Tag: teach

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Acts: Healing, Preaching, Prison, and Flogging — The Church Grows

Read: Acts 5:12-42

The deaths of Ananias and Sapphira resulted in great fear among the people, but these events did not slow the growth of the church in the least. The remainder of chapter 5 climaxes with Gamaliel’s assertion that the disciples should be allowed to follow their hearts and let God be the judge. His compelling speech satisfies the jealous Sanhedrin and propels the Gospel without taking sides. A brilliant political move. God’s church will grow!

What About Ananias and Sapphira?

No mourning over Ananias and Sapphira is reported. Did they have no friends? Did the church simply not care? These kinds of thoughts are serious distractions, whispers from the great tempter to distract us from the main story. Luke did not record these details because they are not the primary story. I’m not faulting anyone for having questions, merely redirecting the thoughts from that which would take away from the incredible story of the birth of Christ’s church.

Miracles of Healing

So much of the early church was fueled by miraculous events, signs, and wonders that drew spectators, the curious, and the serious.

The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. Acts 5:12

The reputation of Peter, in particular, grew to such heights that people wanted to be close enough to have his shadow fall on them for healing or restoration. There is no indication that Peter is paying attention to this notoriety, instead, he just keeps on preaching the gospel!

The Sanhedrin — Again

The incessant preaching and crowds of people gathering to hear and be healed cannot possibly go unnoticed. As expected, the religious leaders are greatly offended by their actions.

Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. Acts 5:17

With hearts bent against the disciples, the priests arrest them and put them in prison. During the night an angel of the Lord appears and releases them miraculously. The doors are still locked and the guards alert and present, but the disciples are simply not in the prison. It’s a mystery no one can explain, but they end up in the temple courts in the morning preaching again.

Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” Acts 5:25

The guards carefully “invite” the disciples into the presence of the Sanhedrin. They aren’t fools! If the disciples were transported to the courtyard miraculously, there’s no telling what might happen to them if they cause trouble. Remember Ananias and Sapphira? Let’s be careful!

We Must Obey God and Not Men

Peter and the other apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, makes his consistent proclamation:

We must obey God rather than human beings! We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. Acts 5:29, 32

This is key. These leaders of the early church were 100 percent sold out to their calling and completely immersed in the Holy Spirit. Completely. There is no hidden agenda, no secret desire for a big building, private office, or reserved parking space. They are on a mission to spread the great news about Jesus.

Wise Counsel from Gamaliel

I believe Gamaliel was inspired by the Holy Spirit to address the entire Sanhedrin. The strength of his argument, coupled with the sound logic, was exactly what was needed at the time.

…in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God. Acts 5:38-39

There is no counter-argument. The disciples are flogged (nothing to laugh about in those days) and released.

Joy in Suffering for Christ

Given the historical context, I don’t think the beating they received was any less than extremely painful, but we are not offered any insight here, instead, we read that they counted the beating as another sign that they are worthy of their calling.

rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Acts 5:41

How about us? Are we so heaven-bent on preaching the gospel that the world is beating us?

Lord, I pray we would get serious about Your great commission and preach through obstacles that hold us back. May we rely on You in times of difficulties, in a world that is desperate to know You, even if they don’t know.

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Acts: Unity is Not Christian Communism

Read: Acts 4:32-35

For my generation, and those proceeding me (yes, there are actually people older than me!), the term Communism evokes an emotional response that’s hard to appreciate. Preface that with Christian and many of us are ready to fight! I am not an advocate for Communism, even worse, Christian Communism.

Last week, while visiting the Koinonia Farm, one of the books I glanced at had a chapter with this “CC” title. Honestly, it was hard to read. Perhaps it was written in a time of great remorse as the author witnessed the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer, but it was nonetheless hard to appreciate.

If I may be so bold, let me dispense with the word Communism at this point and focus on what I think Luke wanted us to consider. The key problem with Communism is that everyone is required to participate. The church in Acts was completely voluntary. Not every home was sold. Not every account emptied. They shared and no one was in need. I don’t want this to become a dissertation on Communism, so I’m leaving it at that.

In this passage, we are invited to consider living in a complete community,

No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. Acts 4:32

The truth is I don’t own anything, everything is temporary. The bank would disagree and our investment advisor would oppose such a statement but we know for certain the only thing we take out of this life is our soul. We have an eternal presence within each of us. Beyond that, we have a temporary privilege of that which bears our signature and a responsibility to be effective stewards of the same.

