Encounter with the Risen Lord
Series: "It is I"
Speaker: James Barnett
Date: 19th April 2020
00:00:00 --> 00:00:13 I had hoped, I had hoped that during this period of isolation and social distancing to have read more books, to have learnt a language, to have gotten a little fitter.
00:00:14 --> 00:00:22 But my wife Alyssa has been keeping our kids busy with a whole lot of baking and I've been eating a lot of it.
00:00:22 --> 00:00:27 I haven't been reading, I've been getting stuck just on the lounge watching too much TV.
00:00:27 --> 00:00:35 I had hoped to be practicing and learning languages but I just haven't had the energy for it.
00:00:36 --> 00:00:41 I had hoped but I've not so far met those expectations.
00:00:43 --> 00:00:48 Now admittedly these are unprecedented and difficult times.
00:00:48 --> 00:00:53 Some have lost jobs, some of us have had our hours cut to bare minimums,
00:00:53 --> 00:01:01 others are trying to work and study from home and there is just a mental strain that all of this takes on us.
00:01:02 --> 00:01:07 I've been realising that I shouldn't be setting my expectations so high during this period.
00:01:08 --> 00:01:14 But we can always have a mismatch between what we had hoped and reality,
00:01:14 --> 00:01:19 between expectations and reality and we can end up being disappointed.
00:01:19 --> 00:01:27 Last week we celebrated Easter and it is the high point of the year for Christians
00:01:27 --> 00:01:32 where we celebrate all that God has done for us, where he has taken us from being his enemies
00:01:32 --> 00:01:37 and through the death and resurrection of Jesus he has made us his children
00:01:37 --> 00:01:42 with all of his promises and our resurrection is secured.
00:01:42 --> 00:01:50 But we can, maybe a little while after Easter, after that high point,
00:01:51 --> 00:01:53 start to feel a bit disappointed with God.
00:01:54 --> 00:01:59 We can feel there's a mismatch between what we had hoped to have as a Christian,
00:01:59 --> 00:02:04 what we had hoped to have day by day and the reality around us.
00:02:04 --> 00:02:10 Today we're going to meet two people who are walking away from Jerusalem on that Easter day,
00:02:10 --> 00:02:15 on Easter Sunday, and they've been left disappointed and downcast,
00:02:16 --> 00:02:21 seeming to have had all of their hopes dashed with the death of Jesus.
00:02:21 --> 00:02:27 And today we're going to see what we are to do when what we'd hoped for is not God's plan.
00:02:27 --> 00:02:31 So let me pray for us as we have a look at God's word for us today.
00:02:32 --> 00:02:35 Heavenly Father, we thank you for your word.
00:02:35 --> 00:02:42 Thank you that we can be meeting together online and we can continue to celebrate
00:02:42 --> 00:02:44 and remember all that you have done for us.
00:02:45 --> 00:02:48 Lord, as we look at your word to us today,
00:02:49 --> 00:02:53 help our hopes be in line with what you have planned for us, Lord.
00:02:53 --> 00:02:54 Amen.
00:02:54 --> 00:02:57 So today we're in Luke chapter 4.
00:02:57 --> 00:02:59 Please have your Bibles open.
00:02:59 --> 00:03:01 If you don't have a Bible, we would love to hear from you.
00:03:01 --> 00:03:05 We would love to get you a Bible so you can contact us.
00:03:05 --> 00:03:08 And we're going to be in Luke 24, starting in verse 13.
00:03:10 --> 00:03:13 Now that same day, two of them, two of them being two disciples,
00:03:14 --> 00:03:18 were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.
00:03:19 --> 00:03:20 So it's Easter day.
00:03:20 --> 00:03:21 It is the Sunday.
00:03:21 --> 00:03:29 Two of the disciples, not the apostles, they're likely heading home to an outlying town called Emmaus.
00:03:29 --> 00:03:32 It's a roughly two to three hour walk.
00:03:33 --> 00:03:38 And two days ago, they saw that the man that they had been following get killed.
00:03:39 --> 00:03:41 And they're walking home depressed.
00:03:41 --> 00:03:44 So it's likely that they're not walking at a quick pace.
00:03:44 --> 00:03:47 It's likely they're just trudging along depressed.
00:03:47 --> 00:03:53 And as they are walking, they're talking through everything that has happened, trying to process it.
00:03:54 --> 00:03:56 And as this happens, Jesus himself comes up to them.
00:03:57 --> 00:04:01 But they were kept from recognizing who Jesus is at this point.
00:04:02 --> 00:04:04 Jesus is in his resurrection body.
00:04:05 --> 00:04:06 He looks the same.
00:04:06 --> 00:04:07 He can be identified as Jesus.
00:04:07 --> 00:04:12 But these two have their sight clouded to his identity.
00:04:13 --> 00:04:15 Jesus comes up and asks them in verse 17,
00:04:16 --> 00:04:19 What are you discussing together as you walk along?
00:04:20 --> 00:04:23 Their response is sorrow, disappointment, bewilderment.
00:04:24 --> 00:04:24 Verse 17 again.
00:04:25 --> 00:04:26 They stood still.
00:04:27 --> 00:04:28 Their faces downcast.
00:04:28 --> 00:04:33 It's such a posture of sorrow and disappointment.
00:04:34 --> 00:04:37 One of them, verse 18, named Cleopas, asked him,
00:04:38 --> 00:04:45 Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?
00:04:46 --> 00:04:48 Cleopas, he comes across as incredulous.
00:04:48 --> 00:04:48 What?
00:04:49 --> 00:04:50 Haven't you heard?
00:04:50 --> 00:04:51 Where have you been hiding?
00:04:51 --> 00:04:53 Have you been hiding off in a cave somewhere?
00:04:54 --> 00:04:55 This is the biggest news.
00:04:55 --> 00:05:03 Sight in the Bible is often a metaphor for understanding.
00:05:04 --> 00:05:12 And the irony here is that Cleopas, who thinks he knows what is going on, is blinded to who is before him.
00:05:13 --> 00:05:15 He thinks he has seen the situation.
