WWUTT 2528 Jesus Opens to Them the Scriptures (Luke 24:25-35)

The Road to Emmaus and Jesus Opening the Scriptures

Jesus appeared to two disciples after he had risen from the dead and explained to them from the scriptures all the things pertaining to himself that the Law and the Prophets point to Jesus when we understand the text.

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Here once again is Pastor Gabe.

Thank you, Becky. In our study of the Gospel of Luke, we finish up the road to Emmaus narrative today. I'm going to go ahead and read through that whole thing again. So let me start in verse 13 and go through verse 35.

Hear the word of the Lord. That very day, two disciples were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened.

While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, what is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?

And they stood still looking sad. Then one of them named Cleopas answered him. Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days? And he said to them, what things?

And they said to him concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty indeed and word before God and all the people and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death and crucified him.

But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.

Yes.

And besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happen. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive.

Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see. And he said to them, oh, foolish ones and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.

Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures, the things concerning himself.

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly saying, stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.

So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him and he vanished from their sight.

They said to each other, did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures? And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the 11 and those who were with them gathered together saying, the Lord has risen indeed and has appeared to Simon.

Then they told what had happened on the road and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. Such a wonderful account. I love reading it every time. So yesterday we ended with the disciples explaining to Jesus all the things that had happened in Jerusalem in these last few days that the women, even this morning, they had gone to the tomb and they found it empty.

Simon Peter had gone. He went to the tomb and he found it empty. The body of Jesus they did not see. And so they're baffled by this. They don't understand it. And Jesus says to them in verse 25, Oh, foolish ones and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.

Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? Now, note back at verse 17 that when Jesus first asked them, what is this conversation that you're holding with each other as you walk?

What was their response to that? It says that they stood still looking sad. So you can imagine as they're walking along, Jesus asked them, like, what are you talking about? As if they're hearing him say, I have no idea what you're discussing.

Like, what are these things that you've talked about in Jerusalem? And they just stop. So you can imagine the picture that he he asked him, Oh, what are you guys talking about? And they just stop. They're just standing there like stunned that he would ask that question.

And they're looking sad. And then one of them says, Cleopas says, are you the only visitor who does not know what's happened these last few days? But that statement about them looking sad. It's interesting that Luke includes that they stood still looking sad.

Now, here's my question before I get to Jesus response. Then in verse 27, did these two disciples have a reason to be sad? The answer is they did not. Why? Because they should have known concerning his death.

There's no reason. There's no there's no problem with those people being sad at the cross of Christ. That surely was a sad thing to see. It would have been grievous, even if they understood everything that was going on, even if they knew the scriptures and they knew why Jesus was being put to death.

It still should have greatly mourned them because the sinless son of God is being put to death by sinful men. You're watching. As God himself in flesh, God incarnate. Is being put to death and you're realizing if you had understood all the scriptures, even if you knew everything that was going on, you're looking at this and you're realizing my sin put him there.

It's because of my sin that he's being crucified. And that would have caused you to grieve. So it certainly would have been sad. The crucifixion would have been sad. It would not have been for anybody to stand there dancing and rejoicing.

Oh, he's dying for my sins. No, it's the very fact that we have sin and we deserve God's wrath, that Jesus is there instead taking the wrath of God upon himself as he hung on the cross. That is something that that should indeed mourn us to think about.

Just as when we come to faith in Jesus Christ, we mourn over our sin. Knowing that my sin against God is why I deserve to die. I do deserve the judgment of God. And we grieve over our sin, but then rejoice in hearing the gospel.

That all who believe in Jesus will not perish. But we, too, will rise from the dead with him and live with him forever in his glorious kingdom. The gospel, which means good news, brings our mourning into rejoicing.

It turns our sorrow into gladness is the psalm says. And that's what Jesus does for these disciples right here. Now, the disciples did not have a reason to be sad because of Jesus rising from the dead.

Why would they be sad about that? But they did not yet understand that that's what had taken place. They still did not yet believe it. Even in Matthew, chapter 28, when we get to the close of that gospel, it says that many saw him alive, but some doubted even seeing with their own eyes that he was back from the dead.

They still didn't understand what this meant. And it's not until Jesus explains the scriptures to them that they understand what this means. And so his explanation of the scriptures becomes to them the good news.

They should be rejoicing that he's risen from the dead, but they don't yet understand it. So now in explaining the scriptures and opening their minds to see what they yet did not see, this would be the cause of their rejoicing.

That the Christ has come and suffered and risen again from the dead so that they had no reason to be sorrowful anymore. But their hearts were revived within them. Even they say later on, did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?

So they were even being filled with hopefulness as he was explaining these things. So verses 25 and 20, 25 to 27, again, Jesus saying to them, oh, foolish ones and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.

Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? Jesus told them he was going to, but now he's explaining this to them from the scriptures. Verse 27 and beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures, the things concerning himself.

