. It shows the difference between overwhelming sorrow and great joy. It shows the difference between a life that is meaningless and empty and a life that has purpose and direction to it. It shows the difference between despair and positive, confident hope.
What is the difference? It’s obvious from our text that the difference is Jesus. Without Jesus every day is filled with sorrows and desperate trials. Without Jesus life has no hope, there is no comfort and ultimately, it has no meaning. On the other hand, life with Jesus is looking up.
Put yourself in the shoes of those men walking along the road to Emmaus. We can only begin to imagine the sense of loss these two men felt. Of course, they weren’t the only one feeling that way. No doubt anyone who thought Jesus was going to be the one to redeem Israel felt the same way.
Just think about that for a second. Suppose you had been one of those 2 men walking with him or one of the many men and women who followed him. Suppose you had listened to the sermons he preached, listened to him teach. Saw the lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, and the dead raised to life. You had joined the crowd in Jerusalem shouting, “Hosanna.” You had hoped and waited and watched for Jesus to make his move that would put him on top, and you’d be right there with him.
But then he was crucified, put to death. You were shocked, horrified as all your hopes went down the drain. You watched from a distance as a few brave men took his lifeless body down from the cross. Jesus was dead and all your hopes and dreams that you had for yourself and Israel, died with him. He had been the object of your faith and now he was dead.
But then on Sunday, the 1st day of the week you hear a rumor that some women claim to have seen a vision of angels. Mary Magdalene even claimed she saw the Lord alive and well. Soon there were many more reports of people seeing him alive.
The men on the road to Emmaus told Jesus; “He (Jesus) was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” You can almost hear the confusion and frustration these two men felt as they tried to make sense out of the events of the past few days.
How did Jesus react to what they said? Well, first of all, he did not say; “Hey guys, come on, it’s not that bad. Hang in there. Things will get better. Keep your chin up.” Instead he said; “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
You know, when you think about it, it’s almost funny; all the stress and anxiety these poor men were inflicting on themselves because they didn’t understand. Their faith was weak and their lack of faith drove them to the point of sadness and confusion. It would almost be funny, if it weren’t for the fact you and I often do the exact same thing.
Think about it! Isn’t it true that you often get to feeling down about things? How often don’t you feel confused or uncertain about the direction your life is going? You’re not always upbeat and happy, are you? There are times you feel down and blue, depressed. You don’t have all the answers, do you? You don’t always know what to say to comfort people, do you? You don’t always say the right things or in the right way at the right time, do you? Do you ever feel like life is an emotional roller coaster? Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down. You get confused. You feel pain and loss. You don’t always deal with those things, well, do you?
There are countless things in this life that will drag you down. That’s what happens when you live in a world ruined by sin. This world is filled with pain, heartache, suffering and sorrow. There are trials and troubles galore. I’m sure each of you has your own list of troubles you face.
Or, on the other hand, perhaps everything is going so well for you that a kind of smugness has taken over. You feel like you’re on top of the world, in control of your life, and so God isn’t all that important right now. I call that the still before the storm.
Jesus knows and understand each and every situation you might be experiencing. Do you know what he’s going to say to you? Well, he is not going to tell you to tough it out, or hang in there. Instead he’s going to wipe away your tears and calm your fears by very gently and lovingly saying to you; “How foolish you are and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”
Folks, life with Jesus is looking up. You too have seen Jesus. He has risen. He lives! What a difference that simple truth made for the disciples on the road to Emmaus. “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. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
All it took was for the veil to be lifted, the veil of ignorance and blindness that not only covered their eyes, but also their hearts. When that veil was removed they saw Jesus. Right away their sorrow, frustration and confusion were gone. Their feelings of hopelessness and lose were also gone.
They had seen Jesus and because of that, life took on a whole new meaning for them. That’s one of the most awesome things about this account of the two disciples; the 180 degree turn in their hearts, emotions and their lives. All of a sudden, with Jesus in the picture, life was looking up.
Folks, you have seen Jesus and with Jesus life is looking up. Resurrection confidence, resurrection joy, the certainty of eternal life, eternal joy is yours everyday with your risen Savior. Now, understand that I am not saying you’ll never feel sad or blue, but when life seems overwhelming you certainly know where to turn. Turn to Jesus your risen and living Lord and Savior. Say with the Psalmist; “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
No matter where you are in life, no matter what trials, troubles or sorrows you’re facing, there are some simple truths that no one can ever take away from you. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life in your place, he died on the cross as punishment for your sins, and he rose again from the grave so you to shall someday rise to life eternal according to both body and soul. Christ has washed you in his blood. You have been cleansed of your sin and guilt by the grace of God and clothed in the white robe of Christ’s righteousness.
No matter what troubles, trials, or afflictions this world or Satan himself might try to throw at you, the gift of salvation has been secured for you by the blood of Jesus Christ and sealed to you through faith by the working of God’s Holy Spirit through his Word and Sacraments. You know that Christ is your redeemer and so you can confidently say; 25 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)
In order to truly and completely celebrate the eternal life you have through Christ you must know the Scriptures. Cleopas and his friend were down on life, confused and depressed, not only because of the tragic events they had witnessed over the weekend, but also because they simply didn’t know the Scriptures. Jesus opened their eyes by showing them that this was all part of God’s plan, that Christ would suffer, die and rise again. If they had truly known the Scriptures just think of the grief, they would have been spared.
How often don’t you and I work ourselves into a frenzy about something in life, because we don’t know the Scriptures well enough? Perhaps you don’t know how to deal with a situation you’re facing, you don’t know where to find strength, because you don’t know the Scriptures well enough.
If you don’t know the Scriptures well enough the counsel of God is like a closed book. It’s like going through life without an instruction manual or road map. The bottom line is we all need to know the Scriptures better. So keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Remember, with Jesus life is looking up. Amen.2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER (16) INI LUKE 24:13-35
Our text for today Jesus we see Jesus walking with 2 men on the road to Emmaus. This is one of the most dramatic accounts in the Bible. Not only is this a very interesting story with a delightful twist on the end, but it’s also an excellent study of human character. It shows the difference between overwhelming sorrow and great joy. It shows the difference between a life that is meaningless and empty and a life that has purpose and direction to it. It shows the difference between despair and positive, confident hope.
What is the difference? It’s obvious from our text that the difference is Jesus. Without Jesus every day is filled with sorrows and desperate trials. Without Jesus life has no hope, there is no comfort and ultimately, it has no meaning. On the other hand, life with Jesus is looking up.
Put yourself in the shoes of those men walking along the road to Emmaus. We can only begin to imagine the sense of loss these two men felt. Of course, they weren’t the only one feeling that way. No doubt anyone who thought Jesus was going to be the one to redeem Israel felt the same way.
Just think about that for a second. Suppose you had been one of those 2 men walking with him or one of the many men and women who followed him. Suppose you had listened to the sermons he preached, listened to him teach. Saw the lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, and the dead raised to life. You had joined the crowd in Jerusalem shouting, “Hosanna.” You had hoped and waited and watched for Jesus to make his move that would put him on top, and you’d be right there with him.
But then he was crucified, put to death. You were shocked, horrified as all your hopes went down the drain. You watched from a distance as a few brave men took his lifeless body down from the cross. Jesus was dead and all your hopes and dreams that you had for yourself and Israel, died with him. He had been the object of your faith and now he was dead.
But then on Sunday, the 1st day of the week you hear a rumor that some women claim to have seen a vision of angels. Mary Magdalene even claimed she saw the Lord alive and well. Soon there were many more reports of people seeing him alive.
The men on the road to Emmaus told Jesus; “He (Jesus) was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” You can almost hear the confusion and frustration these two men felt as they tried to make sense out of the events of the past few days.
How did Jesus react to what they said? Well, first of all, he did not say; “Hey guys, come on, it’s not that bad. Hang in there. Things will get better. Keep your chin up.” Instead he said; “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
You know, when you think about it, it’s almost funny; all the stress and anxiety these poor men were inflicting on themselves because they didn’t understand. Their faith was weak and their lack of faith drove them to the point of sadness and confusion. It would almost be funny, if it weren’t for the fact you and I often do the exact same thing.
Think about it! Isn’t it true that you often get to feeling down about things? How often don’t you feel confused or uncertain about the direction your life is going? You’re not always upbeat and happy, are you? There are times you feel down and blue, depressed. You don’t have all the answers, do you? You don’t always know what to say to comfort people, do you? You don’t always say the right things or in the right way at the right time, do you? Do you ever feel like life is an emotional roller coaster? Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down. You get confused. You feel pain and loss. You don’t always deal with those things, well, do you?
There are countless things in this life that will drag you down. That’s what happens when you live in a world ruined by sin. This world is filled with pain, heartache, suffering and sorrow. There are trials and troubles galore. I’m sure each of you has your own list of troubles you face.
Or, on the other hand, perhaps everything is going so well for you that a kind of smugness has taken over. You feel like you’re on top of the world, in control of your life, and so God isn’t all that important right now. I call that the still before the storm.
