EASTER IS OVER, THE LORD HAD DISAPPEARED, THE DISCIPLES ARE FRIGHTENED AND SCATTERING

• When confusion and bewilderment hit - we want to follow the pathway of two of the disciples
• After the Feast of the Passover, after Jesus had died on the cross- the disciples scattered
• We also go part way with Jesus; but I hope you happen to meet Jesus as you walk away from Easter

THIS WAS A WALK OF REFLECTION AND RECOLLECTION

It was a pilgrimage of sadness.  They had gone to see Jesus made King, but He was crucified

THE DISCIPLES TALKED TOGETHER AS THEY WALKED BACK TOWARD HOME - V.14

• The road back to a normal life is in reality impossible if you have met Jesus, but some try.
• They must have talked about some of the glorious things that they had seen- Jesus and His kindness
• They probably talked more about their great disappointment- Jesus had failed to conquer Rome.

AS THEY WALKED, JESUS HIMSELF DREW NEAR AND WALKED WITH THEM, SHARING THEIR PATH - V.15

• Wherever we discuss Jesus, He is always near - Matt 18:20, "Where two or three are gathered in My Name" - Believe it?
• He asked them why they were so sad - v.17 - Jesus is always concerned when we are sad.
• The disciples could not understand why He did not know, but God wants us to tell Him all!

"THEY KNEW NOT JESUS" - V.16 - A STRANGE, SAD THING, THEY DID NOT KNOW HIM

• They were so busy with their depressed thoughts - minds made up, strong in opinion - blinded!
• Unfortunately we do not recognize His presence - if we did, much of life would be different
• They described what they thought to Jesus - v.19-24, God listens patiently to our views-
• Sometimes it is our memories that carry us along- it is grand when we remember the good ones

THIS WAS A WALK OF REFRESHING REASONING - RELAXATION

Light and gladness returned as Jesus taught them the meaning of the scriptures

"O FOOLS AND SLOW... TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN"  - V.25

• Jesus challenged the faith of these two- we certainly need our faith challenged today!
• The Prophets have spoken - 3,000 years ago- and their words are being fulfilled in detail
• We too are senseless (not fools) for we too fail to stand by faith - we run too soon home

"OUGHT NOT CHRIST TO HAVE SUFFERED" - V.16 - "TO ENTER INTO HIS GLORY?"  - SUFFERING IS A DOOR TO GLORY

• Isaiah told of a suffering saviour, and a conquering messiah - we are quick to believe half-
• In the practical walk of our lives, we are too quick to look for success- and flee suffering
• Too many Christians are the Christmas and Easter kind, and never come to prayer meeting!

HE EXPOUNDED TO THEM THE SCRIPTURES CONCERNING HIMSELF, MOSES, ALL THE PROPHETS, ETC. - V.27

• The reference to these books of ancient scripture gives the Lord authenticating their word
• In v.44 He authenticates the Psalms too, they tell a lot about Jesus too - read them
• If you would find Jesus, it will have to be through the written Word - read it carefully!

As you walk- live your life- listen to the Word of Jesus - read the scriptures and learn

THIS WAS A WALK THAT ENDED IN RECOGNITION

When we are willing, we find recognition, and reconciliation when we listen to Jesus

HE MADE AS THOUGH HE WOULD HAVE GONE FARTHER - V. 28

• Jesus is not rude; He will not abide with us unless we invite Him - and many have never done it
• Too many people today will walk with Jesus when it is convenient, profitable, and then quit Him
• We need people who will want Jesus to stay with them enough to literally constrain Him

THEY CONSTRAINED HIM - SAYING "ABIDE WITH US" - V. 29

• Too many do not want Jesus near them, and like the people of Gadera - Matt 8:34 "Depart from us"
• It is easy to ask Jesus to die for you - accept Him as Saviour - and then walk away from Him
• But what we need is more people "constraining" Jesus to abide with them - to stay and help

WHEN HE TOOK BREAD, BLESSED IT, BRAKE IT AND GAVE TO THEM THEIR EYES WERE OPENED - V. 30-31

• When the meal time came, Jesus again became the Master - and acted as the Host-
• The likeness to the Communion (had they been there?) startled them, and their eyes opened!
• When they recognized Jesus, He disappeared - vanished - how do you figure this?

Next week- the burning hearts that should have witnessed to them all the way!

WILL YOU WALK WITH JESUS, AND WILL YOU ASK HIM TO ABIDE WITH YOU?

• If you would receive Him as your Saviour - why not come forward at the invitation?
• If you want the power of His abiding presence - maybe it takes more than a little walk!
• Our personal workers are here to help you if you want to come and seek, but they, like Jesus, will not force anything upon you!