This community of believers had an extraordinary experience where they built each other up for the sake of the Gospel.

For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Acts 4:34-35

This utopian experience sounds amazing — sign me up! Right? Well, not so fast. This would be great, but with humans involved, there is no doubt that that which might begin as a good idea will quickly become riddled with problems. There will be a time when the perfect order of the world is restored and we truly live in harmony. That will happen when Jesus returns. Until then, I’m afraid we need to learn selflessness from this passage while being shrewd at the same time.

The goal is not a community, the command is to make disciples of all nations. Here’s where we tend to mess things up in a big way. We read these passages and conclude that we should buy 100 acres, build huts, and serve Koolaid. History reveals these attempts often have horrible results because, in my perspective, they missed the point that we are to live in unity for the sake of the Gospel, not the other way around.

Evangelism is paramount:

But if the manager has no passion for evangelism, a slow rot can gradually convert the movement into a machine and finally make it into a monument.See note from NIVAC

So many times we put the cart in front of the horse and create some ingenious method for steering from behind. We are incredibly creative, but it’s all backward! If we keep the Great Commission greatest among our goals, we will likely have wonderful communities as a byproduct. Now that is a lofty dream worth chasing.

Imagine a community that is so focused on sharing the Gospel, worshipping together, praying for each other, and living in harmony with Jesus as the centerpiece. Think about waking up each morning and remembering that Jesus died to pay for our sins and was then resurrected by the Father to put an end to death.

This is why Luke sandwiched the thought on the community with verse 33:

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Acts 4:33

Lord help us to keep the main thing the main thing. Teach us to live in community because we have a common desire to reach the lost, the least, and the lonely for Your great kingdom.

 

Note from NIVAC: Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland, David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 78687-78688). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Acts: The Courage of Peter and John

Read: Acts 4:13-22

Though professionally unqualified, Peter and John are able to articulate scripture, defend their positions with eloquence, and act with courage that defies logic. They should’ve been scared and speechless but their response sets the Sanhedrin on its heels.

they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

Someone took note of the unexplainable, perhaps irrefutable fact, that there is a common denominator: they had been with Jesus.

Parents can always tell who their children have been playing with. It’s sometimes subtle. Perhaps a phrase they say or how they carry themselves. Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint, but it’s surprisingly easy to observe when you know your child and the friend in question.

In this case, in particular, I wonder if one of the members of the Sanhedrin recognized Peter as the one who kept denying Jesus. Perhaps it was his servant girl that report seeing the Galilean by the fire muttering obscenities to those who suggested he knew Jesus. How could that guy be this man? Deep inside he knew the answer, but his training is now responsible for his denial.

The boldness and courage seen here come from a source that the Pharisees and Sadducees flat out refuse to believe.

But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. Acts 4:14

The forty-year-old lame beggar is now the strong point of evidence against the religious right. It’s impossible to refute. The man who once begged for his mere existence is standing before them–something that made absolutely no sense! Their only recourse is to dismiss the disciples with a stern warning.

They “commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18). This is the very name they asked about in the first place. Now they know the answer, yet somehow conclude this is the very thing that must stop.

Peter and John don’t miss a beat. I wonder if they completed each other’s sentences in their response:

Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:19-20

The evidence and the crowds kept the Sanhedrin from going any further so they had no choice. They let the disciples go.

What have you seen or heard that cannot be quieted? If you cannot answer with evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life, or if I cannot point to anything in my life, does that mean the Holy Spirit is no longer at work?

Perhaps this is why we are exhorted to always be prepared to give an explanation for the hope we find in Christ.

Right now, wherever you are, stop and answer this question with one convicting response to Peter’s question in 1 Peter 3:15. Write it down. May I suggest you avoid searching the internet, your favorite C.S. Lewis quote, or answering, “just because.”

Here’s my most recent attempt for your consideration. The Reason for the Hope I have in Christ.

The key to making disciples is wrapped up in the answer. Perhaps even more, it’s how we answer the question as Peter continues in 1 Peter 3:16.

