April 16, 2023 "Recognizing Jesus Walking Beside Us"

ReNew Ames Messages

We're walking slowly through the story of Jesus appearing to the two disciples walking to Emmaus. They were talking about everything that had happened. That's a loaded four words. "Everything that had happened." They were there witnessing the previous week ending with the crucifixion of Jesus. Then they heard the reports that Jesus' body was missing, AND that he might be alive. That's a hard thing to believe. They must've talked all about Jesus' life - what he taught and embodied - what he did. He gave them all so much hope. But now he's dead and gone. What were they feeling? They must've felt trapped. Trapped in their grief. Trapped and stuck in their old ways of thinking. We know what it's like to feel trapped in our old ways of thinking - trapped in old patterns of behavior - trapped, stuck by depression - etc. Maybe that's why they didn't recognize Jesus. That trapped feeling will do that to you. Maybe that's how we all live our lives - we're trapped in old ways of thinking and we fail to recognize the presence of the divine walking right alongside us. It's only at the table when Jesus breaks the bread that they recognize that it's him. Why does Jesus keep himself hidden? Speculation time. Maybe it's because he wants them to keep searching and longing for him. Maybe it's because Jesus isn't going to force them to believe. Or maybe it's so that when they do recognize him they get it right. They recognize Jesus in the blessing, the breaking, and the giving of the bread. That has implications for us as a community of Jesus people. People recognize Jesus in the blessing, the breaking, and the giving. If we're going to reveal Jesus to the world it'll have to be through blessing, breaking/sacrificing, and giving ourselves to the world. Speaker: Aaron Vis Scripture: Luke 24:13-35 http://bible.com/events/49065056