## A Walk with Jesus

## Luke 24:13-35

Although we have seen some very dark days in recent times, the darkest day in history was when Jesus Christ was crucified on Calvary. He was falsely accused and eventually executed in the cruelest fashion known to mankind at that time. He hung upon the cross from nine in the morning until three in the afternoon, while His heart broke for you and for me. Even the sun refused to shine! It was truly the darkest day in history!

Nicodemus and Joseph came to take down the body of Christ from the cross and prepare him for burial. They placed Him in a borrowed tomb. Later a Roman seal was placed on the entrance to the tomb and Roman soldiers were set to guard the place where Jesus lay. Jesus was dead; it was all over. He could save others, but He could not save Himself. He performed mighty miracles for others, but now He lay buried in the tomb!

To His disciples, and to others it appeared to be the end of everything to do with Jesus. But death could not hold Him! A tomb of stone could not imprison the Son of God! Three days had passed when two women came and found the stone had been rolled away, and the tomb was empty! They find two angels with the message that "…He is not here, but is risen…" What a message! He lives! We do not worship a dead God! Jesus is alive forevermore!

What is the resurrected Christ like? Does He still have compassion? Does He still care about us? Is He still concerned with our needs? This morning let's listen in as Jesus walks with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Read Luke 24:13-16

I. He Walks with Men.

A. It was Jesus who drew near.

1. He came to them as they traveled on the road home.

2. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost.

3. God is seeking our fellowship and communion.

4. Jesus told the woman at the well "true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him." cf Jn. 4:2 3

B. It is still Jesus who draws near.

1. Often we think that we are the ones who make contact with Christ.

2. We use terms like "I found Christ" but in reality it Christ who found us'

3. The resurrected Christ still draws near us.

4. He is still concerned about us.

II. He Cares about Our Problems

A. Note His question: "What manner of communications, are these ... ?" v17

1. The disciples were depressed and sad because of what had just taken place.

2. Jesus knew what was wrong, but He wanted them to tell Him.

3. Songwriters have penned the words,

a. "I must tell Jesus all of my trials, I cannot bear these burdens alone; In my distress He kindly will help me; He ever loves and cares for His own."

b. "Are you weary are you heavy hearted? Tell it to Jesus; Tell it to Jesus; He is a friend that's well known."

c. The Risen Christ still cares about our problems and our concerns.

B. Note the Problem: v18-20

1. They think that Jesus is dead.

2. Even though Jesus had told them what was going to happen, they never understood it!

3. He clearly explained the events that were going to take place in Jerusalem.

"Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken." Lu 18:31-34

4. All of their hopes and dreams died when they saw the Savior die on Calvary.

5. They had heard the report of the women who had passed along the angels' message that He was alive, but they didn't believe!

C. The problem wasn't that Jesus had died, but it was that His disciples didn't believe that He was alive! note: v21-24

1. We are guilty of unbelief, as well.

2. This wasn't a bunch of unsaved men who were doubting the power of God to resurrect Jesus Christ ... this was His disciples!

3. Perhaps the witness of Christians in this unbelieving world would be more effective if we didn't go around acting like God is dead!

a. This was a day of rejoicing, and they were retreating!

b. This was a day of triumph, but they were trembling!

c. A day for singing and shouting, but they were sad!

D. Jesus refused to allow them to continue in their sadness. v25-27

1. Jesus is not only concerned about our cares and troubles…

2. He will do something about them!

3. He taught them the Scriptures.

III. He Sets Our Hearts on Fire.

A. These men needed their hearts rekindled.

1. Once they had expected great things from Christ, but now they just said nice things about Him.

2. Once they had expected Him to perform great miracles, but now they doubted His resurrection.

3. Once they were thrilled with the power and presence of Christ, but now they were chilled by their own unbelief.

B. Note what Jesus did. v27-31

1. He took them to the Word and taught them.

2. He opened their eyes that they might know Him.

3. Paul prayed that He might know Christ and the power of His resurrection.

4. When Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them... I believe they saw the wounds in His hands.

C. With their hearts on fire, they were changed men! v32-35

1. It changed their direction ... they hurried back to Jerusalem.

2. It changed their message ... no longer did they moan about His death ... they proclaimed that He was alive!

3. It changed their attitude completely!

Jesus Christ is alive! Do you know Him as your Savior? Have you placed your trust in Him? Jesus shed His blood as atonement for your sin. Won't you come today and receive Him as Lord and Savior? Christian, is your heart on fire for God? Have you allowed your unbelief to quench that fire? Realize this morning, that this Book proclaims that we serve a living Savior and nothing shall separate us from His love! Don't allow circumstances or disappointments to cause you to fret and worry as if God were dead! Get back into the Bible! Turn around! Go tell someone that Jesus is alive!