Refresh
A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon

Preaching Text: Luke 24:13-35

On the Road to Emmaus, we find two disciples arguably going in the wrong direction while unaware of the presence of Christ in their midst.  Inspired by Jesus, they run back in darkness the seven miles they had earlier traveled to tell the other disciples.

Their condition, which I’m calling “Cleopas-itis,” is all too common even today.  It is marked by a lack of hope, a reluctance to receive the testimony of believing friends, and a slowness of heart to trust the Scriptures.  Thankfully, the word of God is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12) and those who center their lives on it learn that:

There is Life in the Word, because the Word is Alive.

The Church has taught for centuries that the Bible “contains all things necessary for life and salvation.”  We don’t need to see Jesus to trust him, because we have his Word.

1. The Trustworthiness of Scripture.  This is not a made up story.  The reason Luke gives us the name of one of the companions is so a first century skeptic could ask Cleopas to verify the account.  And who would make up a story that makes the disciples look so obtuse if it wasn’t true?

2. The Transformation of Scripture.  Faith comes from hearing the Word (Romans 10:17).  Jesus explains how Moses and the prophets all point to him.  As he conducts this Bible study, their hearts start burning.  The Bible changes us and leads us to faith.

3. The Telling of Scripture.  “Their eyes were opened in the breaking of bread” (v. 35).  Holy Communion is an experiential way of telling the Gospel.  Participation at the Lord’s Table shapes us by the truth of Scripture.

Taking it Home: Share and discuss each person’s favorite account of Jesus in the four Gospels.