Jesus knows and understand each and every situation you might be experiencing. Do you know what he’s going to say to you? Well, he is not going to tell you to tough it out, or hang in there. Instead he’s going to wipe away your tears and calm your fears by very gently and lovingly saying to you; “How foolish you are and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”
Folks, life with Jesus is looking up. You too have seen Jesus. He has risen. He lives! What a difference that simple truth made for the disciples on the road to Emmaus. “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. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
All it took was for the veil to be lifted, the veil of ignorance and blindness that not only covered their eyes, but also their hearts. When that veil was removed they saw Jesus. Right away their sorrow, frustration and confusion were gone. Their feelings of hopelessness and lose were also gone.
They had seen Jesus and because of that, life took on a whole new meaning for them. That’s one of the most awesome things about this account of the two disciples; the 180 degree turn in their hearts, emotions and their lives. All of a sudden, with Jesus in the picture, life was looking up.
Folks, you have seen Jesus and with Jesus life is looking up. Resurrection confidence, resurrection joy, the certainty of eternal life, eternal joy is yours everyday with your risen Savior. Now, understand that I am not saying you’ll never feel sad or blue, but when life seems overwhelming you certainly know where to turn. Turn to Jesus your risen and living Lord and Savior. Say with the Psalmist; “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
No matter where you are in life, no matter what trials, troubles or sorrows you’re facing, there are some simple truths that no one can ever take away from you. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life in your place, he died on the cross as punishment for your sins, and he rose again from the grave so you to shall someday rise to life eternal according to both body and soul. Christ has washed you in his blood. You have been cleansed of your sin and guilt by the grace of God and clothed in the white robe of Christ’s righteousness.
No matter what troubles, trials, or afflictions this world or Satan himself might try to throw at you, the gift of salvation has been secured for you by the blood of Jesus Christ and sealed to you through faith by the working of God’s Holy Spirit through his Word and Sacraments. You know that Christ is your redeemer and so you can confidently say; 25 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)
In order to truly and completely celebrate the eternal life you have through Christ you must know the Scriptures. Cleopas and his friend were down on life, confused and depressed, not only because of the tragic events they had witnessed over the weekend, but also because they simply didn’t know the Scriptures. Jesus opened their eyes by showing them that this was all part of God’s plan, that Christ would suffer, die and rise again. If they had truly known the Scriptures just think of the grief, they would have been spared.
How often don’t you and I work ourselves into a frenzy about something in life, because we don’t know the Scriptures well enough? Perhaps you don’t know how to deal with a situation you’re facing, you don’t know where to find strength, because you don’t know the Scriptures well enough.
If you don’t know the Scriptures well enough the counsel of God is like a closed book. It’s like going through life without an instruction manual or road map. The bottom line is we all need to know the Scriptures better. So keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Remember, with Jesus life is looking up. Amen.2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER (16) INI LUKE 24:13-35
Our text for today Jesus we see Jesus walking with 2 men on the road to Emmaus. This is one of the most dramatic accounts in the Bible. Not only is this a very interesting story with a delightful twist on the end, but it’s also an excellent study of human character. It shows the difference between overwhelming sorrow and great joy. It shows the difference between a life that is meaningless and empty and a life that has purpose and direction to it. It shows the difference between despair and positive, confident hope.
What is the difference? It’s obvious from our text that the difference is Jesus. Without Jesus every day is filled with sorrows and desperate trials. Without Jesus life has no hope, there is no comfort and ultimately, it has no meaning. On the other hand, life with Jesus is looking up.
Put yourself in the shoes of those men walking along the road to Emmaus. We can only begin to imagine the sense of loss these two men felt. Of course, they weren’t the only one feeling that way. No doubt anyone who thought Jesus was going to be the one to redeem Israel felt the same way.
Just think about that for a second. Suppose you had been one of those 2 men walking with him or one of the many men and women who followed him. Suppose you had listened to the sermons he preached, listened to him teach. Saw the lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, and the dead raised to life. You had joined the crowd in Jerusalem shouting, “Hosanna.” You had hoped and waited and watched for Jesus to make his move that would put him on top, and you’d be right there with him.
But then he was crucified, put to death. You were shocked, horrified as all your hopes went down the drain. You watched from a distance as a few brave men took his lifeless body down from the cross. Jesus was dead and all your hopes and dreams that you had for yourself and Israel, died with him. He had been the object of your faith and now he was dead.
But then on Sunday, the 1st day of the week you hear a rumor that some women claim to have seen a vision of angels. Mary Magdalene even claimed she saw the Lord alive and well. Soon there were many more reports of people seeing him alive.
The men on the road to Emmaus told Jesus; “He (Jesus) was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” You can almost hear the confusion and frustration these two men felt as they tried to make sense out of the events of the past few days.
How did Jesus react to what they said? Well, first of all, he did not say; “Hey guys, come on, it’s not that bad. Hang in there. Things will get better. Keep your chin up.” Instead he said; “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
You know, when you think about it, it’s almost funny; all the stress and anxiety these poor men were inflicting on themselves because they didn’t understand. Their faith was weak and their lack of faith drove them to the point of sadness and confusion. It would almost be funny, if it weren’t for the fact you and I often do the exact same thing.
Think about it! Isn’t it true that you often get to feeling down about things? How often don’t you feel confused or uncertain about the direction your life is going? You’re not always upbeat and happy, are you? There are times you feel down and blue, depressed. You don’t have all the answers, do you? You don’t always know what to say to comfort people, do you? You don’t always say the right things or in the right way at the right time, do you? Do you ever feel like life is an emotional roller coaster? Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down. You get confused. You feel pain and loss. You don’t always deal with those things, well, do you?
There are countless things in this life that will drag you down. That’s what happens when you live in a world ruined by sin. This world is filled with pain, heartache, suffering and sorrow. There are trials and troubles galore. I’m sure each of you has your own list of troubles you face.
Or, on the other hand, perhaps everything is going so well for you that a kind of smugness has taken over. You feel like you’re on top of the world, in control of your life, and so God isn’t all that important right now. I call that the still before the storm.
Jesus knows and understand each and every situation you might be experiencing. Do you know what he’s going to say to you? Well, he is not going to tell you to tough it out, or hang in there. Instead he’s going to wipe away your tears and calm your fears by very gently and lovingly saying to you; “How foolish you are and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”
Folks, life with Jesus is looking up. You too have seen Jesus. He has risen. He lives! What a difference that simple truth made for the disciples on the road to Emmaus. “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. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
All it took was for the veil to be lifted, the veil of ignorance and blindness that not only covered their eyes, but also their hearts. When that veil was removed they saw Jesus. Right away their sorrow, frustration and confusion were gone. Their feelings of hopelessness and lose were also gone.
They had seen Jesus and because of that, life took on a whole new meaning for them. That’s one of the most awesome things about this account of the two disciples; the 180 degree turn in their hearts, emotions and their lives. All of a sudden, with Jesus in the picture, life was looking up.
Folks, you have seen Jesus and with Jesus life is looking up. Resurrection confidence, resurrection joy, the certainty of eternal life, eternal joy is yours everyday with your risen Savior. Now, understand that I am not saying you’ll never feel sad or blue, but when life seems overwhelming you certainly know where to turn. Turn to Jesus your risen and living Lord and Savior. Say with the Psalmist; “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
No matter where you are in life, no matter what trials, troubles or sorrows you’re facing, there are some simple truths that no one can ever take away from you. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life in your place, he died on the cross as punishment for your sins, and he rose again from the grave so you to shall someday rise to life eternal according to both body and soul. Christ has washed you in his blood. You have been cleansed of your sin and guilt by the grace of God and clothed in the white robe of Christ’s righteousness.
No matter what troubles, trials, or afflictions this world or Satan himself might try to throw at you, the gift of salvation has been secured for you by the blood of Jesus Christ and sealed to you through faith by the working of God’s Holy Spirit through his Word and Sacraments. You know that Christ is your redeemer and so you can confidently say; 25 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)
In order to truly and completely celebrate the eternal life you have through Christ you must know the Scriptures. Cleopas and his friend were down on life, confused and depressed, not only because of the tragic events they had witnessed over the weekend, but also because they simply didn’t know the Scriptures. Jesus opened their eyes by showing them that this was all part of God’s plan, that Christ would suffer, die and rise again. If they had truly known the Scriptures just think of the grief, they would have been spared.
How often don’t you and I work ourselves into a frenzy about something in life, because we don’t know the Scriptures well enough? Perhaps you don’t know how to deal with a situation you’re facing, you don’t know where to find strength, because you don’t know the Scriptures well enough.
If you don’t know the Scriptures well enough the counsel of God is like a closed book. It’s like going through life without an instruction manual or road map. The bottom line is we all need to know the Scriptures better. So keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Remember, with Jesus life is looking up. Amen.2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER (16) INI LUKE 24:13-35
Our text for today Jesus we see Jesus walking with 2 men on the road to Emmaus. This is one of the most dramatic accounts in the Bible. Not only is this a very interesting story with a delightful twist on the end, but it’s also an excellent study of human character. It shows the difference between overwhelming sorrow and great joy. It shows the difference between a life that is meaningless and empty and a life that has purpose and direction to it. It shows the difference between despair and positive, confident hope.
