Revised Common Lectionary for Third Sunday of Easter, 4 May 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

O God, your Son remained with his disciples after his resurrection, teaching them to love all people as neighbors.

As his disciples in this age, we offer our prayers on behalf of the universe in which we are privileged to live and our neighbors with whom we share it.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Open our hearts to your power moving around us and between us and within us, until your glory is revealed in our love of both friend and enemy, in communities transformed by justice and compassion, and in the healing of all that is broken. Amen.

OR

Holy God, you have called us to follow in the way of your risen Son, and to care for those who are our companions, not only with words of comfort, but with acts of love.

Seeking to be true friends of all, we offer our prayers on behalf of the church and the world.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Guide us in the path of discipleship, so that, as you have blessed us, we may be a blessing for others, bringing the promise of the kingdom near by our words and deeds. Amen.

OR

Sisters and brothers in Christ, God invites us to bring our doubts and fears, our joys and concerns, our petitions and praise, and offer them for the earth and all its creatures.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Receive these prayers, O God, and transform us through them, that we may have eyes to see and hearts to understand not only what you do on our behalf, but what you call us to do so that your realm will come to fruition in glory. Amen.

Scripture

Elusive God, companion on the way, you walk behind, beside, beyond; you catch us unawares.

Break through the disillusionment and despair clouding our vision, that, with wide-eyed wonder, we may find our way and journey on as messengers of your good news. Amen.

Lectionary Scriptures:

*Acts 2: 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them, “You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

36 “Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.” 40 With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.

Psalm 116:1 I love Yahweh, because he listens to my voice, and my cries for mercy.

2 Because he has turned his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

3 The cords of death surrounded me. The pains of Sheol[a] got a hold of me.

    I found trouble and sorrow.

4 Then I called on Yahweh’s name:

    “Yahweh, I beg you, deliver my soul.”

Footnotes:

a. Psalm 116:3 Sheol is the place of the dead.

12 What will I give to Yahweh for all his benefits toward me?

13     I will take the cup of salvation, and call on Yahweh’s name.

14 I will pay my vows to Yahweh, yes, in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in Yahweh’s sight is the death of his saints.

16 Yahweh, truly I am your servant.

    I am your servant, the son of your servant.

    You have freed me from my chains.

17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call on Yahweh’s name.

18 I will pay my vows to Yahweh, yes, in the presence of all his people,

19 in the courts of Yahweh’s house, in the middle of you, Jerusalem.

Praise Yah!

1 Peter 1:17 If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear: 18 knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a faultless and pure lamb, the blood of Christ; 20 who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of times for your sake, 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.

22 Seeing you have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth through the Spirit in sincere brotherly affection, love one another from the heart fervently: 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever.

Luke 24:13 Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They talked with each other about all of these things which had happened. 15 While they talked and questioned together, Jesus himself came near, and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?”

18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things which have happened there in these days?”

19 He said to them, “What things?”

They said to him, “The things concerning Jesus, the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people; 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we were hoping that it was he who would redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Also, certain women of our company amazed us, having arrived early at the tomb; 23 and when they didn’t find his body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of us went to the tomb, and found it just like the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”

25 He said to them, “Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?” 27 Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. 28 They came near to the village, where they were going, and he acted like he would go further.

29 They urged him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is almost evening, and the day is almost over.”

He went in to stay with them. 30 When he had sat down at the table with them, he took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, he gave to them. 31 Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished out of their sight. 32 They said to one another, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us, while he spoke to us along the way, and while he opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them, 34 saying, “The Lord is Risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 They related the things that happened along the way, and how he was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

Footnotes:

a. Luke 24:13 60 stadia = about 11 kilometers or about 7 miles.

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John Wesley’s Notes-Commentary for:

*Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Verse 14

[14] But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

Then Peter standing up — All the gestures, all the words of Peter, show the utmost sobriety; lifted up his voice - With cheerfulness and boldness; and said to them - This discourse has three parts; each of which, Acts 2:14,22,29, begins with the same appellation, men: only to the last part he prefixes with more familiarity the additional word brethren.

Men of Judea — That is, ye that are born in Judea. St. Peter spoke in Hebrew, which they all understood.

Verse 36

[36] Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Lord — Jesus, after his exaltation, is constantly meant by this word in the New Testament, unless sometimes where it occurs, in a text quoted from the Old Testament.

Verse 37

[37] Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

They said to the apostles, Brethren — They did not style them so before.

