"Encountering the Way of Jesus" (Luke 24:25-27)
SERMON NOTES
Sermon Series: Encountering the Risen Jesus
Sermon Title: Encountering the Way of Jesus
Passage: Luke 24:25-27
1. Jesus Confronts Their Misunderstanding (v25)
1st Question: What do we learn from the travelers?
We learn that familiarity with Jesus is not the same as intimacy with Jesus. Proximity to Jesus does not guarantee obedience to his words, faithfulness to his way, or being formed into his image.
2. Jesus Challenges Their Understanding (v26)
3. Jesus Corrects Their Misunderstanding (v27)
2nd Question: What do we learn about Jesus?
That he is the fulfillment of promise
3rd Question: What do we learn from Jesus?
We learn what this journey we are following Jesus on looks like
Reflection
Read Luke 24:25-27 and ask yourself, “How have I misunderstood Jesus?” How have I misunderstood who he is, what I hoped he would do, when I hoped he would do it, and the way I hoped he would do it? How have I been foolish in not recognizing his presence, only seeing what I want to see? How have I been slow of heart, not believing his words, only hearing what I want to hear?
Read Luke 9:23-24 and ask yourself, “How have I misunderstood the way of Jesus?” How have I misunderstood the journey he is leading me on? Thinking he’s taking me somewhere other than where I want to go. What is holding you back from being all in, prevenient you from entering the narrow gate? What are you holding on to, that is preventing you from picking up your cross and faithfully following the way of Jesus?
SERMON FOOTNOTES
“You have been staring at an obstacle not willing to consider that the obstacle was put there to show you the right path.” - Henri Nouwen (With Burning Hearts, p42)
“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die…If we refuse to take up our cross and submit to suffering and rejection at the hands of (others), we forfeit our fellowship with Christ and have ceased to follow him…Discipleship (following Jesus, being formed into his image) means allegiance to the suffering Christ, and it is therefore not at all surprising that Christians should be called upon to suffer.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Cost of Discipleship, p89,91,91)
Recommended Reading:
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation by M. Robert Mulholland Jr.
Life Together in Christ: Experiencing Transformation in Community by Ruth Haley Barton (based on the story of the road to Emmaus)
With Burning Hearts: A Meditation on the Eucharistic Life by Henri Nouwen (reflection on the the story of the road to Emmaus)