What is the difference? It’s obvious from our text that the difference is Jesus. Without Jesus every day is filled with sorrows and desperate trials. Without Jesus life has no hope, there is no comfort and ultimately, it has no meaning. On the other hand, life with Jesus is looking up.
Put yourself in the shoes of those men walking along the road to Emmaus. We can only begin to imagine the sense of loss these two men felt. Of course, they weren’t the only one feeling that way. No doubt anyone who thought Jesus was going to be the one to redeem Israel felt the same way.
Just think about that for a second. Suppose you had been one of those 2 men walking with him or one of the many men and women who followed him. Suppose you had listened to the sermons he preached, listened to him teach. Saw the lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, and the dead raised to life. You had joined the crowd in Jerusalem shouting, “Hosanna.” You had hoped and waited and watched for Jesus to make his move that would put him on top, and you’d be right there with him.
But then he was crucified, put to death. You were shocked, horrified as all your hopes went down the drain. You watched from a distance as a few brave men took his lifeless body down from the cross. Jesus was dead and all your hopes and dreams that you had for yourself and Israel, died with him. He had been the object of your faith and now he was dead.
But then on Sunday, the 1st day of the week you hear a rumor that some women claim to have seen a vision of angels. Mary Magdalene even claimed she saw the Lord alive and well. Soon there were many more reports of people seeing him alive.
The men on the road to Emmaus told Jesus; “He (Jesus) was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” You can almost hear the confusion and frustration these two men felt as they tried to make sense out of the events of the past few days.
How did Jesus react to what they said? Well, first of all, he did not say; “Hey guys, come on, it’s not that bad. Hang in there. Things will get better. Keep your chin up.” Instead he said; “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
You know, when you think about it, it’s almost funny; all the stress and anxiety these poor men were inflicting on themselves because they didn’t understand. Their faith was weak and their lack of faith drove them to the point of sadness and confusion. It would almost be funny, if it weren’t for the fact you and I often do the exact same thing.
Think about it! Isn’t it true that you often get to feeling down about things? How often don’t you feel confused or uncertain about the direction your life is going? You’re not always upbeat and happy, are you? There are times you feel down and blue, depressed. You don’t have all the answers, do you? You don’t always know what to say to comfort people, do you? You don’t always say the right things or in the right way at the right time, do you? Do you ever feel like life is an emotional roller coaster? Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down. You get confused. You feel pain and loss. You don’t always deal with those things, well, do you?
There are countless things in this life that will drag you down. That’s what happens when you live in a world ruined by sin. This world is filled with pain, heartache, suffering and sorrow. There are trials and troubles galore. I’m sure each of you has your own list of troubles you face.
Or, on the other hand, perhaps everything is going so well for you that a kind of smugness has taken over. You feel like you’re on top of the world, in control of your life, and so God isn’t all that important right now. I call that the still before the storm.
Jesus knows and understand each and every situation you might be experiencing. Do you know what he’s going to say to you? Well, he is not going to tell you to tough it out, or hang in there. Instead he’s going to wipe away your tears and calm your fears by very gently and lovingly saying to you; “How foolish you are and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”
Folks, life with Jesus is looking up. You too have seen Jesus. He has risen. He lives! What a difference that simple truth made for the disciples on the road to Emmaus. “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. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
All it took was for the veil to be lifted, the veil of ignorance and blindness that not only covered their eyes, but also their hearts. When that veil was removed they saw Jesus. Right away their sorrow, frustration and confusion were gone. Their feelings of hopelessness and lose were also gone.
They had seen Jesus and because of that, life took on a whole new meaning for them. That’s one of the most awesome things about this account of the two disciples; the 180 degree turn in their hearts, emotions and their lives. All of a sudden, with Jesus in the picture, life was looking up.
Folks, you have seen Jesus and with Jesus life is looking up. Resurrection confidence, resurrection joy, the certainty of eternal life, eternal joy is yours everyday with your risen Savior. Now, understand that I am not saying you’ll never feel sad or blue, but when life seems overwhelming you certainly know where to turn. Turn to Jesus your risen and living Lord and Savior. Say with the Psalmist; “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
No matter where you are in life, no matter what trials, troubles or sorrows you’re facing, there are some simple truths that no one can ever take away from you. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life in your place, he died on the cross as punishment for your sins, and he rose again from the grave so you to shall someday rise to life eternal according to both body and soul. Christ has washed you in his blood. You have been cleansed of your sin and guilt by the grace of God and clothed in the white robe of Christ’s righteousness.
No matter what troubles, trials, or afflictions this world or Satan himself might try to throw at you, the gift of salvation has been secured for you by the blood of Jesus Christ and sealed to you through faith by the working of God’s Holy Spirit through his Word and Sacraments. You know that Christ is your redeemer and so you can confidently say; 25 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)
In order to truly and completely celebrate the eternal life you have through Christ you must know the Scriptures. Cleopas and his friend were down on life, confused and depressed, not only because of the tragic events they had witnessed over the weekend, but also because they simply didn’t know the Scriptures. Jesus opened their eyes by showing them that this was all part of God’s plan, that Christ would suffer, die and rise again. If they had truly known the Scriptures just think of the grief, they would have been spared.
How often don’t you and I work ourselves into a frenzy about something in life, because we don’t know the Scriptures well enough? Perhaps you don’t know how to deal with a situation you’re facing, you don’t know where to find strength, because you don’t know the Scriptures well enough.
If you don’t know the Scriptures well enough the counsel of God is like a closed book. It’s like going through life without an instruction manual or road map. The bottom line is we all need to know the Scriptures better. So keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Remember, with Jesus life is looking up. Amen.2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER (16) INI LUKE 24:13-35
Our text for today Jesus we see Jesus walking with 2 men on the road to Emmaus. This is one of the most dramatic accounts in the Bible. Not only is this a very interesting story with a delightful twist on the end, but it’s also an excellent study of human character. It shows the difference between overwhelming sorrow and great joy. It shows the difference between a life that is meaningless and empty and a life that has purpose and direction to it. It shows the difference between despair and positive, confident hope.
What is the difference? It’s obvious from our text that the difference is Jesus. Without Jesus every day is filled with sorrows and desperate trials. Without Jesus life has no hope, there is no comfort and ultimately, it has no meaning. On the other hand, life with Jesus is looking up.
Put yourself in the shoes of those men walking along the road to Emmaus. We can only begin to imagine the sense of loss these two men felt. Of course, they weren’t the only one feeling that way. No doubt anyone who thought Jesus was going to be the one to redeem Israel felt the same way.
Just think about that for a second. Suppose you had been one of those 2 men walking with him or one of the many men and women who followed him. Suppose you had listened to the sermons he preached, listened to him teach. Saw the lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, and the dead raised to life. You had joined the crowd in Jerusalem shouting, “Hosanna.” You had hoped and waited and watched for Jesus to make his move that would put him on top, and you’d be right there with him.
But then he was crucified, put to death. You were shocked, horrified as all your hopes went down the drain. You watched from a distance as a few brave men took his lifeless body down from the cross. Jesus was dead and all your hopes and dreams that you had for yourself and Israel, died with him. He had been the object of your faith and now he was dead.
But then on Sunday, the 1st day of the week you hear a rumor that some women claim to have seen a vision of angels. Mary Magdalene even claimed she saw the Lord alive and well. Soon there were many more reports of people seeing him alive.
The men on the road to Emmaus told Jesus; “He (Jesus) was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” You can almost hear the confusion and frustration these two men felt as they tried to make sense out of the events of the past few days.
How did Jesus react to what they said? Well, first of all, he did not say; “Hey guys, come on, it’s not that bad. Hang in there. Things will get better. Keep your chin up.” Instead he said; “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
You know, when you think about it, it’s almost funny; all the stress and anxiety these poor men were inflicting on themselves because they didn’t understand. Their faith was weak and their lack of faith drove them to the point of sadness and confusion. It would almost be funny, if it weren’t for the fact you and I often do the exact same thing.
Think about it! Isn’t it true that you often get to feeling down about things? How often don’t you feel confused or uncertain about the direction your life is going? You’re not always upbeat and happy, are you? There are times you feel down and blue, depressed. You don’t have all the answers, do you? You don’t always know what to say to comfort people, do you? You don’t always say the right things or in the right way at the right time, do you? Do you ever feel like life is an emotional roller coaster? Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down. You get confused. You feel pain and loss. You don’t always deal with those things, well, do you?
There are countless things in this life that will drag you down. That’s what happens when you live in a world ruined by sin. This world is filled with pain, heartache, suffering and sorrow. There are trials and troubles galore. I’m sure each of you has your own list of troubles you face.
Or, on the other hand, perhaps everything is going so well for you that a kind of smugness has taken over. You feel like you’re on top of the world, in control of your life, and so God isn’t all that important right now. I call that the still before the storm.