Verse 38

[38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Repent — And hereby return to God: be baptized - Believing in the name of Jesus - And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost - See the three-one God clearly proved. See Acts 26:20. The gift of the Holy Ghost does not mean in this place the power of speaking with tongues. For the promise of this was not given to all that were afar off, in distant ages and nations. But rather the constant fruits of faith, even righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Whomsoever the Lord our God shall call — (Whether they are Jews or Gentiles) by his word and by his Spirit: and who are not disobedient to the heavenly calling. But it is observable St. Peter did not yet understand the very words he spoke.

Verse 40

[40] And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

And with many other words did he testify and exhort — In such an accepted time we should add line upon line, and not leave off, till the thing is done.

Save yourselves from this perverse generation — Many of whom were probably mocking still.

Verse 41

[41] Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

And there were added — To the hundred and twenty.

Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19

Verse 3

[3] The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.

The sorrows — Dangerous and deadly calamities.

Pains — Such agonies and horrors, as dying persons use to feel.

1 Peter 1:17-23

Verse 17

[17] And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

Who judgeth according to every man's work — According to the tenor of his life and conversation.

Pass the time of your sojourning — Your short abode on earth. In humble, loving fear - The proper companion and guard of hope.

Verse 18

[18] Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

Your vain conversation — Your foolish, sinful way of life.

Verse 19

[19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Without blemish — In himself.

Without spot — From the world.

Verse 21

[21] Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Who through him believe — For all our faith and hope proceed from the power of his resurrection. In God that raised Jesus, and gave him glory - At his ascension. Without Christ we should only dread God; whereas through him we believe, hope, and love.

Verse 22

[22] Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Having purified your souls by obeying the truth through the Spirit, who bestows upon you freely, both obedience and purity of heart, and unfeigned love of the brethren, go on to still higher degrees of love.

Love one another fervently — With the most strong and tender affection; and yet with a pure heart - Pure from any spot of unholy desire or inordinate passion.

Verse 23

[23] Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Which liveth — Is full of divine virtue. And abideth the same for ever.

Luke 24:13-35

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, today 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.

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Sermon Outline for Sunday, 4 May 2014

Title: On Our Journey

Theme: Meeting Jesus on the road.

Purpose: The realization that Jesus still meets with us in unexpected common places.

I.          Two disciples decided to head for Emmaus.

a.     A third companion came and walked with them.

b.     The third companion acted like he did not know about the recent events in Jerusalem.

c.     The Third Companion shared about The Messiah from the Hebrew Scriptures from Moses through the Psalms and the Prophets.

II.       The disciples approaching their destination.

a.     The disciples asking the man to come and stay in their house.

b.     The man blessed and break bread opening the eyes of the disciples then disappeared.

c.     The disciples discussed about their burning heart going back to Jerusalem sharing with the other disciples what just happened.

III.    The revelation that comes to us in unplanned time and places.

a.     The place maybe in our easy chair or bed or couch.

b.     The occurrence may be away from friends, but around people who we do not normally hang out with.

c.     The warming of our hearts after the occurrence.

Introduction: Have you have met Jesus in places you least expect Him to show up? Here we have two of His disciples deciding to go to their house in Emmaus. While they were walking, Jesus appeared to them asking them questions then sharing about what had to happen to the Messiah when He came and walked on the earth to redeem Israel from their oppressor. I read and hear this story and wonder why nothing was written down about the words from the Hebrews Scriptures what Jesus shared, but too often we are like the Pharisees and Scribes seeking Jesus in the Hebrew Scriptures, but are blinded to Jesus being revealed because we are too busy enjoying the writings of the Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures. I am reminded of times in my life when I did not know that Jesus was talking with me until afterwards as the person I was with prayed and ate some food until after the person left. There are three experiences that I do remember about Jesus appearing to me and talking with me. The first was as I was wondering what to do with my life as I was attempting to finish college. Here I was a person who knew who Jesus is, but did not really know him. I was hearing a voice in my head saying to me that I should change my major in school to prepare for pastoral ministry. I heard generally that He was calling me to a pastoral ministry to include people who were from the counter-culture or marginalized people. I knew of or heard of pastors who fulfilled this call who were treated as second-class pastors by their denomination, so I accepted the call from God, but ran from doing what He asked me to do. He would not leave me alone even through military service, marriage, and a divorce where I received full physical and legal custody of my son who has diagnosis of multiple disabled. I finally earned a Master’s in Education and was teaching in my home state of New York in a State Prison. I asked God if I could fulfill His call to pastor the marginalized of society and the church. I prayed to see what to do and I felt a release to resign my employment to move to Kansas City, Missouri, United States and attend Nazarene Theological Seminary with my son. It was not easy and what I thought I could do in three years then move to Phoenix, Arizona, United States took me ten years until I graduated with Master of Divinity. During this time, The second was noticing the church was ignoring the families and people who are disabled to be fully included. Yes, there were a few churches that had activities such as Bible Studies and craft activities, but there was no inclusion within the whole church. God was giving me a vision to develop a ministry that would work with the churches who already had ministries happening to expand the inclusion factor while adding other churches to begin including people who are differently abled as laity or clergy members. During this time, I heard a sermon about Gideon Challenge for us to embrace which came to me through these Six points based from Judges 6, 7, & 8:

1.     When God invites us to join Him in His work He has a God-Sized assignment for us.

2.     When God tells you what He wants to do through you, you will face a crisis in faith.

3.     The world will see God’s Power when we attempt great things that only God can do.

4.     What we believe about God will determine what I do and how I live.

5.     God gives us encouragement as we step out in faith.

6.     Don’t grow weary in being faithful a reward awaits faithful servants.

I discovered all these points to be true in my life as I was hitting brick walls that God did not place there, but well-meaning church leaders to keep me from seeking in the ordination track as an elder even after I graduated from seminary and completed successfully three semesters of student chaplain training. The third way God talked was through entering another denominational church as a member that I was born into because my family was raised in that denomination. I heard the pastor share his vision of renewing the mainline church in the United States and I was hearing from God that the vision He gave to me fits into this pastors vision because part of the reason that churches were dying in the United States because of the lack of full and active inclusion of families and their family members who are differently abled.

The third way God was speaking to me was to move back to San Diego, California, United States with my son for the primary reason that he would be able to receive better services in the State of California than where we were living. God provided a way to transferring our housing assistance from the state we were living to San Diego as well as a way to move by his assistance. I can say that it was the right move even though there has been difficulties including a church where he would be fully embraced and God would lead me into His pastoral ministry through the denomination and church he provides a way to bring renewal or revival to the church. As a U2 song called “I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.” I have found the way of Jesus for my life and my family with a peace despite circumstances, but I truly have not found the church open to full and action inclusion of families and their family members who are differently abled. I am encouraged by the Task Force for Disability Ministry in the United Methodist Conference(s), but there is more steps to pursue in full and active inclusion to allow God renew and revive His church to be what the church needs to be in living out His Command to Love the Lord God with our whole hearts, mind, soul, and body and to love all other people as God loves us unconditionally. What about you? Where has God come and revealed to you in an Emmaus way?

Conclusion: We come and realize the church is made up of people who need to be more like Jesus in their attitudes and actions. We come to repent of our past status of the church and pray for forgiveness in our lives and the churches attitudes and actions towards families who have family member who are differently abled. Let us pray!

Invitation: We come to receive the body and blood of Jesus through the elements of the bread and wine (grape juice) in the Holy Eucharist to receive more of God’s Grace for His mission of the church in the World. As we come to receive the elements, we sing the Hymn “A Song of Praise” to the tune of “Near to the Cross” base on Luke 24:13-35, which are:

1. On that dry Emmaus road

heavy hearts still keening

Once the answers seemed so close

on the brink of meaning

Chorus: Meet us here, Jesus, Lord!

Walk with us, we urge you

Oh, how slow we are to see,

Open up your Scriptures

2. Jesus, speak to us your truth

How our hearts are burning!

Keep us on Emmaus' road

Keep us ever learning

Chorus: Meet us here, Jesus, Lord!

Walk with us, we urge you.

Oh, how slow we are to see,

Open up your Scriptures

3. Feed us with your Word, O Lord,

Our hearts need it daily

Feed us with the Bread of Life

Feed us, precious Saviour

Chorus: Stay with us, Jesus, Lord!

Stay with us, we urge you.

Oh, how slow we are to see,

Open up your Scriptures

4. Now we go to tell the world

we must share the good news:

It is True! The Saviour lives!

Have you heard the good news?

Chorus: Go with us, Jesus, Lord!

Strengthen us, we pray you.

