Sermon by Owen Rogers on Luke 24:13-41.
Which, out of the following three, do you prefer?
• Going for a walk
• Having a good discussion about something interesting
• Enjoying a meal with friends
Why have you made the choice you have? Although there may be different reasons for choosing one over another, each of these activities are sometimes really good ways of finding out things. When we go for a walk we find out about where we are going, or, often, about the people we are walking with, or meet along the way. When we have a really good discussion about something, we learn what other people think, and also reflect on our own opinions. When we share a meal with friends we find out about what’s new or significant in their lives.
The disciples waking to Emmaus were not numbered among the twelve but they were there with the others when reports began to come in that Jesus had risen from death. The unlikelihood of the dead rising is probably why they seemed unsure about this.
What emotions may they have been feeling as they walked along together? What emotions at the point where the stranger joined them and talked with them – when they were unaware it was Jesus?
The three main parts of the story are:
Two people were walking along when a stranger came and walked alongside them (Luke 24:15).
The stranger listened to them and answered their questions (verses 17,27).
The stranger accepted their invitation to stay for a meal (verse 29). (Show the bread.)
When the stranger broke the bread, the two friends recognised that it was Jesus who had been walking with them. What would their emotions have been at this point? What did they say? (verse 32): ‘Were not our hearts burning within us…?’
The story helps us to understand certain things about how Jesus wants us to think about him now. We should know that:
He walks at our speed. Jesus does not race ahead expecting us to be clever, or to understand, or to know all the answers. He walks by our side.
He answers our questions. He wants us to think about the things that puzzle us, and talk to each other about them. Sometimes, when we do that, it will be just as if he is speaking to us. Some of us had just such a conversation at the opportunity shop yesterday.
He accepts our hospitality. He wants us to know that he loves to be invited in – to our lives, our journeys, our hopes and fears. He does not force his way in, but waits to be invited.
Take a moment to think how you would choose to finish this sentence: ‘I would like Jesus to walk with me when…’
Now this sentence: ‘I would ask Jesus about…’
Finally, do the same with: ‘I’d like to invite Jesus to…’
Whether or not we realise it, Jesus walks with us on our journeys through life. He knows what we are thinking about. He waits for us to open the door of our lives to him. Are there times when we do not recognise him? At these times we need to remember to keep looking, asking and seeking – and our eyes will be opened!
Conclusion
So, welcome Jesus as he walks with you, ask him your questions as you invite him into your life. And then we can represent Jesus to others as we walk alongside them, listening, sharing and helping them to see the life and hope that can be found in knowing the risen Christ. And helping them invite Jesus into their lives also.