The Turning Point for Two (The Road to Emmaus)
Series: #157 in "The Life of Christ – in a Harmony of The Gospels"
(The risen Lord appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. He brings transforming truth that clears away their misunderstandings, and emboldens them with the truth from Scripture and the reality of His resurrection!)
The two words; turning point represent a powerful and dramatic change… The change can be positive, or negative, but what we are considering today in the use of these terms, is that turning points can, and should be positive…
These words have been used to call people to make a change in their lives! Turning point implies various other concepts as well: It includes the idea of awakening – the realization that one is not where they need to be, and the new awareness that there is something better…
Turning point implies that persuasion has occurred – one is now convinced that they need to turn from a position they have been holding, and turn to a new position they are now persuaded is right… Turning point implies the call to, if not the experience of … repentance – the purposeful decision to change!... Turning point may even include the concept of relief – the idea that what one is turning to, is much better than what one is turning from! And maybe too obvious, but also necessary to acknowledge, is that turning point speaks to a … moment in time when these things occur…
We have all experienced turning points in our lives… They were breakthroughs in our understanding of something – we had turning points in our intellect, our spiritual awareness, and even our emotions…
Last week we camped out in Mark 16, and studied his report on the resurrection of Jesus! It seemed liked like Easter in October!... The reality is, every Sunday is a day to celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord!
We have the benefit of hindsight! We know Jesus has risen!... At this point in our study, He has already revealed Himself to Mary Magdaline…
We learned from last's week's text, that Jesus –
Mark 16:12
After that, He appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking along on their way to the country.
Now, depending on who is counting, there is anywhere from 10 to 13 specific times that Jesus made a personal, or public appearance between the time of His resurrection and His final ascension to heaven!
The Apostle Paul gives a brief summation of His appearances in –
1 Corinthians 15:5-8
5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; 7 then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; 8 and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.
I have a lot of respect for the intellectual prowess of John MacArthur, and he counted 10 specific appearances… For times' sake I won't read them, but you have his list in your notes:
John MacArthur – "Scripture describes at least 10 distinct appearances of Christ between the resurrection and ascension. He appeared to: 1) Mary Magdalene at the tomb (Mark 16:9; John 20:11–18); 2) to the women on the road (Matt. 28:9–10); 3) to the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–32); 4) to Peter (Luke 24:34); 5) to 10 of the 11 disciples, Thomas being absent (Luke 24:36–43; Mark 16:14; John 20:19–25); 6) to the 11 disciples (with Thomas present) eight days later (John 20:26–31); 7) to seven disciples by the shore of the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1–25); 8) to more than 500 disciples, probably on a mountain in Galilee (1 Cor. 15:6; see note on Matt. 28:16); 9) to James (1 Cor. 15:7); and 10) to the apostles when he ascended into heaven (Acts 1:3–11). After his ascension, he appeared to Paul (1 Cor. 15:8). The next time he appears it will be in glory (Matt. 24:30)."
Let's turn to Luke's report to read more detail about Jesus' appearance to the two who were walking along the road toward Emmaus… It is found in Luke 24, let's turn there –
Luke 24:13-35
13 And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. 16 But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. 17 And He said to them, "What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?" And they stood still, looking sad. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, "Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?" 19 And He said to them, "What things?" And they said to Him, "The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the sentence of death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. 22 But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see." 25 And He said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?" 27 Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. 28 And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as though He were going farther. 29 But they urged Him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day is now nearly over." So He went in to stay with them. 30 When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. 32 They said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?" 33 And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, 34 saying, "The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon." 35 They began to relate their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.
Pastor: "This is the Word of the Lord"
Congregation: "Thanks be to God"
As we think through what is revealed in this text, we simply need to focus on the … movements within the narrative…
Let's begin with, what we will call –
1. Misguided Expectations
Luke 24:13
And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem.
These two are returning to Emmaus, after Passover… They have been in town, and witnessed the events that are dominating conversations throughout the city over the past few days!... Let's think about –
The identity of the travelers
Luke 24:13a
And behold, two of them…
Two of whom?... The context makes this clear. Let's go back a few verses and pick up with verse :10 –
Luke 24:10-12
10 Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles. 11 But these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at what had happened.
The "them" of verse :13, are disciples! Two disciples of Jesus, not of the eleven, but two of the many disciples whom Jesus called to follow Him!
We learn from verse :18, that –
Luke 24:18a
One of them, named Cleopas…
The other remains unnamed… This is the only place we are told anything about these two specific disciples – but oh, what a story they have to tell!'
Next, let's think about –
The conversation among the travelers
We are simply told that –
Luke 24:14
And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place.
We can conclude that they were talking about … their disappointments… As we will see from their conversation that is about to occur, that they had expectations for Jesus, that wasn't turning out the way they expected!
For just a moment, jump down to the first part of verse :21 –
Luke 24:21a
But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel.
These disciples were focused on a part of God's agenda that was not meeting up with their expectation in timing!... God in fact has a plan to "redeem Israel", but as we will see, God's timing does not always coincide with our desires!