Oh, how slow we are to go,

Send us with you Gospel.

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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

O God, your Son remained with his disciples after his resurrection, teaching them to love all people as neighbors.

As his disciples in this age, we offer our prayers on behalf of the universe in which we are privileged to live and our neighbors with whom we share it.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Open our hearts to your power moving around us and between us and within us, until your glory is revealed in our love of both friend and enemy, in communities transformed by justice and compassion, and in the healing of all that is broken. Amen.

OR

Holy God, you have called us to follow in the way of your risen Son, and to care for those who are our companions, not only with words of comfort, but with acts of love.

Seeking to be true friends of all, we offer our prayers on behalf of the church and the world.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Guide us in the path of discipleship, so that, as you have blessed us, we may be a blessing for others, bringing the promise of the kingdom near by our words and deeds. Amen.

OR

Sisters and brothers in Christ, God invites us to bring our doubts and fears, our joys and concerns, our petitions and praise, and offer them for the earth and all its creatures.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Receive these prayers, O God, and transform us through them, that we may have eyes to see and hearts to understand not only what you do on our behalf, but what you call us to do so that your realm will come to fruition in glory. Amen.

Scripture

Elusive God, companion on the way, you walk behind, beside, beyond; you catch us unawares.

Break through the disillusionment and despair clouding our vision, that, with wide-eyed wonder, we may find our way and journey on as messengers of your good news. Amen.

Lectionary Scriptures:

*Acts 2: 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them, “You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

36 “Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.” 40 With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.

Psalm 116:1 I love Yahweh, because he listens to my voice, and my cries for mercy.

2 Because he has turned his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

3 The cords of death surrounded me. The pains of Sheol[a] got a hold of me.

    I found trouble and sorrow.

4 Then I called on Yahweh’s name:

    “Yahweh, I beg you, deliver my soul.”

Footnotes:

a. Psalm 116:3 Sheol is the place of the dead.

12 What will I give to Yahweh for all his benefits toward me?

13     I will take the cup of salvation, and call on Yahweh’s name.

14 I will pay my vows to Yahweh, yes, in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in Yahweh’s sight is the death of his saints.

16 Yahweh, truly I am your servant.

    I am your servant, the son of your servant.

    You have freed me from my chains.

17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call on Yahweh’s name.

18 I will pay my vows to Yahweh, yes, in the presence of all his people,

19 in the courts of Yahweh’s house, in the middle of you, Jerusalem.

Praise Yah!

1 Peter 1:17 If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear: 18 knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a faultless and pure lamb, the blood of Christ; 20 who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of times for your sake, 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.

22 Seeing you have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth through the Spirit in sincere brotherly affection, love one another from the heart fervently: 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever.

Luke 24:13 Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They talked with each other about all of these things which had happened. 15 While they talked and questioned together, Jesus himself came near, and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?”

18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things which have happened there in these days?”

19 He said to them, “What things?”

They said to him, “The things concerning Jesus, the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people; 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we were hoping that it was he who would redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Also, certain women of our company amazed us, having arrived early at the tomb; 23 and when they didn’t find his body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of us went to the tomb, and found it just like the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”

25 He said to them, “Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?” 27 Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. 28 They came near to the village, where they were going, and he acted like he would go further.

29 They urged him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is almost evening, and the day is almost over.”

He went in to stay with them. 30 When he had sat down at the table with them, he took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, he gave to them. 31 Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished out of their sight. 32 They said to one another, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us, while he spoke to us along the way, and while he opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them, 34 saying, “The Lord is Risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 They related the things that happened along the way, and how he was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

Footnotes:

a. Luke 24:13 60 stadia = about 11 kilometers or about 7 miles.

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John Wesley’s Notes-Commentary for:

*Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Verse 14

[14] But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

Then Peter standing up — All the gestures, all the words of Peter, show the utmost sobriety; lifted up his voice - With cheerfulness and boldness; and said to them - This discourse has three parts; each of which, Acts 2:14,22,29, begins with the same appellation, men: only to the last part he prefixes with more familiarity the additional word brethren.

Men of Judea — That is, ye that are born in Judea. St. Peter spoke in Hebrew, which they all understood.

Verse 36

[36] Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Lord — Jesus, after his exaltation, is constantly meant by this word in the New Testament, unless sometimes where it occurs, in a text quoted from the Old Testament.

Verse 37

[37] Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

They said to the apostles, Brethren — They did not style them so before.