The confidence Peter and John have is because of their faith in Christ. The past is behind them. Peter’s failure is written for us to have the assurance of forgiveness. John failed to speak up, as well as the other disciples, but we don’t get those details. They all hid until Jesus Himself appeared and had breakfast with them.

We all have weaknesses. Get over it. Seriously, please let go of those things that are holding you down. Have the courage of Peter. It’s yours for the asking if the Holy Spirit lives in you if you have confessed Jesus as Lord. It’s simple, but it’s not easy, I get that. Search within. Seek. I pray you will hear and respond today.

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Reason for the Hope I have in Jesus Christ

Read: 1 Peter 3

For years I have encouraged others to write down their response to 1 Peter 3:15, to work through the words and develop a cohesive statement of personal faith. Here is my work in progress, some thoughts that help me respond to Peter’s exhortation:

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:15-17

My hope is wrapped up in many experiences in life. I can point to examples of divine provision, but you might think God is a magic genie if I leave you with the notion that asking and receiving is a precursor to faith. Believing without seeing is the definition of faith.

My apologetic reasoning goes something like this: the more I look at the complexity of life, the more I’m convinced it was no accident. I’m convinced it would take infinitely more faith to believe we were accidentally created than it does to believe there is a God who orchestrated the whole thing.

From this point, William Lane Craig and Tim Keller kick in. In Reasonable Faith, Craig provides scientific arguments that are compelling, to say the least. Keller’s book, The Reason for God, takes a more philosophical approach and really makes you think — if you have an open mind. There are scores of other resources if you’re interested in venturing into the halls of apologetics, all quite interesting.

I’m not a scientist, but if we can agree that there is a Creator God, we can begin to explore His character as revealed throughout the Bible as well as the countless examples of mere mortals throughout history. Once we begin this journey, I have no idea where we will land, but I am confident that if we allow the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts and minds, wherever we arrive is a better place than where we began.

The Bible provides a snapshot of God’s consistent desire to have a relationship with His creation. It’s only a highlight reel for us to consider, but an important one to say the least.

All this to say I believe there is more to life than breathing in and out. As I have stopped to consider the possibilities and understand the nature of mankind, I must conclude the story of Jesus is more compelling than any other. I’m no scholar and certainly not well versed in every religion. What I do know makes sense, but more than that, I get a sense of peace from it all.

Mathematicians can explain harmony in musical notes, the meshing of frequencies that define a perfect triad. All I know is I can hear dissonance, I can feel the tension and know how to resolve the chord. Must I have a degree in Mathematics to convince you? I don’t think so. The only real requirement is an open heart and receptive mind.

From this perspective, the Spirit of God can and does perform miracles.

The reason for the hope I have in Christ is not because my Sunday School teachers said so, though they did. It’s not because I heard David Wilkerson’s convicting call to accept Christ when I was a teenager, but he most certainly did. It’s not because of the miracles I’ve seen in my life, those incredible coincidences that are unexplainable yet too real to refute, but I have seen many. It’s not because of these things, but it is these things have caused my mind to wander and wonder.

When I sit and listen, my heart is stilled by creation. A love that is unexplainable enters my mind. A peace that cannot fit into a formula comforts my heart.

And I smile.

Medically, the twitching muscles in my face respond to requests from my brain as electrical signals are transmitted to the exact nerves that fire and the skin on my face flex in an upward fashion on the left and right at the precise moment the thought entered my mind.

Or perhaps it’s the water that forms in the corner of my eye when I first saw our oldest child born — the first time I saw her breath. Then the second, third, and fourth child. Then every other child I’ve seen since.

And I cry.

Maybe it’s the funniest thing Tim Jones said, or just the expression on his face when he said it, I don’t know. He has a way of making ordinary words create a response inside me that’s hard to express. Or maybe the clown nose that Patch Adams donned to make his patients smile, along with his goofy antics.

And I laugh.

It could be that holding the one I love creates a sensation in me that is vulnerable, daring, comfortable, uncompromising, safe, secure, content, and warm. At the end of a long day or the beginning of a storm, this thing is irrefutable and unexplainable with scientific measurements, but there is no doubt:

And I love.

The reason for the hope I have in Christ is wrapped up in moments like these. I hope you’ll take time to examine your life to see what it is that means more to you than mere existence. I hope you’ll look for the source in the pages of an old collection of writings we call the Bible.