Surely these disciples were discussing these things as they walked along, heading back to Emmaus… (Incidentally, there is some question as to the exact location of Emmaus. All we are told is that it is seven miles from Jerusalem. I have read some to say it was north of Jerusalem, and yet there are maps that speculate that it is south…)
Luke doesn't linger here at this point in his report… He quickly begins to tell of the greater significance – and we're going to call it –
The visitation with the travelers
Here is where we get to the meat of our text… Jesus shows up, and there is a lengthy dialogue with these disciples… Let's read about it –
Luke 24:15-16
15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. 16 But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him.
Stop there for a moment… Mark said that Jesus –
Mark 16:12
After that, He appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking along on their way to the country.
This is certainly the resurrected, glorified body of Jesus that is … recognizable as Jesus! As we see from His many appearances, this is not an illusion! Jesus is not a ghost! The "different form" is simply a description that His resurrected, glorified body is not exactly the same as His mortal body! As we will see, Jesus is now able to … simply appear, or disappear! He can travel "instantly" from one place to another! He can simply walk through walls – just like He walked out of the tomb before the stone was rolled away!
Our text, in verse :16 simply says –
Luke 24:16
But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him.
Jesus is there – but God sovereignly keeps them from recognizing Him … just yet!
Let's continue –
Luke 24:17-24
17 And He said to them, "What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?" [now notice the impact of Jesus' question] And they stood still, looking sad. [listen, they were "looking sad", because they were sad!] 18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, "Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?" [Cleopas thought he was talking to a fellow pilgrim who came to Jerusalem for Passover – and couldn't believe that his new "acquaintance" was not aware of all that had been going on!... Jesus advances the conversation…] 19 And He said to them, "What things?" And they said to Him, "The things about Jesus the Nazarene, [now notice that they both were answering Jesus, and testifying to what they know to be true of Jesus – that He] who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, [that is the truth about Jesus that offended those who worked to get Jesus crucified!... Let's read further what they say about Jesus…] 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the sentence of death, and crucified Him. [Again, what comes next, is their tell of what their expectations were for Jesus!] 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. [most commentators I read simply believe that they were mentioning the "three days" as simply stating how long it has been – rather than they having understood that Jesus had prophesied His resurrection in three days… In either case – that time has passed, and they mention this fact in a sense of … disappointment… They go on to tell of the women's report … ] 22 But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see." [Who were the "some" who went to the tomb to investigate?... It was Peter and John!]
Now, what comes next is … significant!... It is a major turning point in the conversation, so let's look at it that way… We'll call it –
2. Clarifying Revelation
Luke 24:25-27
25 And He said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?" 27 Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.
There are volumes in these three verses! In fact, there is a lot being "revealed" in this section… The first is –
The foolishness of unbelief
Luke 24:25a
And He said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe…
This is a stinging rebuke!... Jesus uses strong language here in addresses the "foolishness" of these men! What is the foolishness? – their "slowness to believe"...
This is similar to what Jesus said to the first disciples on many occasions, when He exposed them as being men of "little faith" (Matthew 6:30, 8:26, 14:31, 16:8, Luke 12:28, 16:10, et.al.)...
You might think that Jesus was being a bit harsh here, but why were they being foolish?... They were slow to believe the report given by the angles. They didn't believe the Apostles who witnessed the empty tomb – or the women who had spoken with the risen Lord!... They were slow to believe, despite the evidence already given!... And notice something more – Jesus is pointing out that their unbelief is more of a heart problem than a head problem!... They were "slow of heart to believe"!
But notice, Jesus also address –
The reason for unbelief
What's the reason Jesus is addressing?... Look closely at the rest of verse :25 –
Luke 24:25
25 And He said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!
Listen – our failure to believe God's Word will lead to … all kinds of foolishness!
Jesus challenges these men, whom Jesus knew, that their lack of belief in His reason for coming now – was due to their lack of … studying and believing God's Word! …
Now, what is important to note is that Jesus doesn't simply point out their problem!... He gives them their solution!... And that is –
The solution to unbelief
The solution is … truth! Jesus begins to speak to the truth about Himself / The Messiah – truth they should have known from the OT Scriptures – so Jesus … shows them!
Luke 24:26-27
26 Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?" 27 Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.
When I speak of this section as being "Clarifying Revelation" – I'm not saying that Jesus gave them new revelation! He simply turned to the revelation that God had already given – the entire Old Testament – and spoke with clarity of the things about The Messiah that they had missed!
Would you not have loved to have been there for this Bible Conference?!... I can only imagine all the places Jesus took them in the Scriptures while they continued their journey down the road! Jesus had 39 books to discuss with them!
I love how Warren Wiersbe addressed this point –
Warren Wiersbe – "Imagine the greatest Teacher explaining the greatest themes from the greatest Book and bringing the greatest blessings to men's lives: eyes open to see Him, hearts open to receive the Word, and lips open to tell others what Jesus said to them! Perhaps Jesus started at Genesis 3:15, the first promise of the Redeemer, and traced that promise through the Scriptures. He may have lingered at Genesis 22, which tells of Abraham placing his only beloved son on the altar. Surely He touched on Passover, the Levitical sacrifices, the tabernacle ceremonies, the day of Atonement, the serpent in the wilderness, the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53, and the prophetic messages of Psalms 22 and 69. The key to understanding the Bible is to see Jesus Christ on every page. He did not teach them only doctrine or prophecy; He taught 'the things concerning himself' (Luke 24:27)."
