Revised Common Lectionary for Resurrection of the Lord, 20 April 2014

Revised Common Lectionary for Resurrection of the Lord, 20 April 2014

Easter Day

PRAYER: Thematic

Mighty God,

in whom we know the power of redemption,

you stand among us in the shadows of our time.

As we move through every sorrow and trial of this life,

uphold us with knowledge of the final morning

when, in the glorious presence of your risen Son,

we will share in his resurrection,

redeemed and restored to the fullness of life

and forever freed to be your people. Amen.

OR

Living God,

long ago, faithful women

proclaimed the good news

of Jesus' resurrection,

and the world was changed forever.

Teach us to keep faith with them,

that our witness may be as bold,

our love as deep,

and our faith as true. Amen.

OR

Creator of the universe,

you made the world in beauty,

and restore all things in glory

through the victory of Jesus Christ.

We pray that, wherever your image is still disfigured

by poverty, sickness, selfishness, war and greed,

the new creation in Jesus Christ may appear in justice, love, and peace,

to the glory of your name. Amen.

Intercessory

Let us pray for the needs of the church and the world

to God who raised Jesus to new life.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Through the resurrection of your son, O God,

you destroy the power of death

and remove your people's shame.

By the power of the Spirit,

raise us from sin

and seat us at the paschal feast,

that we may rejoice in the gift of salvation

Jesus has won for us. Amen.

Scripture

Resurrecting God,

you conquered death

and opened the gates of life everlasting.

In the power of the Holy Spirit,

raise us with Christ

that we, too, may proclaim

healing and peace to the nations. Amen

Lectionary Scriptures:

*Acts 10: Gentiles Hear the Good News

34 Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37 That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40 but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Jeremiah 31: The Joyful Return of the Exiles

1 At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.

2 Thus says the Lord:

The people who survived the sword

    found grace in the wilderness;

when Israel sought for rest,

3     the Lord appeared to him[a] from far away.[b]

I have loved you with an everlasting love;

    therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

4 Again I will build you, and you shall be built,

    O virgin Israel!

Again you shall take[c] your tambourines,

    and go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.

5 Again you shall plant vineyards

    on the mountains of Samaria;

the planters shall plant,

    and shall enjoy the fruit.

6 For there shall be a day when sentinels will call

    in the hill country of Ephraim:

“Come, let us go up to Zion,

    to the Lord our God.”

Footnotes:

a. Jeremiah 31:3 Gk: Heb me

b. Jeremiah 31:3 Or to him long ago

c. Jeremiah 31:4 Or adorn yourself with

Psalm 118: A Song of Victory

1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

    his steadfast love endures forever!

2 Let Israel say,

    “His steadfast love endures forever.”

14 The Lord is my strength and my might;

    he has become my salvation.

15 There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous:

“The right hand of the Lord does valiantly;

16     the right hand of the Lord is exalted;

    the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.”

17 I shall not die, but I shall live,

    and recount the deeds of the Lord.

18 The Lord has punished me severely,

    but he did not give me over to death.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,

    that I may enter through them

    and give thanks to the Lord.

20 This is the gate of the Lord;

    the righteous shall enter through it.

21 I thank you that you have answered me

    and have become my salvation.

22 The stone that the builders rejected

    has become the chief cornerstone.

23 This is the Lord’s doing;

    it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day that the Lord has made;

    let us rejoice and be glad in it.[a]

Footnotes:

a. Psalm 118:24 Or in him

Colossians 3: The New Life in Christ

1 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3 for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your[a] life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

Footnotes:

a. Colossians 3:4 Other authorities read our

Acts 10: Gentiles Hear the Good News

34 Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37 That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40 but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

John 20: The Resurrection of Jesus

1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. 4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7 and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples returned to their homes.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look[a] into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew,[b] “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Footnotes:

a. John 20:11 Gk lacks to look

b. John 20:16 That is, Aramaic

Matthew 28: The Resurrection of Jesus

1 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he[a] lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead,[b] and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Footnotes:

a. Matthew 28:6 Other ancient authorities read the Lord

b. Matthew 28:7 Other ancient authorities lack from the dead

John Wesley’s Notes-Commentary for

*Acts 10:34-43

Verse 34

[34] Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

I perceive of a truth — More clearly than ever, from such a concurrence of circumstances.