The more I look for answers in Christ, the more I’m convinced I made the right choice.

Live. Love. Cry. Smile. Laugh.
But mostly
Love

How about you?

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Acts: Thrown in Jail, Peter Preaches Again

Read: Acts 4:1-12

We spent this past weekend at Koinonia Farms just outside of Americus, Georgia and down the road from Plains, GA where President Carter lives. The farm is one of the places that stood out during the Civil Rights Movement, where people had to make a choice to stand with the status quo or open their eyes to see a new reality, a future that embraced men and women of all races working together in harmony. Choices were made. Some hearts became harder while others melted.

Peter and John, through the power of the Holy Spirit, healed a man who was lame and the status quo of their day was offended. Luke tells us that the chief priests, Sadducees, and the temple guards took action:

…while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. Acts 4:1-2

The Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection in principle, certainly not in practice, so they couldn’t stand for this kind of talk. Since they made up the majority of the Sanhedrin, their opinion was significant. Their authority would be undermined if all this talk about resurrection were allowed to infiltrate the minds of others, let alone the Pharisees that served alongside them.

It’s important to note that these men were not ignorant, their intellect is a key part of their rise to power. They see potential problems that would arise if these preachers are allowed to continue. For some evidence, Luke points out that those who believed are growing fast:

But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. Acts 4:4

Thrown in jail, the disciples are handled by the authorities. Though the cause is different, many were imprisoned during the Civil Rights Movement with the same kind of, “what do we do with them” thinking.

This is the same Sanhedrin that dealt with Jesus just a few weeks prior. Now they sense the need to quell the rebellion before it gets out of hand.

By what power or what name did you do this? Acts 4:7

Though the Sanhedrin is comprised of incredible scholars, they have never been able to do anything so wonderful, let alone heal a 40-year-old crippled man! They can’t deny the event — the man is walking and talking right in front of them! Perhaps some of them thought they could learn how to perform such wonders if they knew more about the power, the name behind the miracle that led to this event.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. Abraham Lincoln

But they, the over-educated, pious, superior, self-proclaimed elite, could not do that which these uneducated Galileans did. They are about to be schooled by men who didn’t go to school, who had no formal education. Peter restates the accusation in humble terms. He’s not boasting about his ability to do anything, as he will explain fully.

If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man… Acts 4:9

I like to think Peter paused after he restated the problem, that he looked around the room, made eye contact, and received some sense of agreement, “yes, this is why we arrested you–for your act of kindness…that’s not what we do around here!”

But before they could get defensive about these words, Peter immediately throws out the name they did NOT want to hear.

It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead Acts 4:10

Peter quotes Psalm 118:22-23 with a significant modification: “the stone the builders rejected” is offered as “the stone you builders rejected.” The Sanhedrin clearly hear the words:

You are not kind
You crucified Jesus
You are the builders
You rejected Jesus

Peter is just getting started. The Holy Spirit has empowered him to preach and nothing will stop the words penetrating this place at this time.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Salvation

Much more than healing a physical infirmity, Peter is using this “simple” act of kindness as a preaching point to emphasize the greater need for salvation.

No One Else

Let’s be clear on this point: Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. This is not a boast, but a clear statement of fact based on an eye-witness to the resurrection.

We Must Be Saved

More than works, greater than wisdom, beyond education and lofty titles, we must come to the point of salvation, we are all in need of being saved. These scholars knew the scriptures well. They understood the fall of mankind, the struggles of Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, and the Prophets. They could quote them verbatim, yet they needed to be saved!

The scene is vivid and real in my imagination. Peter and John are doing nothing to draw attention to themselves. They are unafraid of these men, but shouldn’t they be a bit worried? Only weeks ago they had Jesus crucified. This fact is nowhere in their conscious thought. I believe they preached as if this was their last breath.

What would we do or say if we thought this was the last word we would utter before our human death? What would you want to be transcribed? As far as Peter and John were concerned, death was right around the corner so they seized the opportunity to be Christ’s witnesses.

Now it’s our turn.

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Acts: Fellowship of Believers — Best Time Ever!

Read: Acts 2:42-47

One of the most quoted scripture references ever, Acts 2:42 encourages us to be a community of believers, to stretch our corporate understanding of “church” into where we live, even open the doors of our super-secure homes to those we don’t know. And to do all of this with joy, sharing as needed, while giving thanks to God for His amazing providence!