00:05:15 --> 00:05:17 He thinks he can explain it to Jesus.
00:05:18 --> 00:05:20 But he doesn't know what has really happened.
00:05:21 --> 00:05:22 And so Jesus asks,
00:05:22 --> 00:05:23 What things?
00:05:23 --> 00:05:24 What things have happened?
00:05:24 --> 00:05:27 What things have happened in Jerusalem?
00:05:27 --> 00:05:34 It's almost like Jesus is inviting Cleopas to explain it, to check his faith, to check his understanding.
00:05:35 --> 00:05:40 And Cleopas, he almost comes across like an older brother, explaining things to a younger brother.
00:05:40 --> 00:05:42 Oh, you don't know what's been going on.
00:05:42 --> 00:05:42 Let me tell you.
00:05:42 --> 00:05:43 I can tell you everything.
00:05:43 --> 00:05:44 I've got the information.
00:05:44 --> 00:05:45 You don't have it.
00:05:45 --> 00:05:46 Let me tell you.
00:05:46 --> 00:05:46 Let me share with you.
00:05:48 --> 00:05:48 Verse 19.
00:05:48 --> 00:06:17 It is such a telling moment that reveals all that they thought about who Jesus is.
00:06:17 --> 00:06:21 And their emotional state.
00:06:21 --> 00:06:21 They're depressed.
00:06:21 --> 00:06:22 They're downcast.
00:06:23 --> 00:06:27 They had hoped Jesus was going to be the one to redeem Israel.
00:06:28 --> 00:06:32 To buy Israel back from the Romans who had control of it.
00:06:32 --> 00:06:36 To liberate this nation under the thumb of the enemy.
00:06:37 --> 00:06:40 They had hoped for two smaller things.
00:06:40 --> 00:06:43 For the liberation of just one nation.
00:06:43 --> 00:06:44 Verse 21.
00:06:45 --> 00:06:49 And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.
00:06:50 --> 00:06:53 In addition, some of our women amazed us.
00:06:53 --> 00:06:56 They went to the tomb early this morning, but didn't find his body.
00:06:56 --> 00:07:00 They came and told us that they'd seen a vision of angels who said he was alive.
00:07:01 --> 00:07:07 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.
00:07:08 --> 00:07:09 Now this is amazing.
00:07:09 --> 00:07:11 They have all of the pieces of the gospel.
00:07:11 --> 00:07:16 They knew that Jesus was powerful in word and deed before God.
00:07:16 --> 00:07:17 They knew he had been crucified.
00:07:18 --> 00:07:22 They even know that there's something significant about the third day.
00:07:24 --> 00:07:27 They know that Jesus' body is gone.
00:07:28 --> 00:07:30 They've heard that the women went to check and he's gone.
00:07:30 --> 00:07:34 They've even heard that an angel has said that Jesus is alive.
00:07:35 --> 00:07:36 What more do these guys need?
00:07:36 --> 00:07:40 They have everything right in front of them.
00:07:41 --> 00:07:44 But they're putting the pieces together incorrectly.
00:07:44 --> 00:07:49 They've put their own hopes onto what Jesus came to do.
00:07:49 --> 00:07:53 Their hopes that Jesus would free the nation of Israel.
00:07:54 --> 00:07:57 To free Israel most likely through a military victory.
00:07:57 --> 00:08:02 They've built up their own expectations of what Jesus came to do.
00:08:02 --> 00:08:05 And then they've been left disappointed.
00:08:07 --> 00:08:08 Jesus had come to redeem.
00:08:09 --> 00:08:13 But not by freeing just one country from enemy rule.
00:08:13 --> 00:08:15 But to redeem all of creation.
00:08:15 --> 00:08:18 To liberate all of us.
00:08:18 --> 00:08:22 To buy us back at the cost of his own life.
00:08:22 --> 00:08:26 But Cleopas and the other disciple.
00:08:26 --> 00:08:27 They can't see what has happened.
00:08:28 --> 00:08:30 Even though all of the pieces are there.
00:08:31 --> 00:08:34 Because they're stuck trying to understand what they had hoped for.
00:08:36 --> 00:08:40 I've always wanted to know how the game Mahjong works.
00:08:41 --> 00:08:43 I know the game can be addictive.
00:08:43 --> 00:08:47 And I know it can be a game where people lose a lot of money gambling on it.
00:08:47 --> 00:08:48 I don't want to encourage that.
00:08:48 --> 00:08:50 But without the gambling aspect.
00:08:50 --> 00:08:53 I've always wondered how Mahjong works.
00:08:53 --> 00:08:56 And so the last couple of weeks I've been trying to figure out the game.
00:08:57 --> 00:08:58 I don't understand it yet.
00:08:58 --> 00:08:58 I'm getting there.
00:08:58 --> 00:08:59 I'm getting better.
00:09:00 --> 00:09:02 But as I understand it with Mahjong.
00:09:02 --> 00:09:05 You're trying to get tiles in the right order.
00:09:05 --> 00:09:06 You're trying to get pairs.
00:09:06 --> 00:09:09 So at the end you have a winning combination.
00:09:10 --> 00:09:12 But for Cleopas and the other disciple.
00:09:14 --> 00:09:17 They've arranged all of the tiles in front of themselves.
00:09:17 --> 00:09:20 Of the story of Jesus' death and resurrection.
00:09:21 --> 00:09:24 But then they've just grabbed a chess piece.
00:09:24 --> 00:09:25 And put it in.
00:09:25 --> 00:09:27 And they've grabbed a playing card.
00:09:27 --> 00:09:28 And a piece of toast.
00:09:28 --> 00:09:31 And they've wedged all of these things in.
00:09:32 --> 00:09:35 And they're wondering why they don't have Mahjong.
00:09:35 --> 00:09:37 They're wondering why it doesn't work.
00:09:37 --> 00:09:42 All of the pieces for understanding the resurrection are there.
00:09:43 --> 00:09:46 And yet they've hoped for something else.
00:09:46 --> 00:09:47 And they are let down.
00:09:47 --> 00:09:49 And they're disappointed and downcast.
