Luke 24:13-35
Introduction
The road to enlightenment often raises images of eastern mysticism, Buddhism, Hinduism, self-help methodologies, and the pluralities of religious experience. The Happy Science webpage states, “Enlightenment is to know our own true nature, the true nature of the world, and the purpose and meaning of life. Attaining enlightenment is the greatest possible happiness for a human being.”1 Now before you tar and feather me, label me as a heretic, or think I’ve lost my mind and my Christianity, let me say that enlightenment is knowing your true nature, the true nature of the world, and the purpose of meaning in life from a biblical worldview perspective informed by the Word of God. Systematic theology books devote major sections to understanding our true nature that is sinful because of the fall. The only way that we can be restored to God is not through self-help and personal reflection such as Buddhism and Hinduism teach, but through repentance of sin and faith in Christ Jesus. The Bible reveals the truth about the world as well as the purpose and meaning of life. Our purpose is found in a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe who designed us with a plan for our lives to bring honor and glory to God. That is the sense that I am employing the road to enlightenment today.
This is Resurrection Sunday, the climax of Holy Week. Christians all over the world are celebrating the resurrection of the Lord Jesus today, even though most of the churches are meeting in homes or through the Internet due to the global pandemic. We worship Jesus who gives us hope and direction in the midst of trying circumstances. He has promised that he will never leave or forsake us (Heb 13:5). He is always present with us.
This morning at 7:00 am, we shared in a Sunrise Service. We had hoped to have a drive-in service, but due to the forecast, we offered a virtual service instead. You can view that service at EnoreeBaptistChurch.com or the Enoree Baptist Church Facebook page. At that service, I preached on the resurrection account in Luke 24 that directly precedes the text for this service. Jesus Christ, the sinless Lamb of God, was executed on a rugged cross by crucifixion. Even though he had never sinned, he became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in him (2 Cor 5:21). After he finished his redemptive work on the cross, Jesus committed his spirit to God. Joseph of Arimathea buried the Lord Jesus in a tomb cut into a rock where no one had yet been laid. On Sunday morning, the first day of the week, the women who were at the crucifixion came to the tomb to anoint the body of the Lord for burial. When they arrived, they found that the stone had been rolled away. It is important to note that the stone was not rolled away so that the Messiah could get out, but so the witnesses could look in and see the empty tomb. The women were perplexed, but two men appeared in dazzling apparel. There is no doubt that these men were angels, messengers from God. The women were frightened and looked down at the ground. The angels asked them why they were looking for the living among the dead. He is not here, but has risen (Luke 24:6). The women left the tomb to share the good news with the eleven and all the rest. The message was unbelievable. They thought the women were just sharing idle talk. But Peter, the one who denied knowing Christ, ran to the tomb. When he looked inside, he saw the linen cloths by themselves. Peter returned home, marveling at what he had witnessed.
On the Road to Enlightenment
On the same day two of the “other” disciples, who heard about the resurrection from the women, were going to a village named Emmaus. They were discussing the events that had occurred in Jerusalem around the Passover.
As they were talking, Jesus came near them and joined them on their journey, but the two disciples were kept from recognizing him. He asked what they were discussing. Sadness overwhelmed them as they asked, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” (Luke 24:18, ESV). They told him about Jesus of Nazareth, stating that he was a mighty prophet in deed and word. The chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death and crucified him. The two disciples were overcome with grief because their hope was gone. That is always a dangerous place to be. They had hoped that Jesus would redeem Israel. They were unable to see past their grief. Jesus had been dead for three days. However, some women in the early morning on Sunday went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away, but the body of Jesus that they came to anoint for burial was not in the tomb. When they could not find his body, they returned and reported to the disciples that they had seen angels who told them that Jesus was alive. Some of the disciples went to the tomb and verified that it was empty, but they did not see Jesus.