Jesus knows and understand each and every situation you might be experiencing. Do you know what he’s going to say to you? Well, he is not going to tell you to tough it out, or hang in there. Instead he’s going to wipe away your tears and calm your fears by very gently and lovingly saying to you; “How foolish you are and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”
Folks, life with Jesus is looking up. You too have seen Jesus. He has risen. He lives! What a difference that simple truth made for the disciples on the road to Emmaus. “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. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
All it took was for the veil to be lifted, the veil of ignorance and blindness that not only covered their eyes, but also their hearts. When that veil was removed they saw Jesus. Right away their sorrow, frustration and confusion were gone. Their feelings of hopelessness and lose were also gone.
They had seen Jesus and because of that, life took on a whole new meaning for them. That’s one of the most awesome things about this account of the two disciples; the 180 degree turn in their hearts, emotions and their lives. All of a sudden, with Jesus in the picture, life was looking up.
Folks, you have seen Jesus and with Jesus life is looking up. Resurrection confidence, resurrection joy, the certainty of eternal life, eternal joy is yours everyday with your risen Savior. Now, understand that I am not saying you’ll never feel sad or blue, but when life seems overwhelming you certainly know where to turn. Turn to Jesus your risen and living Lord and Savior. Say with the Psalmist; “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
No matter where you are in life, no matter what trials, troubles or sorrows you’re facing, there are some simple truths that no one can ever take away from you. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life in your place, he died on the cross as punishment for your sins, and he rose again from the grave so you to shall someday rise to life eternal according to both body and soul. Christ has washed you in his blood. You have been cleansed of your sin and guilt by the grace of God and clothed in the white robe of Christ’s righteousness.
No matter what troubles, trials, or afflictions this world or Satan himself might try to throw at you, the gift of salvation has been secured for you by the blood of Jesus Christ and sealed to you through faith by the working of God’s Holy Spirit through his Word and Sacraments. You know that Christ is your redeemer and so you can confidently say; 25 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)
In order to truly and completely celebrate the eternal life you have through Christ you must know the Scriptures. Cleopas and his friend were down on life, confused and depressed, not only because of the tragic events they had witnessed over the weekend, but also because they simply didn’t know the Scriptures. Jesus opened their eyes by showing them that this was all part of God’s plan, that Christ would suffer, die and rise again. If they had truly known the Scriptures just think of the grief, they would have been spared.
How often don’t you and I work ourselves into a frenzy about something in life, because we don’t know the Scriptures well enough? Perhaps you don’t know how to deal with a situation you’re facing, you don’t know where to find strength, because you don’t know the Scriptures well enough.
If you don’t know the Scriptures well enough the counsel of God is like a closed book. It’s like going through life without an instruction manual or road map. The bottom line is we all need to know the Scriptures better. So keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Remember, with Jesus life is looking up. Amen.2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER (16) INI LUKE 24:13-35
Our text for today Jesus we see Jesus walking with 2 men on the road to Emmaus. This is one of the most dramatic accounts in the Bible. Not only is this a very interesting story with a delightful twist on the end, but it’s also an excellent study of human character. It shows the difference between overwhelming sorrow and great joy. It shows the difference between a life that is meaningless and empty and a life that has purpose and direction to it. It shows the difference between despair and positive, confident hope.
What is the difference? It’s obvious from our text that the difference is Jesus. Without Jesus every day is filled with sorrows and desperate trials. Without Jesus life has no hope, there is no comfort and ultimately, it has no meaning. On the other hand, life with Jesus is looking up.
Put yourself in the shoes of those men walking along the road to Emmaus. We can only begin to imagine the sense of loss these two men felt. Of course, they weren’t the only one feeling that way. No doubt anyone who thought Jesus was going to be the one to redeem Israel felt the same way.
Just think about that for a second. Suppose you had been one of those 2 men walking with him or one of the many men and women who followed him. Suppose you had listened to the sermons he preached, listened to him teach. Saw the lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, and the dead raised to life. You had joined the crowd in Jerusalem shouting, “Hosanna.” You had hoped and waited and watched for Jesus to make his move that would put him on top, and you’d be right there with him.
But then he was crucified, put to death. You were shocked, horrified as all your hopes went down the drain. You watched from a distance as a few brave men took his lifeless body down from the cross. Jesus was dead and all your hopes and dreams that you had for yourself and Israel, died with him. He had been the object of your faith and now he was dead.
But then on Sunday, the 1st day of the week you hear a rumor that some women claim to have seen a vision of angels. Mary Magdalene even claimed she saw the Lord alive and well. Soon there were many more reports of people seeing him alive.
The men on the road to Emmaus told Jesus; “He (Jesus) was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” You can almost hear the confusion and frustration these two men felt as they tried to make sense out of the events of the past few days.
How did Jesus react to what they said? Well, first of all, he did not say; “Hey guys, come on, it’s not that bad. Hang in there. Things will get better. Keep your chin up.” Instead he said; “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
You know, when you think about it, it’s almost funny; all the stress and anxiety these poor men were inflicting on themselves because they didn’t understand. Their faith was weak and their lack of faith drove them to the point of sadness and confusion. It would almost be funny, if it weren’t for the fact you and I often do the exact same thing.
Think about it! Isn’t it true that you often get to feeling down about things? How often don’t you feel confused or uncertain about the direction your life is going? You’re not always upbeat and happy, are you? There are times you feel down and blue, depressed. You don’t have all the answers, do you? You don’t always know what to say to comfort people, do you? You don’t always say the right things or in the right way at the right time, do you? Do you ever feel like life is an emotional roller coaster? Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down. You get confused. You feel pain and loss. You don’t always deal with those things, well, do you?
There are countless things in this life that will drag you down. That’s what happens when you live in a world ruined by sin. This world is filled with pain, heartache, suffering and sorrow. There are trials and troubles galore. I’m sure each of you has your own list of troubles you face.
Or, on the other hand, perhaps everything is going so well for you that a kind of smugness has taken over. You feel like you’re on top of the world, in control of your life, and so God isn’t all that important right now. I call that the still before the storm.
Jesus knows and understand each and every situation you might be experiencing. Do you know what he’s going to say to you? Well, he is not going to tell you to tough it out, or hang in there. Instead he’s going to wipe away your tears and calm your fears by very gently and lovingly saying to you; “How foolish you are and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”
Folks, life with Jesus is looking up. You too have seen Jesus. He has risen. He lives! What a difference that simple truth made for the disciples on the road to Emmaus. “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. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
All it took was for the veil to be lifted, the veil of ignorance and blindness that not only covered their eyes, but also their hearts. When that veil was removed they saw Jesus. Right away their sorrow, frustration and confusion were gone. Their feelings of hopelessness and lose were also gone.
They had seen Jesus and because of that, life took on a whole new meaning for them. That’s one of the most awesome things about this account of the two disciples; the 180 degree turn in their hearts, emotions and their lives. All of a sudden, with Jesus in the picture, life was looking up.
Folks, you have seen Jesus and with Jesus life is looking up. Resurrection confidence, resurrection joy, the certainty of eternal life, eternal joy is yours everyday with your risen Savior. Now, understand that I am not saying you’ll never feel sad or blue, but when life seems overwhelming you certainly know where to turn. Turn to Jesus your risen and living Lord and Savior. Say with the Psalmist; “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
No matter where you are in life, no matter what trials, troubles or sorrows you’re facing, there are some simple truths that no one can ever take away from you. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life in your place, he died on the cross as punishment for your sins, and he rose again from the grave so you to shall someday rise to life eternal according to both body and soul. Christ has washed you in his blood. You have been cleansed of your sin and guilt by the grace of God and clothed in the white robe of Christ’s righteousness.
No matter what troubles, trials, or afflictions this world or Satan himself might try to throw at you, the gift of salvation has been secured for you by the blood of Jesus Christ and sealed to you through faith by the working of God’s Holy Spirit through his Word and Sacraments. You know that Christ is your redeemer and so you can confidently say; 25 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)
In order to truly and completely celebrate the eternal life you have through Christ you must know the Scriptures. Cleopas and his friend were down on life, confused and depressed, not only because of the tragic events they had witnessed over the weekend, but also because they simply didn’t know the Scriptures. Jesus opened their eyes by showing them that this was all part of God’s plan, that Christ would suffer, die and rise again. If they had truly known the Scriptures just think of the grief, they would have been spared.
How often don’t you and I work ourselves into a frenzy about something in life, because we don’t know the Scriptures well enough? Perhaps you don’t know how to deal with a situation you’re facing, you don’t know where to find strength, because you don’t know the Scriptures well enough.
If you don’t know the Scriptures well enough the counsel of God is like a closed book. It’s like going through life without an instruction manual or road map. The bottom line is we all need to know the Scriptures better. So keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Remember, with Jesus life is looking up. Amen.2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER (16) INI LUKE 24:13-35
Our text for today Jesus we see Jesus walking with 2 men on the road to Emmaus. This is one of the most dramatic accounts in the Bible. Not only is this a very interesting story with a delightful twist on the end, but it’s also an excellent study of human character. It shows the difference between overwhelming sorrow and great joy. It shows the difference between a life that is meaningless and empty and a life that has purpose and direction to it. It shows the difference between despair and positive, confident hope.
