Series: Things Jesus Wants Us To Know
INTRO: As we end the series this morning, I want you to know I am excited, happy, glad, or whatever else fits. What a wealth of knowledge He has for us in this book. Today, we find ourselves at chapter 24. The chapter starts out with the resurrection of the Lord, the empty tomb, the two proclaiming angels, and the Lord appearing unto two on their way to Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They at first did not recognize the Lord, and just after He made himself known to them is where we begin to read today.
Luke 24:33 - 53
33
And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,34
Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.35
And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.36
And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.37
But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.38
And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?39
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.40
And when he had thus spoken, he showed them his hands and his feet.41
And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?42
And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.43
And he took it, and did eat before them.44
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.45
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,46
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:47
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.48
And ye are witnesses of these things.49
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.50
And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.51
And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.52
And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:53
And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.When we look at the Lord's disciples, we find a group of confused and disheartened men. They have been through a traumatic time. Yet there is hope and help on the way. There is also some final instruction given by the Lord Himself to them just before He ascends into heaven.
When we look at the reaction of the two travelers, we see they…
Stepped forward and continued to serve Him well
Sought out other believers to be with - 33
Strength gained when we stand together
Standard set when we hold one another up
Sincerity with hope is spread when we lift up our voices together
Spread the good news of His resurrection - 34
Claimed the hope of the resurrection
Convinced of His resurrection personally
Condensed their knowledge into ten straightforward words
Shared the testimony of their own personal experience - 35
We do not have to depend on others' experience with the Lord
We can know His resurrection power personally
It is a story well worth sharing
I want to share a little of how the Lord changed my life…
When we look at the Lord we find He…
Set the obedient example for us to view - 44
In voice (words) - 44
We have His Word for our help and guidance today
In presence (still with you) -
His Holy Spirit is present today
In actions -
He did His "job"
In accomplishments -
He did His job perfectly
In teaching - 45
He has left an understandable record for our knowledge
In sacrifice - 46
He held nothing back, not even His life or His sacrifice for our forgiveness
In commands - 47
He has given us a directive
In promises and blessings - 49a
He has promised to always go with us
In patience (tarry) - 49b
He directed them to show patience and wait for His power in Jerusalem
In power - 49c
God's power will come from above
Exactly what have we gained today? Let us read from a parallel scripture, Matthew 28:18-20
Matthew 28:18 - 20 18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.We have learned…
He has the power
He gives us the power
We should use the power
He will guide and protect with His power
We have a job to do
Spread the gospel (Good News about HIM)
Welcome believers
Disciple believers (about all of His teachings)
We should also understand…
He expects all of us to do this
Start close to home
He expects us to help others do this
Missionaries
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 090907am