The Crossroads of Life

April 30-May 1, 2011

Sermon Title: The Crossroads of Life
Sermon Text: Luke 24:13-17
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast.

Context: The day of the resurrection two of Jesus’ followers were traveling to Emmaus. This trip would be a short one, but because of what they are discussing it seemed longer. They were puzzled, perplexed, and not certain of which way to go. This is the morning of the resurrection and it appears to them that nothing has changed.

Questions/Points to ponder: Have you ever been on a road and you weren’t sure of which way to go? Perhaps what you thought would be a quick trip ended up lasting longer, or you prayed for one thing and you got another answer? Sometimes life is like a crossword puzzle; if you answer the questions correctly you will have the answers you need for your crossroad.

Question 1: Why didn’t the two travelers recognize Jesus? (verse 16)
Answer: A supernatural force was at work.
The two men were kept from recognizing Jesus because God was at work. This reminds us that sometimes God is at work and we don’t know it until He opens our eyes. There will be times that we may think a situation is one thing but when God opens our eyes we are able to see it was another.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” God is with us in the midst of our pain and trials.

Question 2: Why were the travelers so downcast? (verse 17 and 21)
Answer: Their hope was shattered.
We often hope that things were going to turn out differently. These two men had hoped that Jesus was the one coming to deliver them from their current government.

20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Jesus was invited to dinner but became the host. If we would let Jesus in our lives, He will turn things around for us. When Jesus comes in He can give hope and raise us up.


Question 3: What allowed the two people to finally recognize Jesus? (verse 31)
Answer: God opened their eyes.
The same supernatural force that veiled their eyes now allowed them to see. God does this in our lives; in the middle of our situation God will open our eyes. He will never allow us to be blind. When we cannot see, He has our hand. Therefore, don’t worry when things are fuzzy and you can’t see.

Question 4: Why were the travelers’ hearts burning? (verse 32)
Answer: Jesus’ words broke through.
There is nothing greater than God’s word. There may be a time when you received a word that burned in your heart; you have to live that word. God’s word has a way of turning things around. Faith without works is dead. Stand on the word that you have received. Don’t act off of your feelings; feelings will fool you.

Question 5: Why did the two travelers get back on the same road again and return to Jerusalem? (verse 33)
Answer: To tell everyone the good news.
They got back on the same road; a road that was once marked with confusion and sadness. Their hope was restored so they could get back on the same road. We should remember to get back on the same road and watch God give us the strength to continue. With God’s help we will have a different outlook and revelation.
It will be the same road but with a different destination, observation, realization, revelation, and the strength to work with the life you have. You realize that God has been there the entire time and did exactly what He said He would do.

Conclusion:
When you take a look at your situation you see that Jesus is moving. He is not dead in your situation. You may be perplexed and it may be fuzzy but because Jesus got up, your situation will turn around!