00:09:51 --> 00:09:53 Jesus responds to their disappointment.
00:09:54 --> 00:09:56 With some very firm words.
00:09:56 --> 00:09:57 In verse 25.
00:09:57 --> 00:10:00 How foolish you are.
00:10:01 --> 00:10:05 And how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken.
00:10:05 --> 00:10:07 You've got it right in front of you guys.
00:10:08 --> 00:10:08 Come on.
00:10:08 --> 00:10:10 It's like when a child calls out to mom.
00:10:10 --> 00:10:11 Mom where are my shoes?
00:10:12 --> 00:10:13 And mom looks into the room.
00:10:13 --> 00:10:13 And it's like.
00:10:14 --> 00:10:15 It's right in front of you.
00:10:15 --> 00:10:16 The shoes are right there.
00:10:17 --> 00:10:21 How slow are you to believe all that the prophets have said.
00:10:21 --> 00:10:28 Did not the Messiah have to suffer all these things.
00:10:28 --> 00:10:30 And then enter his glory.
00:10:31 --> 00:10:34 Jesus puts what they had hoped for.
00:10:34 --> 00:10:37 In the context of God's biggest story.
00:10:38 --> 00:10:41 The Messiah had to suffer to enter his glory.
00:10:41 --> 00:10:45 We had to have Good Friday to get to Easter Day.
00:10:46 --> 00:10:48 Jesus had to suffer and die.
00:10:48 --> 00:10:49 So that he could be raised.
00:10:49 --> 00:10:52 To ascend to the throne above all thrones.
00:10:53 --> 00:10:56 And have all the power.
00:10:56 --> 00:10:57 Not just over one country.
00:10:58 --> 00:10:58 Israel.
00:11:00 --> 00:11:01 In his suffering and death.
00:11:02 --> 00:11:03 He has not just redeemed Israel.
00:11:03 --> 00:11:05 But all of humanity.
00:11:06 --> 00:11:06 Verse 27.
00:11:07 --> 00:11:09 And beginning with Moses and all the prophets.
00:11:10 --> 00:11:14 He explained to them what was said in the scriptures concerning himself.
00:11:15 --> 00:11:16 I can't help but imagine.
00:11:17 --> 00:11:19 How great this Bible study with Jesus was.
00:11:20 --> 00:11:25 It's likely that this was a three hour journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus.
00:11:25 --> 00:11:31 And they've got Jesus explaining how all of the Old Testament fits together and points to Jesus.
00:11:32 --> 00:11:34 Over the last couple of weeks of isolation.
00:11:35 --> 00:11:39 There's been a lot of movie directors and actors doing watch parties.
00:11:39 --> 00:11:41 Where you get to watch the movie that they've made.
00:11:41 --> 00:11:44 And they get to explain all the things that are happening.
00:11:44 --> 00:11:46 And I think that's a pretty great thing.
00:11:46 --> 00:11:50 But can you imagine having the author of life himself.
00:11:51 --> 00:11:53 Explain the history of Israel.
00:11:54 --> 00:11:55 And God's story of redemption.
00:11:56 --> 00:11:58 And how it all points to Jesus.
00:11:58 --> 00:12:01 Can you imagine just walking with Jesus for three hours.
00:12:01 --> 00:12:03 And having him explain everything to you.
00:12:03 --> 00:12:06 I think it would be marvelous.
00:12:07 --> 00:12:07 Verse 28.
00:12:08 --> 00:12:11 As they approached the village to which they were going.
00:12:12 --> 00:12:14 Jesus continued on as if he was going further.
00:12:15 --> 00:12:17 But they urged him strongly.
00:12:17 --> 00:12:18 Stay with us.
00:12:18 --> 00:12:19 For it is nearly evening.
00:12:19 --> 00:12:21 The day is almost over.
00:12:22 --> 00:12:23 At this point.
00:12:23 --> 00:12:25 They still don't recognize Jesus.
00:12:25 --> 00:12:27 It's now nearly evening.
00:12:27 --> 00:12:30 And they're just welcoming Jesus in.
00:12:31 --> 00:12:35 Because he's been kind to them.
00:12:35 --> 00:12:36 Are they just welcoming him in.
00:12:36 --> 00:12:37 Because they're good Jews.
00:12:37 --> 00:12:39 And they're showing good hospitality.
00:12:40 --> 00:12:43 Are they worried about thieves coming at night.
00:12:43 --> 00:12:45 And so they have concern for this man.
00:12:46 --> 00:12:47 But later.
00:12:47 --> 00:12:49 Once they've recognized Jesus.
00:12:49 --> 00:12:50 They will say.
00:12:50 --> 00:12:53 Were not our hearts burning within us.
00:12:53 --> 00:12:55 And as he talked with us on the road.
00:12:56 --> 00:12:57 And opened the scriptures to us.
00:12:58 --> 00:13:01 They had some measure of understanding.
00:13:02 --> 00:13:04 As Jesus explained the Old Testament.
00:13:05 --> 00:13:06 They began to understand.
00:13:07 --> 00:13:09 But they still didn't see it clearly.
00:13:10 --> 00:13:12 It's like they could see the shape.
00:13:12 --> 00:13:14 Of what Jesus was talking about.
00:13:14 --> 00:13:15 But you know.
00:13:15 --> 00:13:15 In majong.
00:13:15 --> 00:13:17 The tiles hadn't been lined up yet.
00:13:17 --> 00:13:19 The penny hadn't dropped.
00:13:20 --> 00:13:21 Verse 29 again.
00:13:21 --> 00:13:23 So he went in to stay with them.
00:13:24 --> 00:13:26 When he was at the table with them.
00:13:26 --> 00:13:26 He took bread.
00:13:27 --> 00:13:27 Gave thanks.
00:13:28 --> 00:13:28 Broke it.
00:13:29 --> 00:13:30 And began to give it to them.
00:13:31 --> 00:13:34 Now this is a very strange thing.
00:13:34 --> 00:13:36 For a stranger to do.
00:13:37 --> 00:13:39 Not that Cleopas and the other disciples.
