PERSONAL APPEARANCE
Text: Lk. 24:35-49
Introduction
1. Illustration: It has been my great pleasure over the years to meet many of my heroes. I’ve met some famous preachers like Jim Cymbala and Alistar Begg. But my favorite of course was meeting my guitar hero Phil Keaggy. His band the Glass Harp was doing a big concert at the Akron Civic Theatre that evening. I was working at a shop called the Pipe Rack in Akron, OH, and I had just come into work. All of the sudden, the door opened and in walked Phil. Tina was standing in front of the counter with her back to the door, and I said, “Hi, Phil!” Of course, she thought it was Phil our friend from church, but when she turned around, she understood why I was grinning from ear to ear. We spent about an hour together, and I ended up selling Phil a new pipe, my claim to fame!
2. Now, imagine you are one of the Lord’s disciples, and the great teacher who you had hoped was the Messiah, who you had seen crucified, suddenly appears from nowhere. Imagine the different emotions you would experience, fear, disbelief, joy, and excitement.
3. Jesus’ appearance to them brought all those feelings, but it also brought something better. His presence brought you…
a. Encouragement
b. Teaching
c. Empowerment
4. Read Luke 24:35-49
Proposition: Spending time with Jesus everyday gives us the spiritual energy to face anything our day may throw at us.
Transition: Spending time with Jesus…
I. Encourages Us (35-43).
A. Peace Be with You
1. The news about Jesus’ resurrection was out and the two disciples that had walked and talked with him on their way to Emmaus quickly found the other disciples and shared their story with them.
2. Luke tells us, “Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread.”
a. The two disciples shared their story about meeting Jesus on the road and notice that they mentioned that they recognized him in the breaking of the bread.
b. This would have been important to these disciples because of the last things that Jesus did with them before his arrest was sharing the Last Supper with them. This would have been engrained in their minds.
c. Now Luke doesn’t tell us why Jesus chose these two disciples, but it is a beautiful story of Jesus compassion and love.
d. When Jesus sees us confused and in need of encouragement, he always meets with us and gives us comfort.
3. Then, all the sudden, just as he had on the road to Emmaus, Jesus appeared. In v. 36 we read, “And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!”
a. Once again, Jesus appears out of nowhere.
b. In fact, in the Gospel of John 20:19. “That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said.”
c. So, not only did he appear, but he seemingly walked through the doors even though they were locked!
d. You see, because Jesus body was both resurrected and glorified, he was able to do things that seemed impossible. His bodily limitations were now gone, and he was able to appear at will.
e. The first thing he said to them was, “peace be with you.” This was a standard way to greet someone in Hebrew. He wanted them to know that it was really him, and he didn’t want them to be afraid.
f. However, the disciples being the disciples, were still afraid and thought they were seeing a ghost. It kind of reminds me of when I was a kid watching Casper the friendly ghost.
g. But what a great way to greet them. He wished them peace and his very presence brought peace, or at least it should have.
h. Jesus had told them numerous times that he would be crucified but that he would rise again on the third day, which he did, but they still didn’t believe.
i. Instead of trusting Jesus and taking him at his word, they allowed their fear to get the best of them.
4. Then Jesus, sensing their fear and disbelief, said, ““Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.”
a. To relieve their fears, Jesus offers for them to not only see but also touch his hands and feet.
b. Why his hands and feet? Well, that’s where the Roman soldiers had driven the nails.
c. They could see the holes in them, and in John’s Gospel he even tells old Doubting Thomas to put his finger in the holes.
d. He tells them to go ahead and touch him and see that he has a body because that’s something ghosts don’t.
5. But look what Luke tells us in vv. 41-43, “Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he ate it as they watched.”
a. He had shown them his hands and feet, and they still had doubts. Luke implies that their disbelief at this point was that it was simply too good to be true.
b. For years I kept imagining my deceased sister was going to walk through the back door at my mom’s house, even though I knew it wasn’t going to happen.
c. But what if it had? I suppose that my response would be like the disciples here. But this isn’t my sister we’re talking about here, it’s Jesus!
d. So, Jesus asks them for something to eat. The Jews believed that ghosts, angels, and spirits don’t eat, so Jesus figured if they saw him eat something maybe that would convince them.
e. So, they have him a piece of broiled fish, and they stood there and watched him eat it.
f. Can’t you see Jesus taking the piece of fish, began to eat it, and they’re all just standing there staring at him!
g. Finally, Jesus was able to convince them it was really him.