What would some of those things be perhaps? Well, time does not serve me well to be able to go through all of it. I only have about 10 more minutes left in this broadcast, given the time allotments that I provide to myself.

Whereas the conversation that Jesus was having with these two men lasted seven miles. I don't know when the last time was you walked seven miles, but it takes a while to get to where you're going. So he had plenty of time to explain these things to them.

And this would have been a lively discussion. Luke has even set this up for us in this way that they're talking. Jesus says, hey, what are you talking about? And they're astonished by this. And they they kind of push back.

And then Jesus gives them a response. And that's the way this conversation would have gone. So even as Jesus is explaining these things to them, they still would have been asking questions. But what about this?

How do you know it meant that? And things like that as they as they're walking and talking. So where would Jesus have started? Since it says here, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them all the scriptures that concerned himself.

Well, Moses would have started with which book?

Genesis.

Right.

Genesis was written by Moses. And he would have gone through all the prophets, ending with which book? Which book does he end with? Malachi. The last book in the Old Testament. Malachi chapter four, which even the last verses of Malachi chapter four are about the Christ.

So how does Jesus begin? Perhaps talking about the Garden of Eden. And then even speaking of Genesis 3 .15. The curse that was given to the serpent. When God said to him, that which we refer to as the Proto-Evangelium, the first gospel, first announcement of the gospel.

God says to the serpent, I will put enmity between your seed and the woman's seed. He will crush your head and you will lose his heel. And Jesus would have been saying to these two disciples that that was about him.

That was about the Christ. That he was going to come and he would be bruised. Which also is a reference to Isaiah 53. I'm getting to that one in a moment. So he would be bruised, but he would crush the schemes of Satan.

The work that the devil has done from the Garden of Eden on. Jesus would undo by his death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. Then there's the promise that was given to Abraham. Your seed in your through your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.

And the disciples would not have known how that would have come to fulfillment. But Jesus is pointing out to them. It happens through the Christ who is the seed of Abraham. And he comes to accomplish all that the father has sent him to do.

So that whoever believes in him receives the blessing of God. He would have talked about the Paschal lamb in Exodus chapter 12. The Passover lamb. How this was pointing to Christ. We'll even read about that when we get to John in John chapter 1.

Where John the Baptist himself referred to Jesus as. The pure and spotless lamb who takes away the sin of the world. The lamb of God who takes away our sin. Christ would have talked about Passover. And how he was the fulfillment of Passover.

He would have referenced to them the scapegoat. In Leviticus chapter 16. Where one goat is given into the wilderness. Another is sacrificed. All of the sins that are placed onto the wilderness and sent to Azazel.

As it says there in Leviticus 16. And Jesus is the one on whom our burdens are laid. And he pays the price for our sin. He would have talked about the bronze serpent. In Numbers chapter 21 verse 9. Just as Jesus talked about with Nicodemus in John chapter 3.

So Jesus would have explained this with these disciples as well. Just as the serpent was raised up in the wilderness. So that whoever would look at it would not perish of their snake bites. So must the son of man be raised up.

So that whoever looks upon him will not perish. But have eternal life. He would have referenced Deuteronomy 18 .15. Where Moses talks about a prophet who was going to come. That the children of Israel must listen to.

A prophet that's even greater than him. The greater prophet. And Jesus is telling these two disciples. How Jesus is the fulfillment of that prophecy that came from Moses. What about the reference to the star and the scepter in Numbers 24 .17.

That's one that I just shared with my church recently. You have the prophecy that was made by Balaam. You know the guy whose donkey talked to him. Balaam made a prophecy about a star that would rise. And a scepter that would come from Judah.

Even the Magi understood what that meant. And that's why they came looking for the Christ child in Matthew chapter 2. We think about that every Christmas. Jesus would have been giving them a Christmas story.

Christmas narrative right there. About how this prophecy in Numbers 24 .17 was pointing to the Christ. How about how Christ was the smitten rock. From whom water flows. Even Paul made that connection in 1 Corinthians 10 .4.

That the rock is Christ. Jesus would have shown that to these disciples also. What about the prophecy of the coming of Emmanuel. Since I've mentioned Christmas already. Then we have Isaiah 7 .14. The virgin will be with child.

How about the prophecy in Isaiah 9 .6 -7. Unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given. And the government will be upon his shoulders. Jesus is telling them. That this was about him. What about the prophecy concerning the good shepherd.

Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd. Isaiah 40 .10 -11. Behold the Lord God who comes with a strong hand. And his arm shall rule for him. His reward is with him. And his work is before him. And Jesus is pointing out to these disciples.

That was about him. What about Isaiah 53. Oh of course. How he is the one who bore our griefs. And carried our sorrows. He was smitten of God and afflicted. But by his wounds we are healed. All we who are like sheep have gone astray.