Verse 38

[38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Repent — And hereby return to God: be baptized - Believing in the name of Jesus - And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost - See the three-one God clearly proved. See Acts 26:20. The gift of the Holy Ghost does not mean in this place the power of speaking with tongues. For the promise of this was not given to all that were afar off, in distant ages and nations. But rather the constant fruits of faith, even righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Whomsoever the Lord our God shall call — (Whether they are Jews or Gentiles) by his word and by his Spirit: and who are not disobedient to the heavenly calling. But it is observable St. Peter did not yet understand the very words he spoke.

Verse 40

[40] And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

And with many other words did he testify and exhort — In such an accepted time we should add line upon line, and not leave off, till the thing is done.

Save yourselves from this perverse generation — Many of whom were probably mocking still.

Verse 41

[41] Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

And there were added — To the hundred and twenty.

Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19

Verse 3

[3] The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.

The sorrows — Dangerous and deadly calamities.

Pains — Such agonies and horrors, as dying persons use to feel.

1 Peter 1:17-23

Verse 17

[17] And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

Who judgeth according to every man's work — According to the tenor of his life and conversation.

Pass the time of your sojourning — Your short abode on earth. In humble, loving fear - The proper companion and guard of hope.

Verse 18

[18] Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

Your vain conversation — Your foolish, sinful way of life.

Verse 19

[19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Without blemish — In himself.

Without spot — From the world.

Verse 21

[21] Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Who through him believe — For all our faith and hope proceed from the power of his resurrection. In God that raised Jesus, and gave him glory - At his ascension. Without Christ we should only dread God; whereas through him we believe, hope, and love.

Verse 22

[22] Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Having purified your souls by obeying the truth through the Spirit, who bestows upon you freely, both obedience and purity of heart, and unfeigned love of the brethren, go on to still higher degrees of love.

Love one another fervently — With the most strong and tender affection; and yet with a pure heart - Pure from any spot of unholy desire or inordinate passion.

Verse 23

[23] Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Which liveth — Is full of divine virtue. And abideth the same for ever.

Luke 24:13-35

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, today 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.

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Sermon Outline for Sunday, 4 May 2014

Title: On Our Journey

Theme: Meeting Jesus on the road.

Purpose: The realization that Jesus still meets with us in unexpected common places.

I.          Two disciples decided to head for Emmaus.

a.     A third companion came and walked with them.

b.     The third companion acted like he did not know about the recent events in Jerusalem.

c.     The Third Companion shared about The Messiah from the Hebrew Scriptures from Moses through the Psalms and the Prophets.

II.       The disciples approaching their destination.

a.     The disciples asking the man to come and stay in their house.

b.     The man blessed and break bread opening the eyes of the disciples then disappeared.

c.     The disciples discussed about their burning heart going back to Jerusalem sharing with the other disciples what just happened.

III.    The revelation that comes to us in unplanned time and places.

a.     The place maybe in our easy chair or bed or couch.

b.     The occurrence may be away from friends, but around people who we do not normally hang out with.

c.     The warming of our hearts after the occurrence.

Introduction: Have you have met Jesus in places you least expect Him to show up? Here we have two of His disciples deciding to go to their house in Emmaus. While they were walking, Jesus appeared to them asking them questions then sharing about what had to happen to the Messiah when He came and walked on the earth to redeem Israel from their oppressor. I read and hear this story and wonder why nothing was written down about the words from the Hebrews Scriptures what Jesus shared, but too often we are like the Pharisees and Scribes seeking Jesus in the Hebrew Scriptures, but are blinded to Jesus being revealed because we are too busy enjoying the writings of the Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures. I am reminded of times in my life when I did not know that Jesus was talking with me until afterwards as the person I was with prayed and ate some food until after the person left. There are three experiences that I do remember about Jesus appearing to me and talking with me. The first was as I was wondering what to do with my life as I was attempting to finish college. Here I was a person who knew who Jesus is, but did not really know him. I was hearing a voice in my head saying to me that I should change my major in school to prepare for pastoral ministry. I heard generally that He was calling me to a pastoral ministry to include people who were from the counter-culture or marginalized people. I knew of or heard of pastors who fulfilled this call who were treated as second-class pastors by their denomination, so I accepted the call from God, but ran from doing what He asked me to do. He would not leave me alone even through military service, marriage, and a divorce where I received full physical and legal custody of my son who has diagnosis of multiple disabled. I finally earned a Master’s in Education and was teaching in my home state of New York in a State Prison. I asked God if I could fulfill His call to pastor the marginalized of society and the church. I prayed to see what to do and I felt a release to resign my employment to move to Kansas City, Missouri, United States and attend Nazarene Theological Seminary with my son. It was not easy and what I thought I could do in three years then move to Phoenix, Arizona, United States took me ten years until I graduated with Master of Divinity. During this time, The second was noticing the church was ignoring the families and people who are disabled to be fully included. Yes, there were a few churches that had activities such as Bible Studies and craft activities, but there was no inclusion within the whole church. God was giving me a vision to develop a ministry that would work with the churches who already had ministries happening to expand the inclusion factor while adding other churches to begin including people who are differently abled as laity or clergy members. During this time, I heard a sermon about Gideon Challenge for us to embrace which came to me through these Six points based from Judges 6, 7, & 8:

1.     When God invites us to join Him in His work He has a God-Sized assignment for us.

2.     When God tells you what He wants to do through you, you will face a crisis in faith.

3.     The world will see God’s Power when we attempt great things that only God can do.

4.     What we believe about God will determine what I do and how I live.

5.     God gives us encouragement as we step out in faith.

6.     Don’t grow weary in being faithful a reward awaits faithful servants.

I discovered all these points to be true in my life as I was hitting brick walls that God did not place there, but well-meaning church leaders to keep me from seeking in the ordination track as an elder even after I graduated from seminary and completed successfully three semesters of student chaplain training. The third way God talked was through entering another denominational church as a member that I was born into because my family was raised in that denomination. I heard the pastor share his vision of renewing the mainline church in the United States and I was hearing from God that the vision He gave to me fits into this pastors vision because part of the reason that churches were dying in the United States because of the lack of full and active inclusion of families and their family members who are differently abled.

The third way God was speaking to me was to move back to San Diego, California, United States with my son for the primary reason that he would be able to receive better services in the State of California than where we were living. God provided a way to transferring our housing assistance from the state we were living to San Diego as well as a way to move by his assistance. I can say that it was the right move even though there has been difficulties including a church where he would be fully embraced and God would lead me into His pastoral ministry through the denomination and church he provides a way to bring renewal or revival to the church. As a U2 song called “I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.” I have found the way of Jesus for my life and my family with a peace despite circumstances, but I truly have not found the church open to full and action inclusion of families and their family members who are differently abled. I am encouraged by the Task Force for Disability Ministry in the United Methodist Conference(s), but there is more steps to pursue in full and active inclusion to allow God renew and revive His church to be what the church needs to be in living out His Command to Love the Lord God with our whole hearts, mind, soul, and body and to love all other people as God loves us unconditionally. What about you? Where has God come and revealed to you in an Emmaus way?

Conclusion: We come and realize the church is made up of people who need to be more like Jesus in their attitudes and actions. We come to repent of our past status of the church and pray for forgiveness in our lives and the churches attitudes and actions towards families who have family member who are differently abled. Let us pray!

Invitation: We come to receive the body and blood of Jesus through the elements of the bread and wine (grape juice) in the Holy Eucharist to receive more of God’s Grace for His mission of the church in the World. As we come to receive the elements, we sing the Hymn “A Song of Praise” to the tune of “Near to the Cross” base on Luke 24:13-35, which are:

1. On that dry Emmaus road

heavy hearts still keening

Once the answers seemed so close

on the brink of meaning

Chorus: Meet us here, Jesus, Lord!

Walk with us, we urge you

Oh, how slow we are to see,

Open up your Scriptures

2. Jesus, speak to us your truth

How our hearts are burning!

Keep us on Emmaus' road

Keep us ever learning

Chorus: Meet us here, Jesus, Lord!

Walk with us, we urge you.

Oh, how slow we are to see,

Open up your Scriptures

3. Feed us with your Word, O Lord,

Our hearts need it daily

Feed us with the Bread of Life

Feed us, precious Saviour

Chorus: Stay with us, Jesus, Lord!

Stay with us, we urge you.

Oh, how slow we are to see,

Open up your Scriptures

4. Now we go to tell the world

we must share the good news:

It is True! The Saviour lives!

Have you heard the good news?

Chorus: Go with us, Jesus, Lord!

Strengthen us, we pray you.

Oh, how slow we are to go,

Send us with you Gospel.

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