What is the difference? It’s obvious from our text that the difference is Jesus. Without Jesus every day is filled with sorrows and desperate trials. Without Jesus life has no hope, there is no comfort and ultimately, it has no meaning. On the other hand, life with Jesus is looking up.
Put yourself in the shoes of those men walking along the road to Emmaus. We can only begin to imagine the sense of loss these two men felt. Of course, they weren’t the only one feeling that way. No doubt anyone who thought Jesus was going to be the one to redeem Israel felt the same way.
Just think about that for a second. Suppose you had been one of those 2 men walking with him or one of the many men and women who followed him. Suppose you had listened to the sermons he preached, listened to him teach. Saw the lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, and the dead raised to life. You had joined the crowd in Jerusalem shouting, “Hosanna.” You had hoped and waited and watched for Jesus to make his move that would put him on top, and you’d be right there with him.
But then he was crucified, put to death. You were shocked, horrified as all your hopes went down the drain. You watched from a distance as a few brave men took his lifeless body down from the cross. Jesus was dead and all your hopes and dreams that you had for yourself and Israel, died with him. He had been the object of your faith and now he was dead.
But then on Sunday, the 1st day of the week you hear a rumor that some women claim to have seen a vision of angels. Mary Magdalene even claimed she saw the Lord alive and well. Soon there were many more reports of people seeing him alive.
The men on the road to Emmaus told Jesus; “He (Jesus) was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” You can almost hear the confusion and frustration these two men felt as they tried to make sense out of the events of the past few days.
How did Jesus react to what they said? Well, first of all, he did not say; “Hey guys, come on, it’s not that bad. Hang in there. Things will get better. Keep your chin up.” Instead he said; “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
You know, when you think about it, it’s almost funny; all the stress and anxiety these poor men were inflicting on themselves because they didn’t understand. Their faith was weak and their lack of faith drove them to the point of sadness and confusion. It would almost be funny, if it weren’t for the fact you and I often do the exact same thing.
Think about it! Isn’t it true that you often get to feeling down about things? How often don’t you feel confused or uncertain about the direction your life is going? You’re not always upbeat and happy, are you? There are times you feel down and blue, depressed. You don’t have all the answers, do you? You don’t always know what to say to comfort people, do you? You don’t always say the right things or in the right way at the right time, do you? Do you ever feel like life is an emotional roller coaster? Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down. You get confused. You feel pain and loss. You don’t always deal with those things, well, do you?
There are countless things in this life that will drag you down. That’s what happens when you live in a world ruined by sin. This world is filled with pain, heartache, suffering and sorrow. There are trials and troubles galore. I’m sure each of you has your own list of troubles you face.
Or, on the other hand, perhaps everything is going so well for you that a kind of smugness has taken over. You feel like you’re on top of the world, in control of your life, and so God isn’t all that important right now. I call that the still before the storm.
Jesus knows and understand each and every situation you might be experiencing. Do you know what he’s going to say to you? Well, he is not going to tell you to tough it out, or hang in there. Instead he’s going to wipe away your tears and calm your fears by very gently and lovingly saying to you; “How foolish you are and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”
Folks, life with Jesus is looking up. You too have seen Jesus. He has risen. He lives! What a difference that simple truth made for the disciples on the road to Emmaus. “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. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
All it took was for the veil to be lifted, the veil of ignorance and blindness that not only covered their eyes, but also their hearts. When that veil was removed they saw Jesus. Right away their sorrow, frustration and confusion were gone. Their feelings of hopelessness and lose were also gone.
They had seen Jesus and because of that, life took on a whole new meaning for them. That’s one of the most awesome things about this account of the two disciples; the 180 degree turn in their hearts, emotions and their lives. All of a sudden, with Jesus in the picture, life was looking up.
Folks, you have seen Jesus and with Jesus life is looking up. Resurrection confidence, resurrection joy, the certainty of eternal life, eternal joy is yours everyday with your risen Savior. Now, understand that I am not saying you’ll never feel sad or blue, but when life seems overwhelming you certainly know where to turn. Turn to Jesus your risen and living Lord and Savior. Say with the Psalmist; “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
No matter where you are in life, no matter what trials, troubles or sorrows you’re facing, there are some simple truths that no one can ever take away from you. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life in your place, he died on the cross as punishment for your sins, and he rose again from the grave so you to shall someday rise to life eternal according to both body and soul. Christ has washed you in his blood. You have been cleansed of your sin and guilt by the grace of God and clothed in the white robe of Christ’s righteousness.
No matter what troubles, trials, or afflictions this world or Satan himself might try to throw at you, the gift of salvation has been secured for you by the blood of Jesus Christ and sealed to you through faith by the working of God’s Holy Spirit through his Word and Sacraments. You know that Christ is your redeemer and so you can confidently say; 25 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)
In order to truly and completely celebrate the eternal life you have through Christ you must know the Scriptures. Cleopas and his friend were down on life, confused and depressed, not only because of the tragic events they had witnessed over the weekend, but also because they simply didn’t know the Scriptures. Jesus opened their eyes by showing them that this was all part of God’s plan, that Christ would suffer, die and rise again. If they had truly known the Scriptures just think of the grief, they would have been spared.
How often don’t you and I work ourselves into a frenzy about something in life, because we don’t know the Scriptures well enough? Perhaps you don’t know how to deal with a situation you’re facing, you don’t know where to find strength, because you don’t know the Scriptures well enough.
If you don’t know the Scriptures well enough the counsel of God is like a closed book. It’s like going through life without an instruction manual or road map. The bottom line is we all need to know the Scriptures better. So keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Remember, with Jesus life is looking up. Amen.2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER (16) INI LUKE 24:13-35
Our text for today Jesus we see Jesus walking with 2 men on the road to Emmaus. This is one of the most dramatic accounts in the Bible. Not only is this a very interesting story with a delightful twist on the end, but it’s also an excellent study of human character. It shows the difference between overwhelming sorrow and great joy. It shows the difference between a life that is meaningless and empty and a life that has purpose and direction to it. It shows the difference between despair and positive, confident hope.
What is the difference? It’s obvious from our text that the difference is Jesus. Without Jesus every day is filled with sorrows and desperate trials. Without Jesus life has no hope, there is no comfort and ultimately, it has no meaning. On the other hand, life with Jesus is looking up.
Put yourself in the shoes of those men walking along the road to Emmaus. We can only begin to imagine the sense of loss these two men felt. Of course, they weren’t the only one feeling that way. No doubt anyone who thought Jesus was going to be the one to redeem Israel felt the same way.
Just think about that for a second. Suppose you had been one of those 2 men walking with him or one of the many men and women who followed him. Suppose you had listened to the sermons he preached, listened to him teach. Saw the lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, and the dead raised to life. You had joined the crowd in Jerusalem shouting, “Hosanna.” You had hoped and waited and watched for Jesus to make his move that would put him on top, and you’d be right there with him.
But then he was crucified, put to death. You were shocked, horrified as all your hopes went down the drain. You watched from a distance as a few brave men took his lifeless body down from the cross. Jesus was dead and all your hopes and dreams that you had for yourself and Israel, died with him. He had been the object of your faith and now he was dead.
But then on Sunday, the 1st day of the week you hear a rumor that some women claim to have seen a vision of angels. Mary Magdalene even claimed she saw the Lord alive and well. Soon there were many more reports of people seeing him alive.
The men on the road to Emmaus told Jesus; “He (Jesus) was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” You can almost hear the confusion and frustration these two men felt as they tried to make sense out of the events of the past few days.
How did Jesus react to what they said? Well, first of all, he did not say; “Hey guys, come on, it’s not that bad. Hang in there. Things will get better. Keep your chin up.” Instead he said; “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
You know, when you think about it, it’s almost funny; all the stress and anxiety these poor men were inflicting on themselves because they didn’t understand. Their faith was weak and their lack of faith drove them to the point of sadness and confusion. It would almost be funny, if it weren’t for the fact you and I often do the exact same thing.
Think about it! Isn’t it true that you often get to feeling down about things? How often don’t you feel confused or uncertain about the direction your life is going? You’re not always upbeat and happy, are you? There are times you feel down and blue, depressed. You don’t have all the answers, do you? You don’t always know what to say to comfort people, do you? You don’t always say the right things or in the right way at the right time, do you? Do you ever feel like life is an emotional roller coaster? Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down. You get confused. You feel pain and loss. You don’t always deal with those things, well, do you?
There are countless things in this life that will drag you down. That’s what happens when you live in a world ruined by sin. This world is filled with pain, heartache, suffering and sorrow. There are trials and troubles galore. I’m sure each of you has your own list of troubles you face.