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

If we are to follow this formula, it looks like we need to focus on teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. Books have been written centered on these few verses. I promise not to write a book here but highlight some thoughts I find interesting. I hope you’ll do the same as you read this passage and consider your own church context.

Teaching

In Acts 1:3, we read how Jesus met with the disciples and taught them about the kingdom of God. Not it’s their turn to impart knowledge to thousands of new converts to Christianity. At least 3,000 are being taught and ministered to by the 120 or so disciples who were local. The simple math gives us a 1:25 ratio to start with…from day one! Are you jealous? Even the least bit envious? Wow! What an opportunity for advancing the kingdom!

Fellowship

Those who were coming into faith based on the teaching of the Apostles were greeted with amazing hospitality.

All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Acts 2:44-45

So many were from distant countries, only in Jerusalem for harvest festivals, the need for opening homes was obvious. Funding for needs was met by selling stuff. They didn’t just sell things for the sake of downsizing, they were focused on supporting the fellowship as needed. Their goal was to break down barriers that would otherwise hold people back, or at least make them hesitate. God will provide for our daily needs. Give with a generous heart!

Breaking Bread

I love the concept of Christ-following believers getting together to celebrate their faith and remembering His great sacrifice through breaking bread together. There’s no reason to wait for the anointed few to deliver fake bread and wine. The only requirement I see here is centered on sincere hearts praising God for Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Acts 2:46-47

Such joy! People actually worshiping together. I long for this place.

Prayer

Jesus modeled prayer throughout His earthly ministry, we should do the same. Meeting together in homes provides the perfect opportunity to pray sincerely for each other. Such intimate environments give us an opportunity to be open and honest. What a concept!

Results

Not that we’re counting butts in seats, but it’s significant to know that the fellowship was growing daily.

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47

The Lord is growing His people, nothing will stop the growth of this community. It’s a dream to see people coming to Christ daily. Why is this a fantasy? Lord, what am I doing today to make this a reality? Why is the church not growing daily? What would it look like to be a part of a group of Christ-followers that met on Tuesday, or Friday, or any day other than Sunday for an hour-plus?

We should be asking ourselves lots of questions in this context. We might not like the answers, but I pray we would at least ask ourselves, our church leaders, our Christ-following friends, these questions.

Lord help us to meet together with glad and sincere hearts, praising You, and enjoying the fellowship You desire for us each and every day — not just on Sunday!

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Luke: Epilogue and Acts Intro

Read: Acts 1:1-8

It’s hard to believe this blog through Luke began way back at the beginning of the year, 87 posts over the course of nearly five months. The pace might seem slow, but the journey is truly worth it in my very humble opinion. During this season I’ve gotten to know Luke as a person through his orderly account of the ministry of the One he loved more than any other: Jesus.

Luke was more than just a gospel writer, he served to build a foundation for us to follow by being obedient in capturing thoughts, stories, events, and significant moments for us to read and learn about the Savior.

If he were here sitting with you and me today, he would be pleased to hear those words, but I’m absolutely convinced he would be shocked if all we did was read and study. The purpose of this “orderly account” was not for us to become scholarly, it is to help us go out and spread the gospel.

We need to jump to the book of Acts to continue Luke’s story. This doesn’t mean I’m not going to blog through John, but I would like to continue the conversation with Luke as he gives us great insight into the early church. At my current snail’s pace, this probably means we won’t get to John until next year, but I’m really not in a hurry.

At the end of Luke 24, we are left hanging a bit. The chapter has three main sections: the women find the tomb empty, the walk to Emmaus, then the appearance of Jesus to the disciples (and His ascension). Between verses 49 and 50 there appears to be no span of time, but Luke updates us as he begins writing Theophilus in the book of Acts:

He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3

This is amazing to consider and quite hard to appreciate at the same time. After Jesus was betrayed, denied, and crucified, He sat down with these mere mortals and provided an intense workshop. My mind is filled with wild imagery of the scenes. How could James, John, Peter, and the others, ever go to sleep? Every moment must have been better than the next. Jesus, the one they saw physically destroyed was there with them!

