Resurrecting Hope Part 3 - A Deeper Dive
Message Recap
In part 3 of our sermon series Resurrecting Hope, we consider the story of Jesus appearing to the men on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). In a message entitled On the Road to Hope, Pastor Don continues examining how we find hope in Jesus because he lives and that finding hope in the resurrection shouldn’t be limited to just one Sunday each year. This week’s message looks at another instance, similar to Mary’s at the empty tomb, where the loss of hope causes Jesus’ disciples not to recognize him.
As the story begins, we find two men who have left Jerusalem to return to the village of Emmaus. The story takes place later on the same day of Jesus’ resurrection. The two men are discussing everything that has happened. Luke identifies one of the men as Cleopas, but the other traveler remains anonymous. As they walk and talk, a third person joins them. The person who joins them is Jesus, but the two men don’t realize it’s him.
Was Luke’s decision not to identify the second traveler intentional? Perhaps Luke attempted to have the second man represent anyone reading the story. These two men were not part of Jesus’ chosen twelve (now 11 with the death of Judas Iscariot). They were ordinary men who began following Jesus as he traveled and taught. So, it can be inferred that Luke’s purpose for describing these two men as he did is to allow the reader to place themselves into the story. The account becomes more relatable.
Based on the Greek used to describe the two men’s discussion, it seems likely the conversation was more than just a casual recap of the day’s events. We can assume the tone was emotional and passionate. These two ordinary men, who had followed Jesus hoping he was the Messiah, were trying desperately to make sense of everything that had happened. They were struggling with the reality that now Jesus was gone. Their hopes were dashed.
The third person, Jesus, approaches the men and walks alongside them. The men see this third traveler, but they don’t recognize him. How can this be? Much like Mary when she approaches the empty tomb, Cleopas and his anonymous companion are so absorbed by their grief and confusion that they cannot see the third man for who he is. Jesus even asks them what they are discussing, and their deep sense of hopelessness still prevents them from recognizing Jesus. They weren’t looking for Jesus in that moment, so they failed to see him.
Jesus came to these men precisely because they were not part of his chosen twelve or members of the religious elite. He reveals himself to these men, even though they don’t recognize him at first, to demonstrate that his message of salvation is available to everyone, regardless of their power or place. Jesus met these men in their time of sorrow, confusion, and hopelessness where they were and without being asked.
The men explain that the prophet from Nazareth, who was powerful in word and deed before God, had been arrested and killed. In response, Jesus reminds the men that scripture says the Messiah had to suffer these things to enter his glory. He continues, and beginning with Moses and the prophets, Jesus explains how these events had been foretold.
What a blessing it was that these men received teaching directly from Jesus. We don’t know what scriptures Jesus used. Perhaps he recited from the book of the prophet Isaiah (see Isaiah 53:5-11). Whatever scripture he shared restored the men’s hope. By the day’s end, they still didn’t recognize Jesus, but they invited him to stay and eat with them. And it was during the meal, when Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and shared it, that the eyes of the two travelers were opened, and they recognized Jesus.
This is a story of restored hope. Two men, overwhelmed with grief and confusion and who had lost all hope, were resurrected by the presence of the risen Christ. They didn’t even recognize who was with them, but that did not matter to Jesus. His message is for all people in all circumstances.
All of us experience times when we are convinced God has abandoned us. God is nowhere to be found in our most desperate moment of need. But are we ever really alone, or do we simply allow a lack of faith to blind us to God’s presence? That’s the subject of this week’s Deeper Dive.
Our Own Long Walk
While the story of the men walking to Emmaus is a literal account of Jesus revealing himself as resurrected, it goes much deeper. This story describes our faith journey: at first, we don’t know who Jesus is. But by studying scripture, joining others in worship, and praying, we slowly begin to see Jesus for who he is. Ultimately we invite Jesus into our lives, and we become witnesses to the power of this transformation.
Still, even after we have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, we find ourselves in times of doubt and hopelessness. When faced with adversity, we often forget what we have learned about God's character and convince ourselves that we are alone. Fear, anger, anxiety, and depression can blind us from seeing the living God, even when we need him the most.
When our expectations aren’t met, and things don’t go how we want, we feel disappointed and accuse God of not caring about our desires. Consider Jesus’ disciples and their expectations. As they gained more and more confidence that Jesus was the Messiah, they prepared themselves for the end of Roman oppression. They were confident Jesus would conquer the Roman rulers and free the people. But unfortunately, they were blind to Jesus’ real purpose, and when he was taken from them before meeting their expectations, they lost all hope.
God is with us, even in those times when our own selfish ways blind us. God constantly guides and protects us, even if we refuse to see the blessings and answered prayers. Like in the story of the road to Emmaus, Jesus is waiting for our invitation. He walks alongside us and teaches us. It’s only when we ask him to stay that our eyes are opened to his very presence.