00:13:39 --> 00:13:40 Would invite a stranger in.
00:13:40 --> 00:13:41 That's a fairly normal thing.
00:13:42 --> 00:13:43 They would share their food.
00:13:43 --> 00:13:44 That's a fairly normal thing.
00:13:45 --> 00:13:47 But what Jesus does.
00:13:47 --> 00:13:48 His behavior is strange.
00:13:50 --> 00:13:53 Jesus is the guest in this household.
00:13:53 --> 00:13:55 And yet he becomes the host.
00:13:55 --> 00:13:57 He is the one who took bread.
00:13:57 --> 00:13:58 And gave thanks.
00:13:58 --> 00:13:59 And broke it.
00:14:00 --> 00:14:01 That is the host's responsibility.
00:14:02 --> 00:14:03 It's like having friends over.
00:14:04 --> 00:14:04 For lunch.
00:14:05 --> 00:14:06 When we could do that.
00:14:07 --> 00:14:08 And all of a sudden.
00:14:08 --> 00:14:09 Your friend.
00:14:09 --> 00:14:09 Your guest.
00:14:10 --> 00:14:11 Has taken the tongs.
00:14:11 --> 00:14:12 They've taken the apron off you.
00:14:13 --> 00:14:15 And they're standing at your barbecue.
00:14:15 --> 00:14:16 Cooking your lunch.
00:14:17 --> 00:14:18 It's like they've come in.
00:14:18 --> 00:14:20 And they've taken the best seat in the house.
00:14:20 --> 00:14:21 The seat of the host.
00:14:22 --> 00:14:24 This is what Jesus does.
00:14:24 --> 00:14:25 He comes in.
00:14:25 --> 00:14:27 And he takes the position of host.
00:14:28 --> 00:14:29 He breaks bread.
00:14:29 --> 00:14:30 And gives it to them.
00:14:31 --> 00:14:32 And these disciples.
00:14:33 --> 00:14:34 Realize.
00:14:34 --> 00:14:35 That it wasn't just.
00:14:36 --> 00:14:37 An uninformed stranger that they met.
00:14:39 --> 00:14:39 Verse 31.
00:14:39 --> 00:14:42 Then their eyes were open.
00:14:42 --> 00:14:43 And they recognized him.
00:14:44 --> 00:14:46 And he disappeared from their sight.
00:14:47 --> 00:14:47 Jesus.
00:14:47 --> 00:14:48 Who had seemed blind.
00:14:49 --> 00:14:50 To the events in Jerusalem.
00:14:51 --> 00:14:52 Now opens.
00:14:52 --> 00:14:54 The eyes of the two people.
00:14:54 --> 00:14:56 Who thought that they could see.
00:14:57 --> 00:14:58 Jesus was no stranger.
00:14:58 --> 00:14:59 Taking over as host.
00:14:59 --> 00:15:01 But he's the Lord of every house.
00:15:02 --> 00:15:04 And they only see him.
00:15:04 --> 00:15:05 Because.
00:15:05 --> 00:15:07 Their eyes were opened.
00:15:08 --> 00:15:09 They are opened by God.
00:15:09 --> 00:15:11 As a divine gift.
00:15:12 --> 00:15:13 They had begun to understand.
00:15:14 --> 00:15:15 When the scriptures were opened.
00:15:16 --> 00:15:18 But they only saw Jesus.
00:15:18 --> 00:15:19 For who he truly is.
00:15:20 --> 00:15:22 When Jesus came to dwell with them.
00:15:22 --> 00:15:23 And opened their eyes.
00:15:24 --> 00:15:25 The puzzle.
00:15:26 --> 00:15:26 Has now become clear.
00:15:27 --> 00:15:28 The confusion is gone.
00:15:28 --> 00:15:28 They have.
00:15:29 --> 00:15:29 Mahjong.
00:15:29 --> 00:15:30 They shout.
00:15:30 --> 00:15:31 Woo pie.
00:15:32 --> 00:15:33 Verse 33.
00:15:33 --> 00:15:34 Says they got up.
00:15:35 --> 00:15:36 And returned at once.
00:15:36 --> 00:15:37 To Jerusalem.
00:15:37 --> 00:15:38 There they found the eleven.
00:15:39 --> 00:15:40 And those with them.
00:15:40 --> 00:15:40 Assembled.
00:15:41 --> 00:15:41 And saying.
00:15:41 --> 00:15:42 It is true.
00:15:42 --> 00:15:43 The Lord has risen.
00:15:44 --> 00:15:45 And has appeared to Simon.
00:15:45 --> 00:15:46 Then the two told.
00:15:46 --> 00:15:47 What had happened on the way.
00:15:48 --> 00:15:49 And how Jesus was recognized.
00:15:49 --> 00:15:50 By them.
00:15:50 --> 00:15:51 When he broke the bread.
00:15:52 --> 00:15:53 Everything has changed.
00:15:53 --> 00:15:55 For these two disciples.
00:15:56 --> 00:15:57 At the start of their journey.
00:15:58 --> 00:15:59 They were depressed.
00:16:00 --> 00:16:01 And downcast.
00:16:02 --> 00:16:03 Plotting home.
00:16:03 --> 00:16:05 And now they have seen.
00:16:05 --> 00:16:07 The risen Jesus.
00:16:07 --> 00:16:09 And even though it is late.
00:16:09 --> 00:16:11 Evening is now here.
00:16:11 --> 00:16:12 They get up.
00:16:12 --> 00:16:13 And are once returned.
00:16:13 --> 00:16:14 To Jerusalem.
00:16:15 --> 00:16:16 I wonder how quickly.
00:16:17 --> 00:16:19 They were able to return back.
00:16:19 --> 00:16:20 And the excitement.
00:16:20 --> 00:16:21 And joy.
00:16:21 --> 00:16:22 That has propelled them.
00:16:23 --> 00:16:25 At the start of this passage.
00:16:25 --> 00:16:27 Cleopas described Jesus.
00:16:28 --> 00:16:28 As a prophet.
00:16:29 --> 00:16:31 And now at the end.
