Intro:The Bible is essentially a book about Jesus. When you boil it down, the OT and the NT are a book about Jesus. It is God’s plan for saving us. He is the Creator in the beginning with God. He the fulfillment of Moses’ law. He is David’s Lord. He is the answer to the Isaiah’s questions. He is Job’s “mediator” that can close the gap between people and God. He is Daniel’s “son of man”. He is Gideon’s strength for battle. He is Shadrach’s rescue from a fiery furnace. He is Mary’s son. He is Peter’s Christ / Messiah. He is the sacrifice for sinners. He is the risen Lord. He is the soon coming King.
The Bible is essentially a book about Jesus. As we move toward Easter this passage should be worshipful. Enjoy!
Read: Luke 24:13-27
13Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They talked with each other about all of these things which had happened. 15It happened, while they talked and questioned together, that Jesus himself came near, and went with them. 16But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk, and why are you sad?”
18One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things which have happened there in these days?”
19He said to them, “What things?”
They said to him, “The things concerning Jesus, the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people; 20and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21But we were hoping that it was he who would redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22Also, certain women of our company amazed us, having arrived early at the tomb; 23and when they didn’t find his body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24Some of us went to the tomb, and found it just like the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”
25He said to them, “Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?” 27Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
Think:
Context: when we study our bibles we need to ALWAYS consider the context of the verse or passage we are looking at. Whenever we sit under the teaching of someone else we need to ALWAYS make sure what they are teaching is in context. For example, John 3:16 is a very familiar verse for Christians. What is the immediate context to John 3:16? What is happening in verses 14 & 15 for example? What is happening in verse 17 and following? Chuck Swindoll once said he feels bad for some verses in the bible like John 3:17! They always get left out! If we ALWAYS consider the context we will avoid foolish thinking and wrong interpretation of the Bible.
Now, what is the context to our passage? Jesus has been crucified and raised from the dead. There is a rumor that He might be alive but this is not confirmed. In our passage, He starts a conversation with two guys walking down a dirt road. How are they feeling? See verse 17. Here are these two men, devastated by the death of their Lord (v.20) and devastated by their lost opportunity to make Israel number one in the world (v.21).
With this background, a context of despair and loss, of disillusionment and pain, Jesus speaks. He doesn’t try to pump them up and make them feel good. He doesn’t even simply open their eyes and show them who He is (v.16). HE TURNS THEM TO THE BIBLE. When these men were ready to call it quits, when they were at the bottom, Jesus turned them to the bible (v.27).
Of all the sermons ever preached this is one I would love to have heard! Jesus begins with Moses and the prophets and “explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself”. In other words, God’s word was what Jesus wanted them to hear from and trust in.
Do:
Where do you turn when you are discouraged and ready to quit? Do you turn to Jesus in the Old Testament? Do you turn to the promises of God that are found in Jesus Christ? Or do you turn the worship song up a little louder and hope it drowns out your feelings? Jesus would invite you to the Word of God for a meeting with Him. He is in the pages!
Next time you are questioning your salvation or are discouraged will you make a commitment to read your Bible? Would you look for Jesus in the pages of the Book? It will not necessarily change your situation but it will change YOU and allow you to face the situation with a renewed faith in God.
Thank God for His word that points us to Jesus.
Take time and memorize Hebrews 4:12 this week. Write it on a 3x5 and stick it in your car, on the fridge, on your mirror …. wherever. Memorize it in a translation that you are used to and read on a regular basis.
DevoLink: Devotions to help you Link with God.