That God is not a respecter of persons — Is not partial in his love. The words mean, in a particular sense, that he does not confine his love to one nation; in a general, that he is loving to every man, and willeth all men should be saved.

Verse 35

[35] But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

But in every nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousness — He that, first, reverences God, as great, wise, good, the cause, end, and governor of all things; and secondly, from this awful regard to him, not only avoids all known evil, but endeavours, according to the best light he has, to do all things well; is accepted of him - Through Christ, though he knows him not. The assertion is express, and admits of no exception. He is in the favour of God, whether enjoying his written word and ordinances or not. Nevertheless the addition of these is an unspeakable blessing to those who were before in some measure accepted. Otherwise God would never have sent an angel from heaven to direct Cornelius to St. Peter.

Verse 36

[36] The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

This is the word which God sent — When he sent his Son into the world, preaching - Proclaiming by him-peace between God and man, whether Jew or Gentile, by the God-man. He is Lord of both; yea, Lord of and over all.

Verse 37

[37] That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

Ye know the word which was published — You know the facts in general, the meaning of which I shall now more particularly explain and confirm to you.

The baptism which John preached — To which he invited them by his preaching, in token of their repentance. This began in Galilee, which is near Cesarea.

Verse 38

[38] How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

How God anointed Jesus — Particularly at his baptism, thereby inaugurating him to his office: with the Holy Ghost and with power - It is worthy our remark, that frequently when the Holy Ghost is mentioned there is added a word particularly adapted to the present circumstance. So the deacons were to be full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, Acts 6:3. Barnabas was full of the Holy Ghost and faith, Acts 11:24. The disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost, Acts 13:52. And here, where his mighty works are mentioned, Christ himself is said to be anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power. For God was with him-He speaks sparingly here of the majesty of Christ, as considering the state of his hearers.

Verse 41

[41] Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

Not now to all the people — As before his death; to us who did eat and drink with him - That is, conversed familiarly and continually with him, in the time of his ministry.

Verse 42

[42] And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

It is he who is ordained by God the Judge of the living and the dead — Of all men, whether they are alive at his coming, or had died before it. This was declaring to them, in the strongest terms, how entirely their happiness depended on a timely and humble subjection to him who was to be their final Judge.

Verse 43

[43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

To him give all the prophets witness — Speaking to heathens he does not quote any in particular; that every one who believeth in him - Whether he be Jew or Gentile; receiveth remission of sins - Though he had not before either feared God, or worked righteousness.

Jeremiah 31:1-6

Verse 2

[2] Thus saith the LORD, The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.

To rest — In Canaan.

Verse 5

[5] Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat them as common things.

Samaria — Samaria was the metropolis of the ten tribes. Mountains are convenient for vineyards, being free from shades and exposed to the sun.

Shall plant — God promises them a liberty to plant, and that they should enjoy their plantations, eating them as common things, which they could not do 'till the fifth year.

Verse 6

[6] For there shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the LORD our God.

Arise — This was fulfilled under the gospel; for both Galilee and Samaria received the gospel.

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

Verse 14

[14] The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

Salvation — My Saviour.

Verse 15

[15] The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

Doth valiantly — These are the words of that song of praise now mentioned.

Verse 16

[16] The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

Exalted — Hath appeared evidently, and wrought powerfully and gloriously.

Verse 19

[19] Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:

Open — O ye porters, appointed by God for this work.

The gates — Of the Lord's tabernacle: where the rule of righteousness was kept and taught, and the sacrifices of righteousness were offered.

Verse 20

[20] This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.

The righteous — As David was a type of Christ and the temple of heaven, so this place hath a farther prospect than David, and relates to Christ's ascending into heaven, and opening the gates of that blessed temple, both for himself and for all believers.

Verse 22

[22] The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

The builders — The commonwealth of Israel and the church of God are here and elsewhere compared to a building, wherein, as the people are the stones, so the princes and rulers are the builders. And as these master-builders rejected David, so their successors rejected Christ.