We have turned everyone to his own way. And the Lord has laid upon him the iniquity of us all. It pleased the Lord to crush him. And his sacrifice makes atonement for our transgressions. From Isaiah we go to the prophet Jeremiah.

We read about the righteous branch. In Jeremiah 23 .5. The branch of David. And a king shall reign and prosper. And shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. Jesus is pointing out that was about him.

What about the heir of David. In Ezekiel 34 .23. I will set up one shepherd over them. And he shall feed them. Even my servant David. And he shall be their shepherd. What about the ruler from Bethlehem.

Micah 5 .2. You Bethlehem Ephrathah. Though you be little among the thousands of Judah. Yet out of you shall come forth. One who will be a ruler in Israel. Whose goings forth have been from of old. From everlasting.

Zechariah also speaks of the branch. In Zechariah 6 .12. The lowly king in Zechariah 9 .9. Who comes riding on a donkey's colt. And Jesus showing to these two disciples. That was about the Christ.

You were there.

You saw it. Those who were shouting Hosanna. Hosanna blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. The words that come from the Psalms. What about the pierced victim. In Zechariah 12 .10. I will pour on the house of David.

And the inhabitants of Jerusalem. The spirit of grace and of supplications. And they shall look on me. Whom they have pierced. And they shall mourn for him. As one mourns for his only son. And shall be in bitterness for him.

As one that is in bitterness for his first born. What about the smitten shepherd. In Zechariah 13 .7. Awake O sword against my shepherd. And against the man that is my fellow. Said the Lord of hosts. Smite the shepherd.

And the sheep will be scattered. And I will turn my hand. Surely he would have been pointing out to these disciples. The shepherd was struck. The sheep scattered. Remember what happened in the garden.

What about the messenger of the covenant. In Malachi 3 .1. I will send my messenger. And he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek. Will suddenly come to his temple. Even the messenger of the covenant.

Whom you delight in. Behold he shall come. Says the Lord of hosts. There's the reference to the son of righteousness. We sing about the son of righteousness. And hark the herald angels sing. That's out of Malachi 4 .2.

But for you who fear my name. The son. And S-U-N of righteousness. Shall rise with healing in its wings. And even the last verses of Malachi. Point to the Christ. Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet.

Before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children. And the hearts of children to their fathers. Lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.

And this is the Christ who has come. Who has turned back the hand of God's wrath. By his sacrifice on the cross. And instead the hand of God's love and affection. Extended toward us. Receiving us unto himself.

Through Christ his son. Who was given on our behalf. And this is how Christ. Went through. Moses and the prophets. And showed. To these disciples. How all of these things were pointing to him. And he interpreted to them in all the scriptures.

The things concerning himself. And so verse 28. They drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly saying. Stay with us for it is toward evening.

And the day is now far spent. So he went in to stay with them. And when he was at table with them. Once again. He took the bread and blessed and broke it. And gave it to them. And their eyes were open.

And they recognized him. What would that have been like? My soul. I cannot even imagine. It would have been the shock of all shocks. To be sitting there with Jesus risen. We were walking with him on the road.

For how many miles.

And here we are.

And he's eating with us. And the moment they notice. He vanishes from their sight.

He's gone.

And they say to each other. Did not our hearts burn within us. While he talked to us on the road. While he opened to us the scriptures. And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. Now I don't even know how that would have happened.

What would that have been like? They are so excited. They're ready to go back to Jerusalem. They've already said. The day is far spent. So stay with us. So they're going back in the darkness. Lighting torches.

It's not like they were streetlights. All the way from Emmaus to Jerusalem. They're lighting torches and heading back to the city. And they find the 11. And those who are with them gathered together saying.

The Lord has risen indeed. And appeared to Simon. Now it appears here in verse 34. That this statement is coming from the 11. So once they get back to Jerusalem. And they find the 11. It's the 11 who are saying to them.

The Lord has risen. Simon has seen him. And now they who have come from Emmaus. Tell the 11 what had happened on the road. And how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. And that concludes the road to Emmaus narrative.

Now even as I went through some Old Testament scriptures there. And pointed out to you some of those things. Jesus would have said concerning himself. To these disciples. That's not exhaustive. So there are certainly many other scriptures.

Like I said I just did that in a few minutes. Jesus was with them for a few hours. But there are many other scriptures of course that point to the Christ. And how he fulfilled these things that were written down in the law and the prophets.

For us. So that we would look on him and know that he is the one. Whom the father had given. As a sacrifice for our sins. So that whoever believes in him. We are reconciled to God. And have the promise of eternal life.

Heavenly father. May these things matter to us. May they mean something great to us. When we read these at Christmas or any other time. We know that the Christ has come. He has given himself for the forgiveness of our sins.

So that whoever believes in him. Will not perish but live forever. May this also motivate in us to live lives of godliness in the present day. We ask these things in Jesus name.

Amen.