… Surely, Jesus must have lingered at Isaiah 53, and explained how –
Isaiah 53:3-5
3 He was despised and forsaken of men,
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
And like one from whom men hide their face
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.
Or, perhaps Jesus lingered at –
Isaiah 50:5-7
5 The Lord GOD has opened My ear;
And I was not disobedient
Nor did I turn back.
6 I gave My back to those who strike Me,
And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard;
I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting.
7 For the Lord GOD helps Me,
Therefore, I am not disgraced;
Therefore, I have set My face like flint,
And I know that I will not be ashamed.
Or, maybe it was –
Zechariah 12:10
"I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn.
What comes next, can be summarized as –
3. Transforming Persuasion
These men have had their minds filled with truth – the truth revealed in God's Word about Christ. What they are about to experience is the transformation of heart that comes … by the gracious work of God within their hearts!... Let's read it again, and notice that this all starts with –
Intimate fellowship
Luke 24:28-30
28 And they approached the village where they were going, [they've finally arrived at Emmaus] and He [that is, Jesus] acted as though He were going farther. [stop there… We are not told why He does this… perhaps it is too obvious… It is now time for these men to make the next move!... Would they simply allow Jesus to go on?... What disciple of Jesus does not long for … lingering fellowship with the Lord?!... No, these guys were being the perfect hosts at this point…] 29 But they urged Him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day is now nearly over." So He went in to stay with them. 30 When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. [I find this interesting – that Jesus is the One Who took the bread and broke it!... This is simply the act of the host – He assumes the leadership in the fellowship!... He took the bread, "blessed it" – that is, He prayed to the Father over it – and then He gives it to the disciples!... This is not the Lord's Supper, it is simply the Lord's blessing in fellowship!... Listen to what comes next –
Immediate enlightenment
This is their turning point!
Luke 24:31-32
31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. [There seems to be no lapse in time between their recognizing Jesus, and His vanishing from their sight… this is rather mysterious, but purposeful… What do we mean? – the answer is seen in their response –] 32 They said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?"
The point is – now listen carefully … The Lord makes the point that the sweetness of the fellowship with Him, is not dependant on physical presence – but is found … when we meet Him in His Word! And these guys get it!... Their immediate response was not; "where did He go?" – but; "were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?"
The "enlightenment" they experienced was not merely the reality that they have been feeding their bellies with the risen Lord around a table – but that they had their faith fed by the Lord with His living Word!...
There is one more "immediate" that takes place here… It is their –
Immediate determination
Let's read it, beginning with verse :33 –
Luke 24:33-35
33 And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, [it doesn't take them long to make that 7 mile journey for the second time that Sunday!...] and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, [these two disciples were determined to find the eleven disciples – and they did, along with others… And notice something else very carefully – they don't get to speak to the eleven first! It is the eleven who speak up –] 34 saying, "The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon." [that is an important distinction in the narrative to understand!... How could the two disciples from Emmaus know that Jesus appeared to Peter? They didn't, until they were told by that group upon their arrival back to Jerusalem!... It is after hearing that report, that these two disciples give their report – ] 35 They began to relate their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.
Now, this message has been about the turning point for two – the two disciples who were given the special encounter with the Lord on the road, and in their home… but, we are also being told that the turning point has already been occurring for so many more!
Next time, we will lean into the turning point that needs to take place for one – that is Thomas.
Questions to Consider in Community Group:
- Can you describe what the conversation may have been like between the two disciples before Jesus showed up?
- Why, do you suppose, the eyes of these disciples were "prevented" from recognizing Jesus? What might this say about the significance of Scripture as compared to experience – if any?
- Why do you suppose, that Jesus called these two disciples "fools" and "slow to believe"? What is the solution to unbelief anyway?
- What was significant about "breaking bread" in that culture, and what does it say about Jesus' relationship with His disciples, even after His resurrection?
- What does the phrase mean; "did not our hearts burn within us"? How else can you describe the emotion that happens when the Lord makes the Word of God clear to you?
- What are your thoughts about about the Wiersbe quote?
Warren Wiersbe – "Imagine the greatest Teacher explaining the greatest themes from the greatest Book and bringing the greatest blessings to men's lives: eyes open to see Him, hearts open to receive the Word, and lips open to tell others what Jesus said to them! Perhaps Jesus started at Genesis 3:15, the first promise of the Redeemer, and traced that promise through the Scriptures. He may have lingered at Genesis 22, which tells of Abraham placing his only beloved son on the altar. Surely He touched on Passover, the Levitical sacrifices, the tabernacle ceremonies, the day of Atonement, the serpent in the wilderness, the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53, and the prophetic messages of Psalms 22 and 69. The key to understanding the Bible is to see Jesus Christ on every page. He did not teach them only doctrine or prophecy; He taught 'the things concerning himself' (Luke 24:27)."