Head stone — The chief stone in the whole building, by which the several parts of the building are upheld and firmly united together. Thus David united all the tribes and families of Israel: and thus Christ united Jews and Gentiles together. And therefore this place is justly expounded of Christ, Mark 12:10; Acts 4:11; Romans 9:32; Ephesians 2:20. And to him the words agree more properly than to David.

Verse 24

[24] This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Made — Or sanctified as a season never to be forgotten.

Colossians 3:1-4

Verse 1

[1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

If ye are risen, seek the things above — As Christ being risen, immediately went to heaven.

Verse 3

[3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

For ye are dead — To the things on earth. And your real, spiritual life is hid from the world, and laid up in God, with Christ - Who hath merited, promised, prepared it for us, and gives us the earnest and foretaste of it in our hearts.

Verse 4

[4] When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

When Christ — The abruptness of the sentence surrounds us with sudden light.

Our life — The fountain of holiness and glory.

Shall appear — In the clouds of heaven.

Acts 10:34-43

Verse 34

[34] Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

I perceive of a truth — More clearly than ever, from such a concurrence of circumstances.

That God is not a respecter of persons — Is not partial in his love. The words mean, in a particular sense, that he does not confine his love to one nation; in a general, that he is loving to every man, and willeth all men should be saved.

Verse 35

[35] But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

But in every nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousness — He that, first, reverences God, as great, wise, good, the cause, end, and governor of all things; and secondly, from this awful regard to him, not only avoids all known evil, but endeavours, according to the best light he has, to do all things well; is accepted of him - Through Christ, though he knows him not. The assertion is express, and admits of no exception. He is in the favour of God, whether enjoying his written word and ordinances or not. Nevertheless the addition of these is an unspeakable blessing to those who were before in some measure accepted. Otherwise God would never have sent an angel from heaven to direct Cornelius to St. Peter.

Verse 36

[36] The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

This is the word which God sent — When he sent his Son into the world, preaching - Proclaiming by him-peace between God and man, whether Jew or Gentile, by the God-man. He is Lord of both; yea, Lord of and over all.

Verse 37

[37] That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

Ye know the word which was published — You know the facts in general, the meaning of which I shall now more particularly explain and confirm to you.

The baptism which John preached — To which he invited them by his preaching, in token of their repentance. This began in Galilee, which is near Cesarea.

Verse 38

[38] How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

How God anointed Jesus — Particularly at his baptism, thereby inaugurating him to his office: with the Holy Ghost and with power - It is worthy our remark, that frequently when the Holy Ghost is mentioned there is added a word particularly adapted to the present circumstance. So the deacons were to be full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, Acts 6:3. Barnabas was full of the Holy Ghost and faith, Acts 11:24. The disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost, Acts 13:52. And here, where his mighty works are mentioned, Christ himself is said to be anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power. For God was with him-He speaks sparingly here of the majesty of Christ, as considering the state of his hearers.

Verse 41

[41] Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

Not now to all the people — As before his death; to us who did eat and drink with him - That is, conversed familiarly and continually with him, in the time of his ministry.

Verse 42

[42] And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

It is he who is ordained by God the Judge of the living and the dead — Of all men, whether they are alive at his coming, or had died before it. This was declaring to them, in the strongest terms, how entirely their happiness depended on a timely and humble subjection to him who was to be their final Judge.

Verse 43

[43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

To him give all the prophets witness — Speaking to heathens he does not quote any in particular; that every one who believeth in him - Whether he be Jew or Gentile; receiveth remission of sins - Though he had not before either feared God, or worked righteousness.

John 20:1-18

Verse 3

[3] Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

Peter went out — Of the city.

Verse 6

[6] Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

Peter seeth the linen clothes lie — and the napkin folded up - The angels who ministered to him when he rose, undoubtedly folded up the napkin and linen clothes.

Verse 8

[8] Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

He saw — That the body was not there, and believed - That they had taken it away as Mary said.

Verse 9

[9] For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

For as yet — They had no thought of his rising again.

Verse 10

[10] Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

They went home — Not seeing what they could do farther.

Verse 11

[11] But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

But Mary stood — With more constancy. Mark 16:9.

Verse 16

[16] Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

Jesus saith to her, Mary — With his usual voice and accent.

