Bible Text: Luke 24 | Preacher: Rev. Dr. Lou Saldiveri | Series: Sunday Morning Worship

— Pastor Lou’s Notes —
Intro: When I work with Christ followers in a discipleship process, I will commonly ask them to do a timeline of their lives for several purposes. Two of those purposes are: 1) to see how Jesus sought them in their life’s journey; 2) to gain a sense of Jesus is leading you now. Please allow me to share with you a brief portion of my timeline with you…

Let’s look at a brief portion of the timeline for two men who were on their life’s journey. In today’s passage, we find that on the same day the Jesus was raised from the dead, there were two men who were in Jerusalem and witnessed Jesus go to the cross. They were discouraged because they hopes and dreams seem to be buried with Jesus in the grace. They were discourage because they did really recognize and know what kind of Messiah Jesus is. They were going back to Emmaus towards the sunset in discouragement. Even as a Christ follower, have you ever be confused, discouraged, and brokenhearted? In this passage, Dr. Luke gives us some amazing insights about the love and grace of Jesus during times of spiritual blindness which causes discouragement and broken dreams.

1.
Jesus Seeks Us

1.
He sound out the two men
2.
He asked questions to engage their hearts and minds

1.
They knew a lot about Jesus, but really didn’t know him personally
2.
For some reason, God didn’t want them to recognize Jesus at this point in time

1.
Jesus’ revelation seems to be gradual
2.
Jesus Walks With Us

1.
He walks with us on our journey
2.
He wants to be a part of the discussion

1.
They had misconceptions of Jesus the Messiah
3.
God’s plan and timing is not our plan and timing
3.
Jesus Gives Us Hope Through His Word

1.
He explained the Scriptures clearly and exactly

1.
Jesus gave them an Old Testament course in the Scriptures of Himself
2.
Jesus gave them a chance to trust what Scripture said about Him
2.
He explained the Scriptures in a manner the penetrated their hearts

1.
Jesus wasn’t interested in just a head knowledge of facts
2.
God’s truth about His righteousness and grace in Christ is able to do deep heart surgery
4.
Jesus Will Open Our Hearts If We Let Him

1.
He opens our hearts as we have His truth in our hearts and intimate communion with Him
2.
He will give us hope that is anchored in His love, grace, and truth
3.
He helps us to trust His Word
4.
He turns the darkness of a sunset into dawn!
5.
He will empower us the share our testimony

Closing: In view of the magnificent love and grace of Jesus, the question this morning is, will you invite Jesus into your discouragement? He is seeking to be with you. He wants to walk with you in your journey. He wants to give you hope through His Word. He wants to open your heart. Will you give Him the opportunity to turn you hopelessness into to hope and confirmation?