At this point, Jesus took the lead in the conversation. He called the two disciples foolish, saying they were slow of heart to believe all that the prophets had spoken. It was necessary for Jesus to suffer, die, and enter into his glory. It is only through his sacrificial death and resurrection that we can have an eternal relationship with God. He died for our sins so that we can be rescued and enjoy the eternal life that Jesus came to give us. Then Jesus began with Moses and all the prophets, interpreting for the disciples all that the Scriptures taught concerning the Messiah. All of the prophets point to the Messiah and God’s redemption through him. It is likely that the suffering servant text of Isaiah 53 was used by the Lord in this discussion. Jesus was despised and rejected by the Jewish leaders and rulers. He bore our grief and carried our sorrows. He was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities, and by his wounds we are healed. All of us go astray, seeking our way rather than God’s way. He was punished for the iniquity of us all (Is 53:3-6).
Jesus Reveals Himself
As the traveling group approached Emmaus, Jesus acted as if he was going farther, but the two disciples urged him strongly to stay with them because evening was approaching. So, Jesus went to stay with them. When the disciples were with him reclining at the table, Jesus took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. At this moment the eyes of the disciples were opened and they recognized Jesus. Immediately, Jesus vanished from their sight. When Jesus reveals himself, he is recognized by all who look to him. The two disciples were astonished at the revelation. They confirmed that they had seen the risen Lord, remembering how their hearts burned within them as Jesus talked to them on the road and opened and explained the Scriptures to them.
Perhaps the Lord is revealing himself to you through the power of the Holy Spirit as you examine this text. These disciples were overcome by their grief before Jesus approached them. You may be grieving over your sins, recognizing how much you need the risen Lord. The kingdom of God is near to you. Repent of your sins and believe the gospel. As Christ is revealed to you, he will warm your heart and give you peace. The enemy, the devil, will attempt to rob you of your joy in Christ. It is important to connect to the body of Christ, a local church. Reach out to a believer in whom you have confidence. Share with your friend how the Lord convicted you of your sin and how you responded in repentance and faith. Let us know what God has done in your life. We would love to encourage you in your walk with the Lord and connect you to a local body of believers.
Affirmation of the Resurrection
The two disciples’ journey began in despair, but turned into joy. They rose that same hour, even though the day was spent, and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and those who were gathered with them. They, too, were filled with joy because the Lord had appeared to Simon Peter. He is risen indeed! They the two disciples shared their encounter with the risen Lord on the road to Emmaus, describing how he explained the Scriptures to them. They told them they recognized the Lord when he prayed and broke the bread. They were overcome with joy as they celebrated the resurrection of the Lord. New Testament scholar, Robert Stein proclaims that this pericope is the most important passage in the Gospel for understanding how Luke interpreted Jesus’ death. On the human level, Luke makes it clear that the Jewish leadership is responsible for crucifying Jesus. However, Jesus’ death is clearly ordained by God; it was the only way that Jesus could fulfill the will of the Father, provide redemption for sinful people, and enter into his glory. Jesus death is not a mere tragedy carried out by sinful men. It was a divine necessity that fulfilled the teachings of the Scriptures and provided forgiveness of sin to all who believe and receive Christ.2
Applications
- Seek meaning and true purpose in life through the risen Lord. Jesus is the road to enlightenment and salvation. In John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (ESV).
- Find strength and comfort in the risen Lord. Jesus rose from the dead. There is more historical evidence that Jesus rose from the dead than there is that Alexander the Great ever lived. No one questions the historicity of Alexander. Why should we question the resurrection? We serve a risen savior who is active in our lives and in the world.
- Listen to Jesus when he speaks, revealing himself.
- Live in obedience to the risen Lord. It was necessary for Jesus to die. He conquered sin, death, and the grave to provide salvation for us. Our only appropriate response is to live in obedient submission to his will.
- Be thankful. Remember the body of Christ that was broken for you. He poured out his blood for the remission of sin. What a Savior!