Monday 22 May 2017

Sunday sermon: The road to Emmaus

Reading:Luke 24:13-35
Sermon by David Williams 

The story of the appearance of Jesus to the two on the way to Emmaus strikes me as a clear indication of the truth of the resurrection - there is just no reason to invent such a story. More than that it is a revelation to ordinary people; God is no respecter of persons (1 Cor 1:26).  Not only does he reveal to ordinary people but he also witnesses through the lowly.  What however does matter is that they were disciples, wanting to learn of Jesus.

The two had been stimulated by events of the previous days, but Jesus also opened the scriptures.  Do we take the trouble to read them? This is essential for us as well if Jesus used them. However, as now, they needed interpreting.  Significantly, as Jesus was explaining, their hearts burned - was this the Spirit? We will never understand without him!

Their perception of Jesus was of a prophet and doer of good (Lk 24:19), so they needed more.  Jesus rather said that he had to suffer.  This only really makes sense if he is the son of God, dying for us to atone for sins.  When they got to Emmaus they invited him in, wanting to continue.  Incidentally, this shows the value of hospitality (Heb 13:2).  More seriously, have we invited Jesus into our lives?

Then came the experience of Jesus when they saw who he actually was.  Their eyes were opened; God has to act if people are to understand - the best we can do is to PRAY!  Jesus was recognised in breaking of bread, a familiar act - may we perceive him as we come to the table.  He then vanished from their sight, as he did in other experiences.  He is usually hidden from us.

Not surprisingly after such an experience, they wanted to share it and rushed back to tell others.  They could not keep it to themselves.  What they wanted to do was to tell the central Christian truth


HE IS ALIVE!