To say they “returned to Jerusalem with great joy” Luke 24:52, is a great understatement! Can you imagine that Jesus was constantly with them over this interlude? Here’s how Luke casually puts it:

On one occasion, while he was eating with them Acts 1:4

“You know, the other time when the resurrected Son of God, Jesus Christ Himself, came over to have a bite to eat…” Seriously!?!?

By the time Jesus was done demonstrating His great love for the disciples, teaching and explaining how the kingdom works, then ascending to heaven, I’m pretty sure I would return to Jerusalem with some serious joy! Especially since Jesus told them something even more amazing was going to happen.

For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:5

They are all quite anxious for Jesus to restore the Kingdom in their lifetime. I think this is because they saw how wonderful things could be with Jesus leading the way, but Jesus’ plan is different, it’s difficult, and requires action:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

This is the call that comes with a promise: the Holy Spirit will be with us.

Unlike earthly things, the power of the Holy Spirit is not diminished when given to an individual, rather, it seems to increase as more and more people recognize who Jesus is and what He has done for all.

Lord, help us appreciate this power that lives inside us, the prompting that wakes us up at night and motivates us to do that which doesn’t seem to make sense on human terms. Teach us. Mold us. Make us into the beautiful works of art you intended for Your glory and for Your kingdom.

May we become Your witnesses locally, regionally, and globally. Amen!

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Luke: Walk to Emmaus

Read: Luke 24:13-35

I would give anything to walk seven miles with Jesus, even if it took me all day to recognize Him! The women have told the disciples, they’ve checked out the empty tomb, and the word is already spreading. In this great story of two disciples, Cleopas and an unnamed other, walking along feeling defeated after what should have been the highlight of their lives, Jesus appears and asks them what they’re chatting about.

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” Luke 24:17-18

News spreads quickly in a culture that relied mostly on oral communication. Unlike our modern inability to communicate verbally, they were good at passing stories. In this case, they all knew about Jesus of Nazareth, the One they decided to follow, who was convicted by their very own priests then crucified by the Romans. Everyone knew about this.

Less than a week earlier, Jesus was welcomed on a borrowed colt with shouts of hosanna. This was already a festive time of year when they gathered to celebrate the Passover. To say expectations were high is a great understatement — they expected Jesus to change the world that weekend!

Well, He did change the world, just not as anyone expected. More on that later!

The two continue to explain what they’d heard about the women and the disciples, the empty tomb when Jesus rebukes them:

“How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” Luke 24:25-26

Moses and All The Prophets

Jesus explains to them how His journey was foretold by Moses and all the prophets. We have the privilege of having Bibles in various versions laying all around. If Jesus used ancient scriptures to explain how He must come into the world, suffer, and then be resurrected, it seems we should be serious about understanding the Old Testament to appreciate the New.

While the language used here leaves us with no doubt that this was a rebuke, it doesn’t sound like it’s harsh. There’s a lesson to be learned in that alone. Jesus rebukes them, but they all continue to walk together. I get the impression they’re not in a great hurry, other than to get to Emmaus before sunset. The men knew there was something special about this one who was walking with them. At the very least, He knew scripture like no one they had ever encountered.

But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” Luke 24:29

Their request is sincere. Although He seems to be a stranger to them, they offer a safe place for the evening. This, of course, includes having supper together. Jesus takes the opportunity to take the bread, give thanks, then give it to them.

I think this was another story the Eleven shared with others, the story of the Last Supper. They might have shared the story in great despair, kicking themselves for not recognizing it was the Last Supper, but they no doubt told others how Jesus changed to words to suggest this was His body broken for the world, His blood shed for many.

These two disciples from Emmaus hear the words and their eyes are opened. This is Jesus!

They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32

Emmaus Walk

Several years ago I was sponsored to join the Walk to Emmaus as part of the Upper Room Ministries in Montgomery, Alabama. I didn’t know what I was getting into, but I trusted those who urged me to invest the weekend retreat (Thursday evening through Saturday). At some point, I should write a complete post on the experience, but suffice it to say, the retreat was all about having an encounter with Jesus. The featured image on this post is from the booklet they gave each of us. Through music, prayer, teaching, fellowship, and living for a few days with no electronic devices, we were all blessed to hear from our Savior, to meet Him on our own road to Emmaus.

Is your heart burning to know Jesus? Has anything in the last 24 chapters of Luke stirred up something from within? I truly hope so.