Or, on the other hand, perhaps everything is going so well for you that a kind of smugness has taken over. You feel like you’re on top of the world, in control of your life, and so God isn’t all that important right now. I call that the still before the storm.
Jesus knows and understand each and every situation you might be experiencing. Do you know what he’s going to say to you? Well, he is not going to tell you to tough it out, or hang in there. Instead he’s going to wipe away your tears and calm your fears by very gently and lovingly saying to you; “How foolish you are and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”
Folks, life with Jesus is looking up. You too have seen Jesus. He has risen. He lives! What a difference that simple truth made for the disciples on the road to Emmaus. “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. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
All it took was for the veil to be lifted, the veil of ignorance and blindness that not only covered their eyes, but also their hearts. When that veil was removed they saw Jesus. Right away their sorrow, frustration and confusion were gone. Their feelings of hopelessness and lose were also gone.
They had seen Jesus and because of that, life took on a whole new meaning for them. That’s one of the most awesome things about this account of the two disciples; the 180 degree turn in their hearts, emotions and their lives. All of a sudden, with Jesus in the picture, life was looking up.
Folks, you have seen Jesus and with Jesus life is looking up. Resurrection confidence, resurrection joy, the certainty of eternal life, eternal joy is yours everyday with your risen Savior. Now, understand that I am not saying you’ll never feel sad or blue, but when life seems overwhelming you certainly know where to turn. Turn to Jesus your risen and living Lord and Savior. Say with the Psalmist; “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
No matter where you are in life, no matter what trials, troubles or sorrows you’re facing, there are some simple truths that no one can ever take away from you. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life in your place, he died on the cross as punishment for your sins, and he rose again from the grave so you to shall someday rise to life eternal according to both body and soul. Christ has washed you in his blood. You have been cleansed of your sin and guilt by the grace of God and clothed in the white robe of Christ’s righteousness.
No matter what troubles, trials, or afflictions this world or Satan himself might try to throw at you, the gift of salvation has been secured for you by the blood of Jesus Christ and sealed to you through faith by the working of God’s Holy Spirit through his Word and Sacraments. You know that Christ is your redeemer and so you can confidently say; 25 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)
In order to truly and completely celebrate the eternal life you have through Christ you must know the Scriptures. Cleopas and his friend were down on life, confused and depressed, not only because of the tragic events they had witnessed over the weekend, but also because they simply didn’t know the Scriptures. Jesus opened their eyes by showing them that this was all part of God’s plan, that Christ would suffer, die and rise again. If they had truly known the Scriptures just think of the grief, they would have been spared.
How often don’t you and I work ourselves into a frenzy about something in life, because we don’t know the Scriptures well enough? Perhaps you don’t know how to deal with a situation you’re facing, you don’t know where to find strength, because you don’t know the Scriptures well enough.
If you don’t know the Scriptures well enough the counsel of God is like a closed book. It’s like going through life without an instruction manual or road map. The bottom line is we all need to know the Scriptures better. So keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Remember, with Jesus life is looking up. Amen.2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER (16) INI LUKE 24:13-35
Our text for today Jesus we see Jesus walking with 2 men on the road to Emmaus. This is one of the most dramatic accounts in the Bible. Not only is this a very interesting story with a delightful twist on the end, but it’s also an excellent study of human character. It shows the difference between overwhelming sorrow and great joy. It shows the difference between a life that is meaningless and empty and a life that has purpose and direction to it. It shows the difference between despair and positive, confident hope.
What is the difference? It’s obvious from our text that the difference is Jesus. Without Jesus every day is filled with sorrows and desperate trials. Without Jesus life has no hope, there is no comfort and ultimately, it has no meaning. On the other hand, life with Jesus is looking up.
Put yourself in the shoes of those men walking along the road to Emmaus. We can only begin to imagine the sense of loss these two men felt. Of course, they weren’t the only one feeling that way. No doubt anyone who thought Jesus was going to be the one to redeem Israel felt the same way.
Just think about that for a second. Suppose you had been one of those 2 men walking with him or one of the many men and women who followed him. Suppose you had listened to the sermons he preached, listened to him teach. Saw the lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, and the dead raised to life. You had joined the crowd in Jerusalem shouting, “Hosanna.” You had hoped and waited and watched for Jesus to make his move that would put him on top, and you’d be right there with him.
But then he was crucified, put to death. You were shocked, horrified as all your hopes went down the drain. You watched from a distance as a few brave men took his lifeless body down from the cross. Jesus was dead and all your hopes and dreams that you had for yourself and Israel, died with him. He had been the object of your faith and now he was dead.
But then on Sunday, the 1st day of the week you hear a rumor that some women claim to have seen a vision of angels. Mary Magdalene even claimed she saw the Lord alive and well. Soon there were many more reports of people seeing him alive.
The men on the road to Emmaus told Jesus; “He (Jesus) was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” You can almost hear the confusion and frustration these two men felt as they tried to make sense out of the events of the past few days.
How did Jesus react to what they said? Well, first of all, he did not say; “Hey guys, come on, it’s not that bad. Hang in there. Things will get better. Keep your chin up.” Instead he said; “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
You know, when you think about it, it’s almost funny; all the stress and anxiety these poor men were inflicting on themselves because they didn’t understand. Their faith was weak and their lack of faith drove them to the point of sadness and confusion. It would almost be funny, if it weren’t for the fact you and I often do the exact same thing.
Think about it! Isn’t it true that you often get to feeling down about things? How often don’t you feel confused or uncertain about the direction your life is going? You’re not always upbeat and happy, are you? There are times you feel down and blue, depressed. You don’t have all the answers, do you? You don’t always know what to say to comfort people, do you? You don’t always say the right things or in the right way at the right time, do you? Do you ever feel like life is an emotional roller coaster? Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down. You get confused. You feel pain and loss. You don’t always deal with those things, well, do you?
There are countless things in this life that will drag you down. That’s what happens when you live in a world ruined by sin. This world is filled with pain, heartache, suffering and sorrow. There are trials and troubles galore. I’m sure each of you has your own list of troubles you face.
Or, on the other hand, perhaps everything is going so well for you that a kind of smugness has taken over. You feel like you’re on top of the world, in control of your life, and so God isn’t all that important right now. I call that the still before the storm.
Jesus knows and understand each and every situation you might be experiencing. Do you know what he’s going to say to you? Well, he is not going to tell you to tough it out, or hang in there. Instead he’s going to wipe away your tears and calm your fears by very gently and lovingly saying to you; “How foolish you are and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”
Folks, life with Jesus is looking up. You too have seen Jesus. He has risen. He lives! What a difference that simple truth made for the disciples on the road to Emmaus. “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. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
All it took was for the veil to be lifted, the veil of ignorance and blindness that not only covered their eyes, but also their hearts. When that veil was removed they saw Jesus. Right away their sorrow, frustration and confusion were gone. Their feelings of hopelessness and lose were also gone.
They had seen Jesus and because of that, life took on a whole new meaning for them. That’s one of the most awesome things about this account of the two disciples; the 180 degree turn in their hearts, emotions and their lives. All of a sudden, with Jesus in the picture, life was looking up.
Folks, you have seen Jesus and with Jesus life is looking up. Resurrection confidence, resurrection joy, the certainty of eternal life, eternal joy is yours everyday with your risen Savior. Now, understand that I am not saying you’ll never feel sad or blue, but when life seems overwhelming you certainly know where to turn. Turn to Jesus your risen and living Lord and Savior. Say with the Psalmist; “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
No matter where you are in life, no matter what trials, troubles or sorrows you’re facing, there are some simple truths that no one can ever take away from you. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life in your place, he died on the cross as punishment for your sins, and he rose again from the grave so you to shall someday rise to life eternal according to both body and soul. Christ has washed you in his blood. You have been cleansed of your sin and guilt by the grace of God and clothed in the white robe of Christ’s righteousness.
No matter what troubles, trials, or afflictions this world or Satan himself might try to throw at you, the gift of salvation has been secured for you by the blood of Jesus Christ and sealed to you through faith by the working of God’s Holy Spirit through his Word and Sacraments. You know that Christ is your redeemer and so you can confidently say; 25 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)
In order to truly and completely celebrate the eternal life you have through Christ you must know the Scriptures. Cleopas and his friend were down on life, confused and depressed, not only because of the tragic events they had witnessed over the weekend, but also because they simply didn’t know the Scriptures. Jesus opened their eyes by showing them that this was all part of God’s plan, that Christ would suffer, die and rise again. If they had truly known the Scriptures just think of the grief, they would have been spared.
How often don’t you and I work ourselves into a frenzy about something in life, because we don’t know the Scriptures well enough? Perhaps you don’t know how to deal with a situation you’re facing, you don’t know where to find strength, because you don’t know the Scriptures well enough.