00:16:31 --> 00:16:32 He is being described.
00:16:32 --> 00:16:34 As the Lord.
00:16:35 --> 00:16:36 They had thought.
00:16:36 --> 00:16:37 That he was the person.
00:16:37 --> 00:16:38 Who knew nothing.
00:16:38 --> 00:16:39 He was the younger.
00:16:40 --> 00:16:40 The subordinate.
00:16:41 --> 00:16:42 But he is revealed.
00:16:43 --> 00:16:44 To be the Lord.
00:16:44 --> 00:16:45 Of the universe.
00:16:46 --> 00:16:47 No longer are they trying.
00:16:47 --> 00:16:48 To jam pieces.
00:16:49 --> 00:16:49 Into their picture.
00:16:49 --> 00:16:51 Of what Jesus came to do.
00:16:51 --> 00:16:53 Now they understand him.
00:16:53 --> 00:16:55 And his role revealed.
00:16:55 --> 00:16:56 In the Bible.
00:16:57 --> 00:16:59 God's story of salvation.
00:16:59 --> 00:17:01 And the necessity.
00:17:01 --> 00:17:02 Of Jesus' suffering.
00:17:03 --> 00:17:04 Their eyes.
00:17:04 --> 00:17:05 Are finally opened.
00:17:06 --> 00:17:07 They haven't.
00:17:07 --> 00:17:08 Had their eyes open.
00:17:09 --> 00:17:10 Just from having the Bible.
00:17:10 --> 00:17:11 Explained to them.
00:17:12 --> 00:17:13 They haven't understood.
00:17:13 --> 00:17:14 Just because they were walking.
00:17:14 --> 00:17:15 Next to Jesus.
00:17:15 --> 00:17:17 They can now see.
00:17:17 --> 00:17:19 Because of a divine gift.
00:17:20 --> 00:17:21 God chose.
00:17:21 --> 00:17:22 To open their eyes.
00:17:22 --> 00:17:24 To see who Jesus is.
00:17:26 --> 00:17:26 What a reminder.
00:17:26 --> 00:17:27 That even though.
00:17:27 --> 00:17:29 We can have all of the pieces.
00:17:29 --> 00:17:29 In front of us.
00:17:30 --> 00:17:31 We can have read.
00:17:31 --> 00:17:32 The entire Bible.
00:17:32 --> 00:17:34 It's not going to make sense.
00:17:34 --> 00:17:34 For us.
00:17:35 --> 00:17:35 Until God.
00:17:36 --> 00:17:37 Puts it all into place.
00:17:38 --> 00:17:39 And he reveals.
00:17:39 --> 00:17:40 The necessity.
00:17:41 --> 00:17:42 Of the suffering.
00:17:42 --> 00:17:42 Of Jesus.
00:17:44 --> 00:17:45 This began with.
00:17:46 --> 00:17:47 We had hoped.
00:17:47 --> 00:17:48 But now.
00:17:48 --> 00:17:49 They see.
00:17:49 --> 00:17:49 What God.
00:17:50 --> 00:17:50 Had planned.
00:17:50 --> 00:17:53 Their hopes.
00:17:53 --> 00:17:54 And expectations.
00:17:54 --> 00:17:55 Of Jesus.
00:17:55 --> 00:17:56 Had to be adjusted.
00:17:56 --> 00:17:57 To be in line.
00:17:57 --> 00:17:58 With what God.
00:17:58 --> 00:17:58 Was doing.
00:17:58 --> 00:17:59 With his son.
00:18:00 --> 00:18:01 Cleopas.
00:18:01 --> 00:18:01 And his mate.
00:18:01 --> 00:18:02 Thought that Jesus.
00:18:02 --> 00:18:03 Was someone special.
00:18:04 --> 00:18:04 A prophet.
00:18:05 --> 00:18:06 Gifted by God.
00:18:07 --> 00:18:08 They didn't see.
00:18:08 --> 00:18:09 That he was Lord.
00:18:09 --> 00:18:10 And they went.
00:18:10 --> 00:18:11 On a journey.
00:18:11 --> 00:18:12 Of understanding.
00:18:12 --> 00:18:14 With Jesus himself.
00:18:14 --> 00:18:16 Until they believed.
00:18:16 --> 00:18:19 Reading God's word.
00:18:19 --> 00:18:20 Is so central.
00:18:20 --> 00:18:21 To who we are.
00:18:21 --> 00:18:21 As Christians.
00:18:21 --> 00:18:22 And who we are.
00:18:22 --> 00:18:23 As a church.
00:18:23 --> 00:18:23 Here.
00:18:24 --> 00:18:25 At St. Paul's.
00:18:25 --> 00:18:27 It's so important.
00:18:27 --> 00:18:27 That Jesus spent.
00:18:28 --> 00:18:28 Hours.
00:18:29 --> 00:18:29 Explaining.
00:18:30 --> 00:18:31 How the Old Testament.
00:18:32 --> 00:18:33 Made its sense.
00:18:33 --> 00:18:34 And how it all.
00:18:34 --> 00:18:35 Pointed to Jesus.
00:18:36 --> 00:18:38 But we can read it.
00:18:38 --> 00:18:39 And not know.
00:18:39 --> 00:18:40 Who Jesus is.
00:18:41 --> 00:18:42 He needs to come.
00:18:42 --> 00:18:44 And open our eyes.
00:18:44 --> 00:18:46 If you don't.
00:18:46 --> 00:18:47 Know him yet.
00:18:48 --> 00:18:49 Do what Cleopas did.
00:18:50 --> 00:18:50 Invite.
00:18:51 --> 00:18:51 Jesus in.
00:18:52 --> 00:18:53 Ask Lord.
00:18:54 --> 00:18:55 Open my eyes.
00:18:56 --> 00:18:57 So that I can truly.
00:18:57 --> 00:18:58 See who you are.
00:19:00 --> 00:19:01 But what do we do.
00:19:02 --> 00:19:03 If we feel.
00:19:03 --> 00:19:04 Disappointed with God.
00:19:04 --> 00:19:05 What do we do.