Verse 17

[17] Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Touch me not — Or rather, Do not cling to me (for she held him by the feet,) Matthew 28:9. Detain me not now. You will have other opportunities of conversing with me. For I am not ascended to my Father - I have not yet left the world. But go immediately to my brethren - Thus does he intimate in the strongest manner the forgiveness of their fault, even without ever mentioning it. These exquisite touches, which every where abound in the evangelical writings, show how perfectly Christ knew our frame.

I ascend — He anticipates it in his thoughts, and so speaks of it as a thing already present. To my Father and your Father, to my God and your God - This uncommon expression shows that the only - begotten Son has all kind of fellowship with God. And a fellowship with God the Father, some way resembling his own, he bestows upon his brethren. Yet he does not say, Our God: for no creature can be raised to an equality with him: but my God and your God: intimating that the Father is his in a singular and incommunicable manner; and ours through him, in such a kind as a creature is capable of.

Matthew 28:1-10

Verse 2

[2] And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

An angel of the Lord had rolled away the stone and sat upon it — St. Luke and St. John speak of two angels that appeared: but it seems as if only one of them had appeared sitting on the stone without the sepulchre, and then going into it, was seen with another angel, sitting, one where the head, the other where the feet of the body had lain.

Verse 6

[6] He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Come, see the place where the Lord lay — Probably in speaking he rose up, and going before the women into the sepulchre, said, Come, see the place. This clearly reconciles what St. John relates, John 20:12, this being one of the two angels there mentioned.

Verse 7

[7] And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

There shall ye see him — In his solemn appearance to them all together. But their gracious Lord would not be absent so long: he appeared to them several times before then.

Lo, I have told you — A solemn confirmation of what he had said.

Verse 9

[9] And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

Hail — The word in its primary sense means, "Rejoice:" in its secondary and more usual meaning, "Happiness attend you."

Verse 10

[10] Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Go tell my brethren — I still own them as such, though they so lately disowned and forsook me.

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Revised Common Lectionary for Easter Evening, 20 April 2014

PRAYER: Thematic

Mighty God,

in whom we know the power of redemption,

you stand among us in the shadows of our time.

As we move through every sorrow and trial of this life,

uphold us with knowledge of the final morning

when, in the glorious presence of your risen Son,

we will share in his resurrection,

redeemed and restored to the fullness of life

and forever freed to be your people. Amen.

OR

Living God,

long ago, faithful women

proclaimed the good news

of Jesus' resurrection,

and the world was changed forever.

Teach us to keep faith with them,

that our witness may be as bold,

our love as deep,

and our faith as true. Amen.

OR

Creator of the universe,

you made the world in beauty,

and restore all things in glory

through the victory of Jesus Christ.

We pray that, wherever your image is still disfigured

by poverty, sickness, selfishness, war and greed,

the new creation in Jesus Christ may appear in justice, love, and peace,

to the glory of your name. Amen.

Intercessory

Let us pray for the needs of the church and the world

to God who raised Jesus to new life.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Through the resurrection of your son, O God,

you destroy the power of death

and remove your people's shame.

By the power of the Spirit,

raise us from sin

and seat us at the paschal feast,

that we may rejoice in the gift of salvation

Jesus has won for us. Amen.

Scripture

O God, at this evening hour,

the risen Christ revealed himself to his disciples

in the breaking of bread.

Feed us with the bread of life

and break open our hearts,

that we may know him

not only in the good news of the scriptures,

but risen in the midst of your pilgrim people. Amen.

Lectionary Scriptures:

Isaiah 25: 6 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples

    a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines,

    of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.

7 And he will destroy on this mountain

    the shroud that is cast over all peoples,

    the sheet that is spread over all nations;

8     he will swallow up death forever.

Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces,

    and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth,

    for the Lord has spoken.

9 It will be said on that day,

    Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us.

    This is the Lord for whom we have waited;

    let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Psalm 114: God’s Wonders at the Exodus

1 When Israel went out from Egypt,

    the house of Jacob from a people of strange language,

2 Judah became God’s[a] sanctuary,

    Israel his dominion.

3 The sea looked and fled;

    Jordan turned back.

4 The mountains skipped like rams,

    the hills like lambs.

