This last Sunday we celebrated the most significant day in history – the resurrection of Jesus! It was great to see souls saved, the church filled, and Christians encouraged. However, many may be thinking, Now what? In reading the book of Acts, one thing sticks out; the Gospel began to spread and the church grew based on the fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. That, my friends, was the catalyst for the disciples to preach the message of Jesus to the ends of the world.
In Luke 24:13-35, we are told of two disciples leaving Jerusalem on their way to Emmaus when they unknowingly encounter Jesus. Something these two men said after they encountered the risen Christ was, “Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?” Knowing, Jesus is alive ought to make us passionate about Him. The Greek word used means to set on fire, kindle, or consume. I would like to point out a few truths from this passage, so we can experience the same fire and passion these disciples experienced with our Lord.
First of all, they talked about Jesus as they went their way. Of course, these disciples were still struggling with the death of Jesus and didn’t totally get the resurrection. They understood this day (the third day) was significant but hadn’t put it all together yet. But nevertheless, Jesus was the topic of their conversation. Today, it seems like reality television, politics, or even sports tend to consume our conversation – what about Jesus? Most believers are familiar with the Great Commission, “Go Ye Therefore.” That literally means, “as you are going,” talk to people about Jesus. Be passionate about the Lord and make Him part of your daily conversation.
Secondly, they talked to Jesus. What a privilege we have as believers to not just be forgiven of sins, but to be able to talk with our Lord through prayer. Hebrews 5:14-16 tells us, because we have a great High Priest in Jesus, we can come boldly to the throne of grace and obtain mercy and help in time of need. The Bible tells us these disciples were sad, but after their talk with Jesus, their hearts were consumed and set on fire. The remedy for a downcast soul is talking with Jesus, remembering He cares for you! We experience a passion for Jesus when we talk about Him and when we talk with Him, but that’s not all.
Thirdly, Jesus shared with them the Scripture. There is one overriding theme through Scripture and that is the redemption of mankind. Jesus expounded unto them the Scriptures, but when they reached the village and Jesus was going to keep going, they asked Jesus to abide with them. Today, we know that Jesus is in Heaven, but we can abide with Him through the Word of God. Remember, Jesus told the disciples that His Word should abide in them. Knowing Jesus is alive and the Word of God is true, we ought to consume it!
Lastly, after encountering the Risen Lord, these disciples shared their experience with others. The fire they felt in their hearts made it to their lips. Verse 35 tells us that they told these things to the others and how they had KNOWN Him. I don’t know a Christian who wouldn’t say knowing Jesus personally is the greatest experience in life. The passion of being born again ought to make us want to share it with others. We know that Jesus is alive today, but is there a fire in your heart? Is there a burning passion for the things of God? You can experience that passion by following the example of these two disciples as you encounter the risen Savior – daily.
Saved by Grace,
Pastor Seth Mulford