Third Sunday of Easter - Video of Divine Service and Sermon Text

Video of Divine Service at St. Luke, Rensselaer


Third Sunday of Easter    

Acts 2:14a, 36-41  
1 Peter 1:17-25  
Luke 24:13-35

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed. Alleluia!

O Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, my rock and my redeemer. Amen

The walk away from Jerusalem to Emmaus is a different experience than the walk toward Jerusalem. On the way to Jerusalem, the disciples are excited, the people jubilant. On Palm Sunday, we heard that Jesus rode a borrowed donkey. The people lined the road. They threw their cloaks on the ground before Jesus. They held Palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna in the highest!  Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”  

The people perceive that Jesus is a prophet of God, a healer. He is the Messiah, the Christ, who fulfills Zechariah 9:9. The Messiah comes to Jerusalem on a donkey. Hopes are high for the in-breaking of God’s reign. Finally, the Messiah Jesus will make everything right. 

Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion shatter that joyful expectation of the disciples. How did that happen? Jesus does not defend himself. How could a man who taught with such authority suddenly be at such a loss for words. He does not even call on the heavenly host or on willing, earthly, followers, to fight with him, to fight for him.  He accepts a beating from Roman soldiers. He accepts their mocking and the scourging. From the cross, Jesus forgives those who crucify him. He dies. He was supposed to redeem Israel. He was not supposed to die. His followers are stunned. This did not go as hoped. 

Now, the news of his empty tomb. The women say that they saw angels. The angels declare that Jesus is alive. All of this mystifies the disciples. They are disappointed. They are afraid. They are confused. So, Cleopas and the other disciple walk away from Jerusalem with broken, heavy, hearts.  They ask, “Why has this happened?” And “What happened to Jesus’ body?” There are no logical answers. 

The road to Jerusalem felt like a dream was about to come true. Time passed quickly. The road from Jerusalem to Emmaus is slow, sad, heavy. So much to ponder yet there are no answers. Then the stranger begins to walk beside them. He is unknown to them but feels familiar. He opens up the Scriptures. He explains, amongst many other Biblical citations, that according to Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Jesus is the New Prophet like Moses; that in his healing, teaching, and crucifixion he does what Isaiah 61:1-4 describes. He is anointed by the Holy Spirit in John’s baptism, he preached, healed, and he released those bound in one form of prison or another by his death on the cross. He explains that he is the Passover lamb whose sacrifice on the cross makes it possible for God’s wrath to pass over those who have faith in Him. He is the one that Isaiah 52 and 53 describe as the suffering servant. Jesus suffers so that you may live. Jesus teaches them to read the Scriptures in a new away. As they walk to Emmaus, He teaches with authority the Scripture references that He as Messiah fulfilled in his healing, teaching, passion, death, and resurrection. 

Jesus teaches and preaches the Scriptures to these two disciples so that they are prepared for what comes next. Jesus brought light and understanding to their darkened minds. Jesus brought clarity to their confused minds. They had opportunity to repent of their doubt. The digesting of God’s Word renewed their faith. They were ready then, to see Jesus. At the table Jesus took bread, just like he did at the Passover meal. He went from being honored guest to revered host. In the breaking of the bread, their repentant, faith-filled hearts and eyes saw Jesus. The veil is lifted. There he is before them. 

The sequence of events that occurred on the road to Emmaus that culminated in the meal is the pattern of the Divine Service. During the week you are battered by the world’s demands and lies, your faith is tested, you are tempted, you are under spiritual attack. You come to the Divine Service. Together, we all join together in the confession of the darkness we have dwelt in, the times, known and unknown, that we have fallen short of God’s expectations in fulfilling His commandments. You receive the first announcement that you are loved and forgiven on account of Jesus Christ’ sacrifice on the cross. You then hear the Word and an explanation of it. The Holy Spirit renews your mind and your soul through God’s Word of Law and the Gospel. Once your faith is lifted up, firmed up, then you are ready to receive Christ Jesus in the bread and wine. You receive Christ and you receive his benefits. You receive Him and you receive his loving forgiveness as His true body is given for you and His true blood shed for you.

When the Sabbath is completed, you are ready to begin the week again. Renewed, refreshed, strengthened in faith. Your hearts burn with gratitude for the Lord is with you.    

Alleluia. Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed. Alleluia!

The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen. 



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