Sermon April 19,2026
In our house I am usually running out the door all the time and always in a hurry, always thinking about what I need to do when I get to my destination. On the way home I am often thinking about what I have to do when I get home. Sometimes I feel time is not on my side. At times, I can’t tell what I am thinking, maybe I am not thinking at all?
Usually, when I leave the house, the dog is barking goodbye and my husband Ray usually says “beware of your surroundings when you leave the house.” When getting out of the car, take the time to look around you before unlocking the car door. When walking to my destination or taking a home communion to a parishioner be sure to check behind you and in front of you. You know being safe is a wise thing to do and be very careful where you are walking. Now that a I say these safety rules everywhere I go I usually remember all the rules. However, I am missing one thing throughout my busy day. Can you guess what I am missing? I am forgetting to pause, breathe, and remember Jesus is right along beside me. I really think I’m like the disciples on the road to Emmaus.
The two disciples returning to Emmaus at first missed significance of history’s greatest event because they were to focused on their disappointments and problems and maybe thinking about what they had to do when arriving at their destination just like myself. In fact, they did not recognized Jesus when he was walking beside them. To compound the problem, they were walking in the wrong direction – away from the fellowship of believers in Jerusalem. We are likely to miss Jesus and withdraw from the strength from within other believers when we become preoccupied with our dashed hopes and frustrated plans. Only when we are looking for Jesus in our midst, will we experience the power and help he can bring.
The news about Jesus’ crucifixion had spread throughout Jerusalem. Because this was Passover week, Jewish pilgrims visiting the city from all over the Roman Empire, now knew about his death. This was not a small, insignificant event affecting only the disciples – the whole nation was interested.
The disciples from Emmaus were counting on Jesus to redeem Israel – that is to rescue the nation from its enemies. Most Jews believed that the Old Testament prophecies pointed to a military and political Messiah, they didn’t realize that the Messiah had come to redeem people from slavery to sin. When Jesus died therefore, they lost all hope. They didn’t understand that Jesus’ death offered the greatest hope possible. These disciples knew that the tomb was empty but didn’t understand that Jesus had risen, and they were filled with sadness. Despite the women’s witness which were verified by other disciples (The Biblical prophecies of this very event), they still did not believe. Today the resurrection still catches people by surprise. In spite of 2,000 years of evidence and witnesses, many people refuse to believe. What more will it take? For these disciples it took living, and believing that Jesus was in their midst. For many people today, belief comes through encountering living, breathing Christians.
In verse 25, Jesus says “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken”. Jesus called these disciples foolish. Even though they well knew the Biblical prophecies, they failed to understand that Christ’s suffering was his path to glory. They could not understand why God did not intervene to save Jesus from the cross. They were so caught up in the world’s admiration of political power and military might that they were unprepared for the reversal of God’s kingdom – that the last will be first, and that life grows out of death. The world has not changed its values, a suffering servant is no more poplar today than 2,000 years ago. But we have not only the witness of the Old Testament prophets; we have also the witness of the New Testament apostles and the history of the Christian church all pointing to Jesus’ victory over death. Will we step outside the values of our culture and put our faith in Jesus?
In our second reading from 1st Peter
Because God is the Judge of all the earth, we dare not ignore him that or treat him casually . We should not assume that our privileged status as God’s children gives us freedom to do whatever we want. We should not be spoiled children, but grateful children who love to show respect for our heavenly Father. Christ’s sacrifice for our sins was not an afterthought, not something God decided to do when the world spun out of control.
This plan was set in motions by the all-knowing, eternal God long before the world was created. What a comfort it must have been to Jewish believers to know that Christ coming and his work of salvation were planned by God long before the world began. This assured them that the law was not being scrapped because it didn’t work, but both the law and the coming of Christ was part of God’s plan.
I think in the mess our world is in today, we all have to put our faith and our trust in our Lord. The more I read and listen to these days our upside down world is in big trouble as we listen to the new around us. I do believe our Lord is the only one who can save us in this world. I find it frightening and at times I have to turn off the television because I just cannot hear any more bad news. There seems to be no compassion for other people. Jesus has set us free and we must believe he will step into this mess we are in and straighten out the world. Jesus is our good news and I know he is listening, and I am praying for peace in our damaged world. I feel right now it’s time to realize that Jesus is right beside us as we walk, hopefully toward peace in our troubled world.
“Sincere love is shown through selfless giving, and Jesus truly has given us that kind of love. God’s love and forgiveness are freely given towards meeting the needs of others, allowing you to take your focus off yourself. By sacrificing his life, Christ has shown that he truly loves you! Now you can love others by following his example and giving of yourself.
Jesus has now risen and has left us his love to share with others. I know that in our busy days ahead of us maybe we can stop and have a look around us as we share that love with others. Where ever we walk, talk and share that love he is right at our side just as he was with the two disciples on there way to Emmaus. Maybe those disciples were concerned about their future as they stepped forward to share the risen Lord who continued their walk on a long road to Emmaus.
Recognition of our Lord in our everyday life is rewarding for each and everyone of us. He never leaves us to struggle on our own. He showers his love, care, and concern every moment of our lives.
Risen Christ
You come and stand before us.
Speaking peace into our fear
and hope into our uncertainty
Open our hearts to your presence,
Open our lives to Your word and lead us into the fullness of life
You offer in Your name.
Amen
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