00:19:05 --> 00:19:06 If we're in a position.
00:19:06 --> 00:19:08 Similar to Cleopas.
00:19:08 --> 00:19:08 And the other disciple.
00:19:09 --> 00:19:10 As they were heading home.
00:19:11 --> 00:19:12 Well we may be.
00:19:13 --> 00:19:14 Disappointed with God.
00:19:14 --> 00:19:15 If our expectations.
00:19:15 --> 00:19:17 Don't match.
00:19:17 --> 00:19:18 His divine purpose.
00:19:18 --> 00:19:20 Just like the two disciples.
00:19:20 --> 00:19:20 They.
00:19:20 --> 00:19:22 They had a hope.
00:19:22 --> 00:19:24 Not in line with God's.
00:19:24 --> 00:19:25 And what do we do.
00:19:26 --> 00:19:27 Well we may not know.
00:19:27 --> 00:19:28 What God has in store.
00:19:29 --> 00:19:29 For us tomorrow.
00:19:30 --> 00:19:31 But we do know.
00:19:32 --> 00:19:33 That God is going to send Jesus.
00:19:33 --> 00:19:35 He's going to bring us.
00:19:35 --> 00:19:36 All home to be with him.
00:19:37 --> 00:19:38 Our future.
00:19:38 --> 00:19:38 And our hope.
00:19:38 --> 00:19:39 Is not living.
00:19:39 --> 00:19:41 The best life here.
00:19:41 --> 00:19:43 But trusting.
00:19:43 --> 00:19:43 That God.
00:19:43 --> 00:19:44 That God.
00:19:44 --> 00:19:45 Has a future.
00:19:46 --> 00:19:46 Secure.
00:19:48 --> 00:19:49 That is how we get our.
00:19:49 --> 00:19:50 Expectations.
00:19:50 --> 00:19:51 In line.
00:19:51 --> 00:19:52 With God's.
00:19:52 --> 00:19:53 Sovereign plan.
00:19:54 --> 00:19:55 We may be disappointed.
00:19:55 --> 00:19:56 With God.
00:19:56 --> 00:19:57 If we focused on.
00:19:57 --> 00:19:58 Part of the Bible.
00:19:59 --> 00:20:00 And not the whole thing.
00:20:01 --> 00:20:02 The two disciples.
00:20:02 --> 00:20:03 Were right.
00:20:03 --> 00:20:04 To put their hope.
00:20:04 --> 00:20:04 In the redemption.
00:20:04 --> 00:20:05 Of Israel.
00:20:05 --> 00:20:05 Israel.
00:20:06 --> 00:20:07 But Jesus.
00:20:07 --> 00:20:08 Corrects them.
00:20:08 --> 00:20:08 To believe.
00:20:09 --> 00:20:10 All.
00:20:10 --> 00:20:11 That the prophets said.
00:20:12 --> 00:20:13 And not just the parts.
00:20:13 --> 00:20:15 That stood out to them.
00:20:15 --> 00:20:15 Not just the parts.
00:20:15 --> 00:20:16 They liked.
00:20:17 --> 00:20:18 They had missed.
00:20:18 --> 00:20:19 Focusing.
00:20:19 --> 00:20:20 On the necessity.
00:20:20 --> 00:20:21 Of the Messiah's suffering.
00:20:22 --> 00:20:23 Now we too.
00:20:23 --> 00:20:24 Can pick.
00:20:24 --> 00:20:25 And focus on.
00:20:25 --> 00:20:26 The parts of the Bible.
00:20:26 --> 00:20:27 We like.
00:20:28 --> 00:20:28 We can easily.
00:20:28 --> 00:20:29 Focus on one aspect.
00:20:29 --> 00:20:30 Of God's.
00:20:31 --> 00:20:31 Character.
00:20:31 --> 00:20:32 We can.
00:20:32 --> 00:20:32 We can focus on.
00:20:32 --> 00:20:34 His love for us.
00:20:34 --> 00:20:35 And miss out on.
00:20:35 --> 00:20:36 The importance of God.
00:20:36 --> 00:20:37 Also being.
00:20:37 --> 00:20:37 Just.
00:20:38 --> 00:20:39 It is important.
00:20:39 --> 00:20:41 That we read.
00:20:41 --> 00:20:42 All of God's word.
00:20:42 --> 00:20:43 To fully understand.
00:20:43 --> 00:20:44 Who he is.
00:20:44 --> 00:20:45 And not just.
00:20:45 --> 00:20:45 Pick.
00:20:46 --> 00:20:47 The parts of the Bible.
00:20:47 --> 00:20:47 That we like.
00:20:49 --> 00:20:50 We may be.
00:20:50 --> 00:20:51 Disappointed.
00:20:51 --> 00:20:51 With God.
00:20:51 --> 00:20:52 If we are.
00:20:52 --> 00:20:53 Slow of heart.
00:20:54 --> 00:20:55 To believe his word.
00:20:56 --> 00:20:57 If we read.
00:20:57 --> 00:20:58 God's word.
00:20:58 --> 00:20:59 And don't.
00:20:59 --> 00:21:00 Place our trust.
00:21:00 --> 00:21:00 In him.
00:21:00 --> 00:21:01 We will be disappointed.
00:21:01 --> 00:21:04 But our hope.
00:21:04 --> 00:21:04 Is sure.
00:21:05 --> 00:21:06 Jesus was raised.
00:21:06 --> 00:21:06 From the dead.
00:21:06 --> 00:21:07 And he promises.
00:21:07 --> 00:21:09 To take us.
00:21:09 --> 00:21:09 To be with him.
00:21:11 --> 00:21:11 When we.
00:21:12 --> 00:21:12 Have these moments.
00:21:12 --> 00:21:13 Of disappointment.
00:21:13 --> 00:21:14 We need.
00:21:14 --> 00:21:15 To join together.
00:21:15 --> 00:21:16 To share.
00:21:16 --> 00:21:16 What God.
00:21:16 --> 00:21:17 Is doing.
00:21:17 --> 00:21:18 How he is.
00:21:18 --> 00:21:19 Teaching us.