5 Why is it, O sea, that you flee?

    O Jordan, that you turn back?

6 O mountains, that you skip like rams?

    O hills, like lambs?

7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,

    at the presence of the God of Jacob,

8 who turns the rock into a pool of water,

    the flint into a spring of water.

Footnotes:

a. Psalm 114:2 Heb his

1 Corinthians 5:6 Your boasting is not a good thing. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? 7 Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch, as you really are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Luke 24: The Walk to Emmaus

13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.[b] 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth,[c] who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.[d] Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” 25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah[e] should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us[f] while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

36 While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”[g] 37 They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.[h] 41 While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate in their presence.

44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah[i] is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses[j] of these things. 49 And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Footnotes:

a. Luke 24:13 Gk sixty stadia; other ancient authorities read a hundred sixty stadia

b. Luke 24:17 Other ancient authorities read walk along, looking sad?”

c. Luke 24:19 Other ancient authorities read Jesus the Nazorean

d. Luke 24:21 Or to set Israel free

e. Luke 24:26 Or the Christ

f. Luke 24:32 Other ancient authorities lack within us

g. Luke 24:36 Other ancient authorities lack and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

h. Luke 24:40 Other ancient authorities lack verse 40

i. Luke 24:46 Or the Christ

j. Luke 24:48 Or nations. Beginning from Jerusalem 48 you are witnesses

John Wesley’s Notes-Commentary for

Isaiah 25:6-9

Verse 6

[6] And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

And — In mount Zion, in God's church.

All people — Both Jews and Gentiles.

A feast — A feast made up of the most delicate provisions, which is manifestly meant of the ordinances, graces, and comforts given by God in his church.

Of wines — Which have continued upon the lees a competent time, whereby they gain strength, and are afterwards drawn off, and refined.

Verse 7

[7] And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.

The face — The covering of the face.

The veil — The ignorance of God, and of the true religion, which then was upon the Gentiles, and now is upon the Jews.

Verse 8

[8] He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.

He — Christ will by his death destroy the power of death, take away the sting of the first death, and prevent the second.

In victory — Heb. unto victory; so as to overcome it perfectly; which complete victory Christ hath already purchased for, and will in due time actually confer upon his people.

Rebuke — The reproach and contempt cast upon his faithful people by the ungodly world.

Verse 9

[9] And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Our God — Our Messiah, long since promised, and for whom we have waited long, is come into the world, bringing salvation with him.

Psalm 114

Verse 2

[2] Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his dominion.

Judah — Or Israel, one tribe being put for all. Judah he mentions as the chief of all the tribes.

Verse 4

[4] The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs.

The mountains — Horeb and Sinai, two tops of one mountain, and other neighbouring mountains.

Verse 7

[7] Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob;

Tremble — The mountains did more than what was fit at the appearance of the great God.

1 Corinthians 5:6b-8

Verse 6

[6] And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

These things — Mentioned, 1 Corinthians 1:10, etc. I have by a very obvious figure transferred to myself and Apollos - And Cephas, instead of naming those particular preachers at Corinth, to whom ye are so fondly attached.

That ye may learn by us — From what has been said concerning us, who, however eminent we are, are mere instruments in God's hand. Not to think of any man above what is here written - Or above what scripture warrants. 1 Corinthians 3:7

Verse 7

[7] For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

Who maketh thee to differ — Either in gifts or graces.

As if thou hadst not received it — As if thou hadst it originally from thyself.

Verse 8

[8] Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

Now ye are full — The Corinthians abounded with spiritual gifts; and so did the apostles: but the apostles, by continual want and sufferings, were kept from self - complacency. The Corinthians suffering nothing, and having plenty of all things, were pleased with and applauded themselves; and they were like children who, being raised in the world, disregard their poor parents. Now ye are full, says the apostle, in a beautiful gradation, ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings - A proverbial expression, denoting the most splendid and plentiful circumstances.

Without any thought of us. And I would ye did reign — In the best sense: I would ye had attained the height of holiness.

That we might reign with you — Having no more sorrow on your account, but sharing in your happiness.

Luke 24:13-49

Verse 13

[13] And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

Mark 16:12.