I pray that we will all recognize Jesus in everything around us, that excitement would well up inside of us as we realize He longs to break bread with us. Go and tell the world!

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Luke: Pre-Trial of the Messiah

Luke 22:63-71

In the last post, our focus was on Peter’s denials and his reaction to the realization that what Jesus said previously was not symbolic–it was very real. During these pre-morning scenes, Jesus is aggressively questioned by the high priests who have already decided His fate. It seems the guards pick up the scent as they begin to treat Jesus brutally.

They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” And they said many other insulting things to him. Luke 22:64-65

For some reason, Joseph Conrad’s, Heart of Darkness, comes to mind. We see here those who are supposed to be most civilized acting with complete disregard for human life. Beating a blindfolded man makes no sense. Mocking and insulting their prisoner is surrealistic, out of step with Jesus’ teaching and healing ministry. And yet it is real.

The council of elders must know this is going on. There is no indication that the guards are bridled in the slightest. The mock trial continues.

Daybreak

Sleep deprivation is one of the most often used techniques for breaking prisoners. If you keep someone awake long enough, they’ll say whatever you want at some point. In this episode, I think the council is losing focus, not Jesus. They are working hard to come up with a case they can present before the Roman authorities since they are trying to put the responsibility for eliminating Jesus on government shoulders.

They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.” Luke 22:70-71

The entire Sanhedrin finally gets the non-answer that they wanted. By not refuting their claim, Jesus admits He is indeed the Son of God. That seals it for the Jewish leadership. They heard what they wanted to hear.

Darkness

Though it is daybreak, the story turns incredibly dark. In God’s great compassion for mankind, He sent Jesus into the world and only a few received Him. It seems we, as a race, haven’t advanced far from Genesis:

The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. Genesis 6:5

Instead of flooding the earth this time, God provided the perfect sacrifice to save the world. This doesn’t make sense to most people because their focus is on themselves first, lost in the sea of selfish desires.

Lord, help us to step back and see what it is You see, through Your eyes. There are too many times that we are surrounded by darkness. Don’t let our hearts feel the weight of those who would be misled. Instead, fill our hearts with the joy of Your salvation and may this true light be our testimony.

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Luke: Jesus Prays, Exhausted from Sorrow

Read: Luke 22:39-46

Have you ever been exhausted from sorrow? In this passage, Luke provides a brief glimpse into the garden where Jesus often prayed.

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. Luke 22:39

For Jesus to go out an pray was not unusual. For His disciples to follow Him was routine. The occasion, however, was anything but normal, but the disciples didn’t know.

This time would be the last time that Jesus would pray at the Mount of Olives. No more teaching, just an admonishment to avoid falling into temptation, though He knew they would fall asleep. I wonder if they typically snoozed while Jesus prayed? Is sleep a temptation?

He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:41-42

The ultimate Passover lamb submits to God.

Jesus prays so hard that his sweat was like drops of blood. Have you ever prayed that hard? At that moment, were you willing to say, yet not my will, but yours be done? Complete surrender.

There are times, even recently, when I’ve prayed so hard that it felt like the tears were drops of blood. The most sincere, deepest, hardest prayers are typically for my children. As a dad, I want them to live life to the fullest, to experience joy in this world with the assurance of the next. I hurt for them in ways that they don’t even see. In these moments I’ve found that my prayers often have no words if that makes sense. In the deepest, darkest moments there are few words that express my heart’s desire and I cry out for the Spirit to speak on my behalf.

All this pales in comparison with what Jesus is praying for and the path that is set before Him, but I like to think it gives me a small, minuscule perspective into that moment in the garden. In my limited human capability, I understand being exhausted from sorrow.

When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Luke 22:45-46

The disciples don’t get it, they simply don’t know that they just experienced the Last Supper, nor do they know this is the Last Prayer in the garden with Jesus.

Luke chooses words that are not harsh. I don’t get any sense of anger or rage, but maybe that’s just my own bias. He knows what they cannot possibly understand. All will become clear in a matter of days, though the ensuing hours will cause Peter to deny and the others to scatter.

Lord, we have the privilege of reading these words with a historical perspective. Help us to pray and not fall into temptation. Spirit, give us words to say or simply supply the utterances that express the desires of our heart for Your glory!

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