00:21:19 --> 00:21:20 To be trusting.
00:21:20 --> 00:21:20 In him.
00:21:20 --> 00:21:22 And his good plan.
00:21:22 --> 00:21:22 For us.
00:21:23 --> 00:21:24 It is hard.
00:21:24 --> 00:21:25 In this world.
00:21:25 --> 00:21:26 Of isolation.
00:21:27 --> 00:21:28 And meeting people.
00:21:28 --> 00:21:29 Over zoom.
00:21:29 --> 00:21:30 And FaceTime.
00:21:30 --> 00:21:32 But it is one of the most.
00:21:33 --> 00:21:34 Joyful parts.
00:21:34 --> 00:21:34 Of church.
00:21:35 --> 00:21:37 That we're not just.
00:21:37 --> 00:21:38 A group of people.
00:21:38 --> 00:21:39 We're also a group of people.
00:21:40 --> 00:21:41 Growing together.
00:21:41 --> 00:21:42 Trusting in God.
00:21:42 --> 00:21:43 More and more.
00:21:43 --> 00:21:43 Each day.
00:21:44 --> 00:21:45 So share.
00:21:45 --> 00:21:46 What God.
00:21:46 --> 00:21:46 Is doing.
00:21:46 --> 00:21:47 With other people.
00:21:47 --> 00:21:48 With your community group.
00:21:49 --> 00:21:49 If you're not.
00:21:49 --> 00:21:50 In a group of people.
00:21:50 --> 00:21:51 Who are.
00:21:51 --> 00:21:52 Growing.
00:21:52 --> 00:21:53 To know and love the Lord.
00:21:53 --> 00:21:54 Please get in contact.
00:21:54 --> 00:21:54 With us.
00:21:55 --> 00:21:55 We would love.
00:21:55 --> 00:21:56 For you to be.
00:21:56 --> 00:21:57 A part of our community.
00:21:57 --> 00:21:57 Here.
00:21:57 --> 00:21:58 Even though.
00:21:58 --> 00:21:59 We are.
00:21:59 --> 00:22:00 Isolated.
00:22:00 --> 00:22:00 And distanced.
00:22:00 --> 00:22:01 From each other.
00:22:02 --> 00:22:02 Share what God.
00:22:02 --> 00:22:03 Is doing.
00:22:03 --> 00:22:03 As he.
00:22:04 --> 00:22:04 Adjusts.
00:22:04 --> 00:22:05 Our hopes.
00:22:05 --> 00:22:06 To be.
00:22:06 --> 00:22:07 In line.
00:22:07 --> 00:22:07 With his plan.
00:22:08 --> 00:22:10 When we're disappointed.
00:22:10 --> 00:22:10 Seek.
00:22:10 --> 00:22:11 Jesus.
00:22:11 --> 00:22:12 In his word.
00:22:12 --> 00:22:13 If you don't have a Bible.
00:22:14 --> 00:22:14 There's.
00:22:15 --> 00:22:15 There's.
00:22:15 --> 00:22:16 You can read the Bible online.
00:22:16 --> 00:22:17 You can go to Bible Gateway.
00:22:18 --> 00:22:19 And read the Bible online.
00:22:19 --> 00:22:21 Or you can contact us.
00:22:21 --> 00:22:21 Email us.
00:22:22 --> 00:22:22 At office.
00:22:22 --> 00:22:24 At stpauls.org.au
00:22:24 --> 00:22:25 We would love.
00:22:25 --> 00:22:26 To send you a Bible.
00:22:27 --> 00:22:28 While Jesus.
00:22:28 --> 00:22:29 Was explaining.
00:22:29 --> 00:22:29 The scriptures.
00:22:30 --> 00:22:31 These two disciples.
00:22:31 --> 00:22:31 They had their hearts.
00:22:32 --> 00:22:32 Burning.
00:22:33 --> 00:22:34 Because we can get.
00:22:34 --> 00:22:35 To know.
00:22:35 --> 00:22:35 God.
00:22:36 --> 00:22:36 Himself.
00:22:36 --> 00:22:37 Through his word.
00:22:39 --> 00:22:40 When disappointed.
00:22:41 --> 00:22:42 Work hard.
00:22:43 --> 00:22:43 To be teachable.
00:22:44 --> 00:22:45 To have humility.
00:22:46 --> 00:22:47 And be willing.
00:22:47 --> 00:22:47 To learn.
00:22:48 --> 00:22:48 It's really interesting.
00:22:48 --> 00:22:49 Here.
00:22:49 --> 00:22:49 That when Jesus.
00:22:49 --> 00:22:51 Gave these two disciples.
00:22:51 --> 00:22:53 A really hard rebuke.
00:22:53 --> 00:22:53 When he said.
00:22:53 --> 00:22:55 How foolish you are.
00:22:55 --> 00:22:56 And slow to believe.
00:22:56 --> 00:22:58 They didn't get defensive.
00:22:59 --> 00:23:00 They didn't go.
00:23:00 --> 00:23:00 Oh.
00:23:00 --> 00:23:01 I don't want to listen to you.
00:23:01 --> 00:23:01 I'm going to.
00:23:01 --> 00:23:02 I'm going to keep walking home.
00:23:02 --> 00:23:03 To Emmaus.
00:23:04 --> 00:23:04 Instead.
00:23:05 --> 00:23:06 They listened.
00:23:06 --> 00:23:07 To Jesus.
00:23:08 --> 00:23:09 And they had their eyes.
00:23:09 --> 00:23:09 Opened.
00:23:11 --> 00:23:11 Lastly.
00:23:12 --> 00:23:12 When.
00:23:12 --> 00:23:13 Our spiritual drought.
00:23:13 --> 00:23:14 Of disappointment.
00:23:14 --> 00:23:15 Ends.
00:23:15 --> 00:23:17 And God has filled us.
00:23:17 --> 00:23:17 With his hope.
00:23:18 --> 00:23:19 Encourage each other.
00:23:19 --> 00:23:20 Just like.
00:23:20 --> 00:23:21 Cleopas.