Verse 21

[21] But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

To-day is the third day — The day he should have risen again, if at all.

Verse 25

[25] Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

O foolish — Not understanding the designs and works of God: And slow of heart - Unready to believe what the prophets have so largely spoken.

Verse 26

[26] Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

Ought not Christ — If he would redeem man, and fulfil the prophecies concerning him, to have suffered these things? - These very sufferings which occasion your doubts, are the proofs of his being the Messiah.

And to enter into his glory — Which could be done no other way.

Verse 28

[28] And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

He made as though he would go farther — Walking forward, as if he was going on; and he would have done it, had they not pressed him to stay.

Verse 29

[29] But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

They constrained him — By their importunate entreaties.

Verse 30

[30] And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

He took the bread, and blessed, and brake — Just in the same manner as when ho instituted his last supper.

Verse 31

[31] And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

Their eyes were opened — That is, the supernatural cloud was removed: And he vanished - Went away insensibly.

Verse 32

[32] And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

Did not our heart burn within us — Did not we feel an unusual warmth of love! Was not our heart burning, etc.

Verse 33

[33] And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

The same hour — Late as it was.

Verse 34

[34] Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

The Lord hath appeared to Simon — Before he was seen of the twelve apostles, 1 Corinthians 15:5. He had, in his wonderful condescension and grace, taken an opportunity on the former part of that day (though where, or in what manner, is not recorded) to show himself to Peter, that he might early relieve his distresses and fears, on account of having so shamefully denied his Master.

Verse 35

[35] And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

In the breaking of bread — The Lord's Supper.

Verse 36

[36] And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Jesus stood in the midst of them — It was just as easy to his Divine power to open a door undiscernibly, as it was to come in at a door opened by some other hand. Mark 16:14,19; John 20:19.

Verse 40

[40] And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.

He showed them his hands and his feet — That they might either see or feel the prints of the nails.

Verse 41

[41] And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

While they believed not for joy — They did in some sense believe: otherwise they would not have rejoiced. But their excess of joy prevented a clear, rational belief.

Verse 43

[43] And he took it, and did eat before them.

He took it and ate before them — Not that he had any need of food; but to give them still farther evidence.

Verse 44

[44] And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

And he said — On the day of his ascension.

In the law, and the prophets, and the psalms — The prophecies as well as types, relating to the Messiah, are contained either in the books of Moses (usually called the law) in the Psalms, or in the writings of the prophets; little being said directly concerning him in the historical books.

Verse 45

[45] Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

Then opened he their understanding, to understand the Scriptures — He had explained them before to the two as they went to Emmaus. But still they Understood them not, till he took off the veil from their hearts, by the illumination of his Spirit.

Verse 47

[47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Beginning at Jerusalem — This was appointed most graciously and wisely: graciously, as it encouraged the, greatest sinners to repent, when they saw that even the murderers of Christ were not excepted from mercy: and wisely, as hereby Christianity was more abundantly attested; the facts being published first on the very spot where they happened.

Verse 49

[49] And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Behold I send the promise — Emphatically so called; the Holy Ghost.

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Revised Common Lectionary for Easter Evening, 20

April 2014

PRAYER: Thematic

Mighty God,

in whom we know the power of redemption,

you stand among us in the shadows of our time.

As we move through every sorrow and trial of this life,

uphold us with knowledge of the final morning

when, in the glorious presence of your risen Son,

we will share in his resurrection,

redeemed and restored to the fullness of life

and forever freed to be your people. Amen.

OR

Living God,

long ago, faithful women

proclaimed the good news

of Jesus' resurrection,

and the world was changed forever.

Teach us to keep faith with them,

that our witness may be as bold,

our love as deep,

and our faith as true. Amen.

OR

Creator of the universe,

you made the world in beauty,

and restore all things in glory

through the victory of Jesus Christ.

We pray that, wherever your image is still disfigured

by poverty, sickness, selfishness, war and greed,

the new creation in Jesus Christ may appear in justice, love, and peace,

to the glory of your name. Amen.

Intercessory

Let us pray for the needs of the church and the world

to God who raised Jesus to new life.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Through the resurrection of your son, O God,

you destroy the power of death

and remove your people's shame.