If you don’t know the Scriptures well enough the counsel of God is like a closed book. It’s like going through life without an instruction manual or road map. The bottom line is we all need to know the Scriptures better. So keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Remember, with Jesus life is looking up. Amen.2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER (16) INI LUKE 24:13-35
Our text for today Jesus we see Jesus walking with 2 men on the road to Emmaus. This is one of the most dramatic accounts in the Bible. Not only is this a very interesting story with a delightful twist on the end, but it’s also an excellent study of human character. It shows the difference between overwhelming sorrow and great joy. It shows the difference between a life that is meaningless and empty and a life that has purpose and direction to it. It shows the difference between despair and positive, confident hope.
What is the difference? It’s obvious from our text that the difference is Jesus. Without Jesus every day is filled with sorrows and desperate trials. Without Jesus life has no hope, there is no comfort and ultimately, it has no meaning. On the other hand, life with Jesus is looking up.
Put yourself in the shoes of those men walking along the road to Emmaus. We can only begin to imagine the sense of loss these two men felt. Of course, they weren’t the only one feeling that way. No doubt anyone who thought Jesus was going to be the one to redeem Israel felt the same way.
Just think about that for a second. Suppose you had been one of those 2 men walking with him or one of the many men and women who followed him. Suppose you had listened to the sermons he preached, listened to him teach. Saw the lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, and the dead raised to life. You had joined the crowd in Jerusalem shouting, “Hosanna.” You had hoped and waited and watched for Jesus to make his move that would put him on top, and you’d be right there with him.
But then he was crucified, put to death. You were shocked, horrified as all your hopes went down the drain. You watched from a distance as a few brave men took his lifeless body down from the cross. Jesus was dead and all your hopes and dreams that you had for yourself and Israel, died with him. He had been the object of your faith and now he was dead.
But then on Sunday, the 1st day of the week you hear a rumor that some women claim to have seen a vision of angels. Mary Magdalene even claimed she saw the Lord alive and well. Soon there were many more reports of people seeing him alive.
The men on the road to Emmaus told Jesus; “He (Jesus) was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” You can almost hear the confusion and frustration these two men felt as they tried to make sense out of the events of the past few days.
How did Jesus react to what they said? Well, first of all, he did not say; “Hey guys, come on, it’s not that bad. Hang in there. Things will get better. Keep your chin up.” Instead he said; “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
You know, when you think about it, it’s almost funny; all the stress and anxiety these poor men were inflicting on themselves because they didn’t understand. Their faith was weak and their lack of faith drove them to the point of sadness and confusion. It would almost be funny, if it weren’t for the fact you and I often do the exact same thing.
Think about it! Isn’t it true that you often get to feeling down about things? How often don’t you feel confused or uncertain about the direction your life is going? You’re not always upbeat and happy, are you? There are times you feel down and blue, depressed. You don’t have all the answers, do you? You don’t always know what to say to comfort people, do you? You don’t always say the right things or in the right way at the right time, do you? Do you ever feel like life is an emotional roller coaster? Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down. You get confused. You feel pain and loss. You don’t always deal with those things, well, do you?
There are countless things in this life that will drag you down. That’s what happens when you live in a world ruined by sin. This world is filled with pain, heartache, suffering and sorrow. There are trials and troubles galore. I’m sure each of you has your own list of troubles you face.
Or, on the other hand, perhaps everything is going so well for you that a kind of smugness has taken over. You feel like you’re on top of the world, in control of your life, and so God isn’t all that important right now. I call that the still before the storm.
Jesus knows and understand each and every situation you might be experiencing. Do you know what he’s going to say to you? Well, he is not going to tell you to tough it out, or hang in there. Instead he’s going to wipe away your tears and calm your fears by very gently and lovingly saying to you; “How foolish you are and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”
Folks, life with Jesus is looking up. You too have seen Jesus. He has risen. He lives! What a difference that simple truth made for the disciples on the road to Emmaus. “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. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
All it took was for the veil to be lifted, the veil of ignorance and blindness that not only covered their eyes, but also their hearts. When that veil was removed they saw Jesus. Right away their sorrow, frustration and confusion were gone. Their feelings of hopelessness and lose were also gone.
They had seen Jesus and because of that, life took on a whole new meaning for them. That’s one of the most awesome things about this account of the two disciples; the 180 degree turn in their hearts, emotions and their lives. All of a sudden, with Jesus in the picture, life was looking up.
Folks, you have seen Jesus and with Jesus life is looking up. Resurrection confidence, resurrection joy, the certainty of eternal life, eternal joy is yours everyday with your risen Savior. Now, understand that I am not saying you’ll never feel sad or blue, but when life seems overwhelming you certainly know where to turn. Turn to Jesus your risen and living Lord and Savior. Say with the Psalmist; “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
No matter where you are in life, no matter what trials, troubles or sorrows you’re facing, there are some simple truths that no one can ever take away from you. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life in your place, he died on the cross as punishment for your sins, and he rose again from the grave so you to shall someday rise to life eternal according to both body and soul. Christ has washed you in his blood. You have been cleansed of your sin and guilt by the grace of God and clothed in the white robe of Christ’s righteousness.
No matter what troubles, trials, or afflictions this world or Satan himself might try to throw at you, the gift of salvation has been secured for you by the blood of Jesus Christ and sealed to you through faith by the working of God’s Holy Spirit through his Word and Sacraments. You know that Christ is your redeemer and so you can confidently say; 25 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)
In order to truly and completely celebrate the eternal life you have through Christ you must know the Scriptures. Cleopas and his friend were down on life, confused and depressed, not only because of the tragic events they had witnessed over the weekend, but also because they simply didn’t know the Scriptures. Jesus opened their eyes by showing them that this was all part of God’s plan, that Christ would suffer, die and rise again. If they had truly known the Scriptures just think of the grief, they would have been spared.
How often don’t you and I work ourselves into a frenzy about something in life, because we don’t know the Scriptures well enough? Perhaps you don’t know how to deal with a situation you’re facing, you don’t know where to find strength, because you don’t know the Scriptures well enough.
If you don’t know the Scriptures well enough the counsel of God is like a closed book. It’s like going through life without an instruction manual or road map. The bottom line is we all need to know the Scriptures better. So keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Remember, with Jesus life is looking up. Amen.2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER (16) INI LUKE 24:13-35
Our text for today Jesus we see Jesus walking with 2 men on the road to Emmaus. This is one of the most dramatic accounts in the Bible. Not only is this a very interesting story with a delightful twist on the end, but it’s also an excellent study of human character. It shows the difference between overwhelming sorrow and great joy. It shows the difference between a life that is meaningless and empty and a life that has purpose and direction to it. It shows the difference between despair and positive, confident hope.
What is the difference? It’s obvious from our text that the difference is Jesus. Without Jesus every day is filled with sorrows and desperate trials. Without Jesus life has no hope, there is no comfort and ultimately, it has no meaning. On the other hand, life with Jesus is looking up.
Put yourself in the shoes of those men walking along the road to Emmaus. We can only begin to imagine the sense of loss these two men felt. Of course, they weren’t the only one feeling that way. No doubt anyone who thought Jesus was going to be the one to redeem Israel felt the same way.
Just think about that for a second. Suppose you had been one of those 2 men walking with him or one of the many men and women who followed him. Suppose you had listened to the sermons he preached, listened to him teach. Saw the lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, and the dead raised to life. You had joined the crowd in Jerusalem shouting, “Hosanna.” You had hoped and waited and watched for Jesus to make his move that would put him on top, and you’d be right there with him.
But then he was crucified, put to death. You were shocked, horrified as all your hopes went down the drain. You watched from a distance as a few brave men took his lifeless body down from the cross. Jesus was dead and all your hopes and dreams that you had for yourself and Israel, died with him. He had been the object of your faith and now he was dead.
But then on Sunday, the 1st day of the week you hear a rumor that some women claim to have seen a vision of angels. Mary Magdalene even claimed she saw the Lord alive and well. Soon there were many more reports of people seeing him alive.
The men on the road to Emmaus told Jesus; “He (Jesus) was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” You can almost hear the confusion and frustration these two men felt as they tried to make sense out of the events of the past few days.
How did Jesus react to what they said? Well, first of all, he did not say; “Hey guys, come on, it’s not that bad. Hang in there. Things will get better. Keep your chin up.” Instead he said; “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
You know, when you think about it, it’s almost funny; all the stress and anxiety these poor men were inflicting on themselves because they didn’t understand. Their faith was weak and their lack of faith drove them to the point of sadness and confusion. It would almost be funny, if it weren’t for the fact you and I often do the exact same thing.
Think about it! Isn’t it true that you often get to feeling down about things? How often don’t you feel confused or uncertain about the direction your life is going? You’re not always upbeat and happy, are you? There are times you feel down and blue, depressed. You don’t have all the answers, do you? You don’t always know what to say to comfort people, do you? You don’t always say the right things or in the right way at the right time, do you? Do you ever feel like life is an emotional roller coaster? Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down. You get confused. You feel pain and loss. You don’t always deal with those things, well, do you?
There are countless things in this life that will drag you down. That’s what happens when you live in a world ruined by sin. This world is filled with pain, heartache, suffering and sorrow. There are trials and troubles galore. I’m sure each of you has your own list of troubles you face.