00:23:21 --> 00:23:22 Ran.
00:23:22 --> 00:23:22 Likely.
00:23:23 --> 00:23:23 Ran.
00:23:23 --> 00:23:24 Back to Jerusalem.
00:23:24 --> 00:23:25 To share the exciting news.
00:23:25 --> 00:23:26 That they had seen.
00:23:26 --> 00:23:27 There is in Jesus.
00:23:27 --> 00:23:28 When God.
00:23:29 --> 00:23:29 Works.
00:23:30 --> 00:23:30 Through us.
00:23:30 --> 00:23:31 Through disappointment.
00:23:31 --> 00:23:32 And leads us to hope.
00:23:32 --> 00:23:33 In his plan.
00:23:34 --> 00:23:34 Share that.
00:23:35 --> 00:23:36 These.
00:23:36 --> 00:23:37 Disappointed.
00:23:38 --> 00:23:38 Discouraged.
00:23:38 --> 00:23:39 Disciples.
00:23:40 --> 00:23:40 Believed.
00:23:40 --> 00:23:41 That Jesus.
00:23:41 --> 00:23:42 And their hope.
00:23:43 --> 00:23:43 Was gone.
00:23:44 --> 00:23:45 They just.
00:23:45 --> 00:23:46 Believe him.
00:23:46 --> 00:23:46 Dead.
00:23:46 --> 00:23:47 And all hope.
00:23:47 --> 00:23:47 Was gone.
00:23:47 --> 00:23:50 But he was with them.
00:23:50 --> 00:23:51 Even.
00:23:51 --> 00:23:52 When they didn't.
00:23:52 --> 00:23:52 Realize it.
00:23:54 --> 00:23:54 Let's pray.
00:23:55 --> 00:23:55 And thank God.
00:23:55 --> 00:23:56 That he continues.
00:23:56 --> 00:23:57 To be with us.
00:23:57 --> 00:23:58 When we don't.
00:23:58 --> 00:23:59 Trust.
00:23:59 --> 00:23:59 And we face.
00:24:00 --> 00:24:00 Disappointment.
00:24:00 --> 00:24:01 With God.
00:24:01 --> 00:24:02 As he leads us.
00:24:02 --> 00:24:03 To hope in him.
00:24:03 --> 00:24:04 Let me pray for us.
00:24:05 --> 00:24:06 Dear heavenly father.
00:24:07 --> 00:24:08 I thank you so much.
00:24:08 --> 00:24:10 For all of your goodness.
00:24:10 --> 00:24:11 To us.
00:24:12 --> 00:24:12 God.
00:24:13 --> 00:24:13 I thank you.
00:24:13 --> 00:24:14 For the reminder.
00:24:14 --> 00:24:15 Of how.
00:24:15 --> 00:24:16 You worked.
00:24:16 --> 00:24:17 A miracle.
00:24:17 --> 00:24:18 In these two disciples.
00:24:18 --> 00:24:18 Life.
00:24:19 --> 00:24:20 That you open their eyes.
00:24:21 --> 00:24:21 To see.
00:24:22 --> 00:24:23 Who Jesus is.
00:24:24 --> 00:24:24 Lord.
00:24:25 --> 00:24:25 For those of us.
00:24:26 --> 00:24:26 Who don't know.
00:24:27 --> 00:24:28 Who your son is.
00:24:28 --> 00:24:29 Who don't.
00:24:29 --> 00:24:29 Fully.
00:24:30 --> 00:24:30 Understand.
00:24:30 --> 00:24:31 What you were trying.
00:24:31 --> 00:24:32 To tell us.
00:24:32 --> 00:24:32 Lord.
00:24:32 --> 00:24:34 Would you open our eyes.
00:24:35 --> 00:24:36 Send us back.
00:24:36 --> 00:24:37 To your word.
00:24:37 --> 00:24:38 And open our eyes.
00:24:38 --> 00:24:39 So that as we read it.
00:24:40 --> 00:24:41 It is not just.
00:24:41 --> 00:24:42 An interesting book.
00:24:42 --> 00:24:43 But it is the words.
00:24:43 --> 00:24:44 Of life.
00:24:45 --> 00:24:46 Heavenly father.
00:24:46 --> 00:24:47 As we.
00:24:47 --> 00:24:48 Continue to face.
00:24:48 --> 00:24:49 A difficult.
00:24:49 --> 00:24:50 And uncertain.
00:24:50 --> 00:24:50 Future.
00:24:52 --> 00:24:53 Help us.
00:24:53 --> 00:24:54 Not be disappointed.
00:24:54 --> 00:24:55 In you.
00:24:55 --> 00:24:56 As if you.
00:24:56 --> 00:24:57 Are not in control.
00:24:57 --> 00:24:58 And working out.
00:24:58 --> 00:24:59 Your good plans.
00:25:00 --> 00:25:01 Father.
00:25:01 --> 00:25:02 Help us.
00:25:02 --> 00:25:02 To be reminded.
00:25:03 --> 00:25:04 That you are in charge.
00:25:04 --> 00:25:05 And in control.
00:25:05 --> 00:25:05 Of all things.
00:25:06 --> 00:25:07 And you.
00:25:07 --> 00:25:07 Will use.
00:25:07 --> 00:25:08 A difficult time.
00:25:08 --> 00:25:09 Like this.
00:25:09 --> 00:25:10 To grow.
00:25:10 --> 00:25:11 Our trust.
00:25:11 --> 00:25:11 In you.
00:25:12 --> 00:25:12 Help us.
00:25:12 --> 00:25:13 To place.
00:25:13 --> 00:25:14 Our hope.
00:25:14 --> 00:25:15 In your plan.
00:25:15 --> 00:25:16 And not just.
00:25:16 --> 00:25:17 What we want.
00:25:17 --> 00:25:17 Lord.
00:25:18 --> 00:25:19 We ask this.
00:25:19 --> 00:25:20 In your son's name.
00:25:20 --> 00:25:21 Amen.
00:25:21 --> 00:25:22 Amen.
00:25:22 --> 00:25:52 Thank you.