By the power of the Spirit,

raise us from sin

and seat us at the paschal feast,

that we may rejoice in the gift of salvation

Jesus has won for us. Amen.

Scripture

O God, at this evening hour,

the risen Christ revealed himself to his disciples

in the breaking of bread.

Feed us with the bread of life

and break open our hearts,

that we may know him

not only in the good news of the scriptures,

but risen in the midst of your pilgrim people. Amen.

Lectionary Scriptures:

Isaiah 25: 6 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples

    a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines,

    of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.

7 And he will destroy on this mountain

    the shroud that is cast over all peoples,

    the sheet that is spread over all nations;

8     he will swallow up death forever.

Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces,

    and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth,

    for the Lord has spoken.

9 It will be said on that day,

    Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us.

    This is the Lord for whom we have waited;

    let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Psalm 114: God’s Wonders at the Exodus

1 When Israel went out from Egypt,

    the house of Jacob from a people of strange language,

2 Judah became God’s[a] sanctuary,

    Israel his dominion.

3 The sea looked and fled;

    Jordan turned back.

4 The mountains skipped like rams,

    the hills like lambs.

5 Why is it, O sea, that you flee?

    O Jordan, that you turn back?

6 O mountains, that you skip like rams?

    O hills, like lambs?

7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,

    at the presence of the God of Jacob,

8 who turns the rock into a pool of water,

    the flint into a spring of water.

Footnotes:

a. Psalm 114:2 Heb his

1 Corinthians 5:6 Your boasting is not a good thing. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? 7 Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch, as you really are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Luke 24: The Walk to Emmaus

13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.[b] 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth,[c] who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.[d] Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” 25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah[e] should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us[f] while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

36 While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”[g] 37 They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.[h] 41 While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate in their presence.

44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah[i] is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses[j] of these things. 49 And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Footnotes:

a. Luke 24:13 Gk sixty stadia; other ancient authorities read a hundred sixty stadia

b. Luke 24:17 Other ancient authorities read walk along, looking sad?”

c. Luke 24:19 Other ancient authorities read Jesus the Nazorean

d. Luke 24:21 Or to set Israel free

e. Luke 24:26 Or the Christ

f. Luke 24:32 Other ancient authorities lack within us

g. Luke 24:36 Other ancient authorities lack and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

h. Luke 24:40 Other ancient authorities lack verse 40

i. Luke 24:46 Or the Christ

j. Luke 24:48 Or nations. Beginning from Jerusalem 48 you are witnesses

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John Wesley’s Notes-Commentary for

Isaiah 25:6-9

Verse 6

[6] And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

And — In mount Zion, in God's church.

All people — Both Jews and Gentiles.

A feast — A feast made up of the most delicate provisions, which is manifestly meant of the ordinances, graces, and comforts given by God in his church.

Of wines — Which have continued upon the lees a competent time, whereby they gain strength, and are afterwards drawn off, and refined.

Verse 7

[7] And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.

The face — The covering of the face.

The veil — The ignorance of God, and of the true religion, which then was upon the Gentiles, and now is upon the Jews.

Verse 8

[8] He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.

He — Christ will by his death destroy the power of death, take away the sting of the first death, and prevent the second.

In victory — Heb. unto victory; so as to overcome it perfectly; which complete victory Christ hath already purchased for, and will in due time actually confer upon his people.

Rebuke — The reproach and contempt cast upon his faithful people by the ungodly world.

Verse 9

[9] And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Our God — Our Messiah, long since promised, and for whom we have waited long, is come into the world, bringing salvation with him.

Psalm 114

Verse 2

[2] Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his dominion.

Judah — Or Israel, one tribe being put for all. Judah he mentions as the chief of all the tribes.

Verse 4

[4] The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs.

The mountains — Horeb and Sinai, two tops of one mountain, and other neighbouring mountains.

Verse 7

[7] Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob;

Tremble — The mountains did more than what was fit at the appearance of the great God.

1 Corinthians 5:6b-8

Verse 6

[6] And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

These things — Mentioned, 1 Corinthians 1:10, etc. I have by a very obvious figure transferred to myself and Apollos - And Cephas, instead of naming those particular preachers at Corinth, to whom ye are so fondly attached.

