Scripture References: Luke 24:13-35; John 6:35; Revelation 2:4-5
Intro: Welcome. Speaker Travis introduces a new series, "Encounters," exploring Jesus' appearances after His resurrection. These encounters confirmed His victory over death and launched the global Gospel movement. A common theme: Jesus shows up differently than expected, often meeting disappointment with grace (Peter, Thomas). Today focuses on the encounter on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24).
Key Points:
- Post-Resurrection Reality: Jesus appeared to over 500 people over 40 days, proving He was alive. These encounters transformed fearful disciples into bold witnesses.
- Jesus' Surprising Grace: He meets failure not with condemnation but with restoration (Peter's breakfast) and intimate reassurance (Thomas touching wounds). He sees past our perception of ourselves to who we truly are in His grace (Brennan Manning quote).
- The Emmaus Story (Luke 24:13-35):
- Context: Easter Sunday. Two disciples walking away from Jerusalem (center of God's activity) toward Emmaus (obscurity), sad and confused because their hopes about Jesus were seemingly crushed by the crucifixion.
- Jesus Joins (Unrecognized): He walks alongside, asking about their conversation. They recount recent events, expressing their dashed hope ("We had hoped he was the one to redeem Israel").
- Scriptural Explanation (Head): Jesus calls them "foolish" (lacking understanding) and "slow of heart to believe" all the Scriptures concerning the Messiah's necessary suffering and glory. He then gives an exhaustive Old Testament Bible study, explaining how it all pointed to Him. Yet, they still don't recognize Him.
- Relational Revelation (Heart): They urge Him to stay. At the evening meal, as He takes, blesses, breaks, and gives bread, their eyes are opened, they recognize Him, and He vanishes.
- Burning Hearts: They realize their hearts burned while He explained the Scriptures, but recognition came through the intimate act of breaking bread together.
- Head and Heart: Jesus desires both our intellectual understanding (opening the Scriptures) and our heartfelt, intimate connection with Him (breaking bread). Knowledge alone isn't enough; relational encounter brings full recognition.
- Application: Where Are You on the Road?
- Never Met Jesus? He wants to interrupt your story, reveal Himself, forgive you, and give you true, abundant life.
- Walked Away? (Hurt/Disappointed): Jesus pursues you even on your road away from Him. He listens, walks with you, and wants to restore your hope by revealing Himself anew.
- Walking, But Heart Grown Cold? Lost the "first love" fire (Rev 2:4-5)? Settled for routine or sentiment? Jesus calls you to remember, repent, and return to the "first works" – the practices that stoked your heart's passion for Him.
Conclusion: The Emmaus Road encounter reveals Jesus pursuing His discouraged followers, patiently teaching their minds through Scripture and igniting their hearts through intimate fellowship. He turns disillusioned wanderers back toward community and mission. He wants our whole selves – head and heart – fully alive and burning for Him.
Call to Action: Where are you on the road today? Invite Jesus to walk with you. Ask Him to open both the Scriptures and your eyes to recognize Him. If your heart has grown cold, remember what first made it burn for Him and "do it again." Come to the Communion table expectantly, seeking not just ritual, but a fresh, heart-burning encounter
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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