Or, on the other hand, perhaps everything is going so well for you that a kind of smugness has taken over. You feel like you’re on top of the world, in control of your life, and so God isn’t all that important right now. I call that the still before the storm.
Jesus knows and understand each and every situation you might be experiencing. Do you know what he’s going to say to you? Well, he is not going to tell you to tough it out, or hang in there. Instead he’s going to wipe away your tears and calm your fears by very gently and lovingly saying to you; “How foolish you are and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”
Folks, life with Jesus is looking up. You too have seen Jesus. He has risen. He lives! What a difference that simple truth made for the disciples on the road to Emmaus. “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. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
All it took was for the veil to be lifted, the veil of ignorance and blindness that not only covered their eyes, but also their hearts. When that veil was removed they saw Jesus. Right away their sorrow, frustration and confusion were gone. Their feelings of hopelessness and lose were also gone.
They had seen Jesus and because of that, life took on a whole new meaning for them. That’s one of the most awesome things about this account of the two disciples; the 180 degree turn in their hearts, emotions and their lives. All of a sudden, with Jesus in the picture, life was looking up.
Folks, you have seen Jesus and with Jesus life is looking up. Resurrection confidence, resurrection joy, the certainty of eternal life, eternal joy is yours everyday with your risen Savior. Now, understand that I am not saying you’ll never feel sad or blue, but when life seems overwhelming you certainly know where to turn. Turn to Jesus your risen and living Lord and Savior. Say with the Psalmist; “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
No matter where you are in life, no matter what trials, troubles or sorrows you’re facing, there are some simple truths that no one can ever take away from you. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life in your place, he died on the cross as punishment for your sins, and he rose again from the grave so you to shall someday rise to life eternal according to both body and soul. Christ has washed you in his blood. You have been cleansed of your sin and guilt by the grace of God and clothed in the white robe of Christ’s righteousness.
No matter what troubles, trials, or afflictions this world or Satan himself might try to throw at you, the gift of salvation has been secured for you by the blood of Jesus Christ and sealed to you through faith by the working of God’s Holy Spirit through his Word and Sacraments. You know that Christ is your redeemer and so you can confidently say; 25 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)
In order to truly and completely celebrate the eternal life you have through Christ you must know the Scriptures. Cleopas and his friend were down on life, confused and depressed, not only because of the tragic events they had witnessed over the weekend, but also because they simply didn’t know the Scriptures. Jesus opened their eyes by showing them that this was all part of God’s plan, that Christ would suffer, die and rise again. If they had truly known the Scriptures just think of the grief, they would have been spared.
How often don’t you and I work ourselves into a frenzy about something in life, because we don’t know the Scriptures well enough? Perhaps you don’t know how to deal with a situation you’re facing, you don’t know where to find strength, because you don’t know the Scriptures well enough.
If you don’t know the Scriptures well enough the counsel of God is like a closed book. It’s like going through life without an instruction manual or road map. The bottom line is we all need to know the Scriptures better. So keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Remember, with Jesus life is looking up. Amen.2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER (16) INI LUKE 24:13-35
Our text for today Jesus we see Jesus walking with 2 men on the road to Emmaus. This is one of the most dramatic accounts in the Bible. Not only is this a very interesting story with a delightful twist on the end, but it’s also an excellent study of human character. It shows the difference between overwhelming sorrow and great joy. It shows the difference between a life that is meaningless and empty and a life that has purpose and direction to it. It shows the difference between despair and positive, confident hope.
What is the difference? It’s obvious from our text that the difference is Jesus. Without Jesus every day is filled with sorrows and desperate trials. Without Jesus life has no hope, there is no comfort and ultimately, it has no meaning. On the other hand, life with Jesus is looking up.
Put yourself in the shoes of those men walking along the road to Emmaus. We can only begin to imagine the sense of loss these two men felt. Of course, they weren’t the only one feeling that way. No doubt anyone who thought Jesus was going to be the one to redeem Israel felt the same way.
Just think about that for a second. Suppose you had been one of those 2 men walking with him or one of the many men and women who followed him. Suppose you had listened to the sermons he preached, listened to him teach. Saw the lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, and the dead raised to life. You had joined the crowd in Jerusalem shouting, “Hosanna.” You had hoped and waited and watched for Jesus to make his move that would put him on top, and you’d be right there with him.
But then he was crucified, put to death. You were shocked, horrified as all your hopes went down the drain. You watched from a distance as a few brave men took his lifeless body down from the cross. Jesus was dead and all your hopes and dreams that you had for yourself and Israel, died with him. He had been the object of your faith and now he was dead.
But then on Sunday, the 1st day of the week you hear a rumor that some women claim to have seen a vision of angels. Mary Magdalene even claimed she saw the Lord alive and well. Soon there were many more reports of people seeing him alive.
The men on the road to Emmaus told Jesus; “He (Jesus) was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” You can almost hear the confusion and frustration these two men felt as they tried to make sense out of the events of the past few days.
How did Jesus react to what they said? Well, first of all, he did not say; “Hey guys, come on, it’s not that bad. Hang in there. Things will get better. Keep your chin up.” Instead he said; “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
You know, when you think about it, it’s almost funny; all the stress and anxiety these poor men were inflicting on themselves because they didn’t understand. Their faith was weak and their lack of faith drove them to the point of sadness and confusion. It would almost be funny, if it weren’t for the fact you and I often do the exact same thing.
Think about it! Isn’t it true that you often get to feeling down about things? How often don’t you feel confused or uncertain about the direction your life is going? You’re not always upbeat and happy, are you? There are times you feel down and blue, depressed. You don’t have all the answers, do you? You don’t always know what to say to comfort people, do you? You don’t always say the right things or in the right way at the right time, do you? Do you ever feel like life is an emotional roller coaster? Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down. You get confused. You feel pain and loss. You don’t always deal with those things, well, do you?
There are countless things in this life that will drag you down. That’s what happens when you live in a world ruined by sin. This world is filled with pain, heartache, suffering and sorrow. There are trials and troubles galore. I’m sure each of you has your own list of troubles you face.
Or, on the other hand, perhaps everything is going so well for you that a kind of smugness has taken over. You feel like you’re on top of the world, in control of your life, and so God isn’t all that important right now. I call that the still before the storm.
Jesus knows and understand each and every situation you might be experiencing. Do you know what he’s going to say to you? Well, he is not going to tell you to tough it out, or hang in there. Instead he’s going to wipe away your tears and calm your fears by very gently and lovingly saying to you; “How foolish you are and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”
Folks, life with Jesus is looking up. You too have seen Jesus. He has risen. He lives! What a difference that simple truth made for the disciples on the road to Emmaus. “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. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
All it took was for the veil to be lifted, the veil of ignorance and blindness that not only covered their eyes, but also their hearts. When that veil was removed they saw Jesus. Right away their sorrow, frustration and confusion were gone. Their feelings of hopelessness and lose were also gone.
They had seen Jesus and because of that, life took on a whole new meaning for them. That’s one of the most awesome things about this account of the two disciples; the 180 degree turn in their hearts, emotions and their lives. All of a sudden, with Jesus in the picture, life was looking up.
Folks, you have seen Jesus and with Jesus life is looking up. Resurrection confidence, resurrection joy, the certainty of eternal life, eternal joy is yours everyday with your risen Savior. Now, understand that I am not saying you’ll never feel sad or blue, but when life seems overwhelming you certainly know where to turn. Turn to Jesus your risen and living Lord and Savior. Say with the Psalmist; “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
No matter where you are in life, no matter what trials, troubles or sorrows you’re facing, there are some simple truths that no one can ever take away from you. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life in your place, he died on the cross as punishment for your sins, and he rose again from the grave so you to shall someday rise to life eternal according to both body and soul. Christ has washed you in his blood. You have been cleansed of your sin and guilt by the grace of God and clothed in the white robe of Christ’s righteousness.
No matter what troubles, trials, or afflictions this world or Satan himself might try to throw at you, the gift of salvation has been secured for you by the blood of Jesus Christ and sealed to you through faith by the working of God’s Holy Spirit through his Word and Sacraments. You know that Christ is your redeemer and so you can confidently say; 25 “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)
In order to truly and completely celebrate the eternal life you have through Christ you must know the Scriptures. Cleopas and his friend were down on life, confused and depressed, not only because of the tragic events they had witnessed over the weekend, but also because they simply didn’t know the Scriptures. Jesus opened their eyes by showing them that this was all part of God’s plan, that Christ would suffer, die and rise again. If they had truly known the Scriptures just think of the grief, they would have been spared.
How often don’t you and I work ourselves into a frenzy about something in life, because we don’t know the Scriptures well enough? Perhaps you don’t know how to deal with a situation you’re facing, you don’t know where to find strength, because you don’t know the Scriptures well enough.
If you don’t know the Scriptures well enough the counsel of God is like a closed book. It’s like going through life without an instruction manual or road map. The bottom line is we all need to know the Scriptures better. So keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Remember, with Jesus life is looking up. Amen.SERMONS.
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