That ye may learn by us — From what has been said concerning us, who, however eminent we are, are mere instruments in God's hand. Not to think of any man above what is here written - Or above what scripture warrants. 1 Corinthians 3:7

Verse 7

[7] For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

Who maketh thee to differ — Either in gifts or graces.

As if thou hadst not received it — As if thou hadst it originally from thyself.

Verse 8

[8] Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

Now ye are full — The Corinthians abounded with spiritual gifts; and so did the apostles: but the apostles, by continual want and sufferings, were kept from self - complacency. The Corinthians suffering nothing, and having plenty of all things, were pleased with and applauded themselves; and they were like children who, being raised in the world, disregard their poor parents. Now ye are full, says the apostle, in a beautiful gradation, ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings - A proverbial expression, denoting the most splendid and plentiful circumstances.

Without any thought of us. And I would ye did reign — In the best sense: I would ye had attained the height of holiness.

That we might reign with you — Having no more sorrow on your account, but sharing in your happiness.

Luke 24:13-49

Verse 13

[13] And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

Mark 16:12.

Verse 21

[21] But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

To-day is the third day — The day he should have risen again, if at all.

Verse 25

[25] Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

O foolish — Not understanding the designs and works of God: And slow of heart - Unready to believe what the prophets have so largely spoken.

Verse 26

[26] Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

Ought not Christ — If he would redeem man, and fulfil the prophecies concerning him, to have suffered these things? - These very sufferings which occasion your doubts, are the proofs of his being the Messiah.

And to enter into his glory — Which could be done no other way.

Verse 28

[28] And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

He made as though he would go farther — Walking forward, as if he was going on; and he would have done it, had they not pressed him to stay.

Verse 29

[29] But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

They constrained him — By their importunate entreaties.

Verse 30

[30] And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

He took the bread, and blessed, and brake — Just in the same manner as when ho instituted his last supper.

Verse 31

[31] And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

Their eyes were opened — That is, the supernatural cloud was removed: And he vanished - Went away insensibly.

Verse 32

[32] And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

Did not our heart burn within us — Did not we feel an unusual warmth of love! Was not our heart burning, etc.

Verse 33

[33] And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

The same hour — Late as it was.

Verse 34

[34] Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

The Lord hath appeared to Simon — Before he was seen of the twelve apostles, 1 Corinthians 15:5. He had, in his wonderful condescension and grace, taken an opportunity on the former part of that day (though where, or in what manner, is not recorded) to show himself to Peter, that he might early relieve his distresses and fears, on account of having so shamefully denied his Master.

Verse 35

[35] And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

In the breaking of bread — The Lord's Supper.

Verse 36

[36] And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Jesus stood in the midst of them — It was just as easy to his Divine power to open a door undiscernibly, as it was to come in at a door opened by some other hand. Mark 16:14,19; John 20:19.

Verse 40

[40] And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.

He showed them his hands and his feet — That they might either see or feel the prints of the nails.

Verse 41

[41] And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

While they believed not for joy — They did in some sense believe: otherwise they would not have rejoiced. But their excess of joy prevented a clear, rational belief.

Verse 43

[43] And he took it, and did eat before them.

He took it and ate before them — Not that he had any need of food; but to give them still farther evidence.

Verse 44

[44] And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

And he said — On the day of his ascension.

In the law, and the prophets, and the psalms — The prophecies as well as types, relating to the Messiah, are contained either in the books of Moses (usually called the law) in the Psalms, or in the writings of the prophets; little being said directly concerning him in the historical books.

Verse 45

[45] Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

Then opened he their understanding, to understand the Scriptures — He had explained them before to the two as they went to Emmaus. But still they Understood them not, till he took off the veil from their hearts, by the illumination of his Spirit.

Verse 47

[47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Beginning at Jerusalem — This was appointed most graciously and wisely: graciously, as it encouraged the, greatest sinners to repent, when they saw that even the murderers of Christ were not excepted from mercy: and wisely, as hereby Christianity was more abundantly attested; the facts being published first on the very spot where they happened.

Verse 49

[49] And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Behold I send the promise — Emphatically so called; the Holy Ghost.

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