B. Hope and Encouragement
1. Illustration: In my office hangs a tie and a pair of suspenders enclosed in a glass and wood case. Those mementos belonged to my academic advisor, mentor, and friend from my days in seminary - the late Dr. Gary McGee. About halfway through my program, I stood in his office tired, burned out and in tears. I told Dr. McGee, "I can't do this anymore!" He smiled and gently reaffirmed me, "Mark, you can, and you will!" If it had not been for his encouragement and reassurance I never would have graduated. This is the same word of encouragement that Jesus gives us every day.
2. The encouragement Jesus gives us helps us to deal with all the difficulties of life.
a. 4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. 5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 15:4-6).
b. Life is filled with things that discourage us. Problems at work. Problems at home. Problems with you family. Problems with bills. Problems with your car. All kinds of problems that bring us down.
c. But time with Jesus helps to encourage us.
d. Time with Jesus lifts our spirits because we know he accepts us as we are.
e. Time with Jesus encourages us because we know he understands what we are going through.
f. Time with Jesus encourages us because we know that he is the solution to our problems.
g. The problem is that we don’t spend time with him daily.
h. The problem is that we don’t take the time to let him encourage us.
i. We push him away and say, “I don’t have time right now!”
j. The truth is we don’t have time not to pray!
k. We need to spend time with Jesus every day.
Transition: Not only does Jesus encourage us, he also…
II. Teaches Us (44-46).
A. Opened Their Minds to the Scriptures
1. Later, Jesus took the opportunity to teach his disciples. Luke tells us in vv. 44-45, “Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.”
a. Luke doesn’t tell us here when this happened, but in his other book, the Book of Acts, he says that Jesus spent 40 days with them after the resurrection.
b. He reminds them that before his crucifixion he told them about everything that the Scriptures predicted about him and that they had to be fulfilled.
c. By saying the Law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms in their minds made up all the OT. In other words, the entire OT points to Jesus.
d. Then Luke tells us he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. By Jesus teaching them the Scriptures they were able to understand what he had been trying to tell them all along.
e. But they didn’t come about this understanding on their own study of Scripture. Luke says that it was because Jesus opened their minds to understand.
f. He enables them not only to believe, but to understand.
g. It’s not enough to just understand doctrine, but we must also understand why it is true.
h. If you want to pick up a great book, look for a book called Know Why You Believe by Paul E. Little.
2. Jesus then continues his teaching saying, “And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day.”
a. Jesus wanted them to understand that everything that had happened to him, the trial, the crucifixion, and the resurrection had all been predicted years earlier.
b. Many people today misunderstand what Jesus’ life was all about. They say things like “he was a good man,” and “he was a great religious teacher,” but they miss the point that he came to go to the cross and die for the sins of all humankind.
c. He didn’t just to love, teach, and heal, he came to save. It was his mission and he never lost sight of that mission.
d. He wouldn’t let Satan, the religious leaders, Pilate, or even his own disciples to distract him from his mission.
B. Useful to Teach
1. Illustration: Of all the responsibilities and great offices that Jesus filled, His being a teacher rated near the top, if not at the top. When He gave the Sermon on the Mount, He seated Himself and His disciples came to Him: and He opened His mouth and taught them.
a. Let us think of the visual aids He used. Look at Him as He speaks about salt, sparrows, lilies, candles, eyes, hands, feet, lampstands, cities, gifts, prisons, heaven, earth, Jerusalem, rain, sunshine, neighbors, enemies, hypocrites, and a thousand other common things.
b. Let us think of His methods. The question method of teaching has been named after Socrates, but Jesus was the master when it came to questions. He asked His disciples, "Whom do men say that I, the Son of man am?'' Jesus used the lecture method. The Sermon on the Mount and His discourses on eschatology are examples. He employed the art of storytelling. His parables were filled with short stories. He engaged in the discussion method. The Pharisees and Sadducees would bear witness to His discussions. He used the example method. His whole life became an example for the whole race.
c. Let us observe the content of His lessons. The messages He gave had divine wisdom. He astonished Nathanael and left him amazed as to how He knew. He absorbed the inquiries of Nicodemus and sent him away to ponder the new birth. He disappointed the rich young ruler and placed upon him requirements that left him sad and dejected. It was the truth that He taught that made the obedient glad, the disobedient angry, the stubborn defiant, and the strong fearful.
2. We need to allow Jesus to teach us and open our minds to the Scriptures.
a. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
b. As a student for a good part of my life, I’ve learned one very important lesson: you’ll never learn anything if you don’t show up for class!
c. You can’t skip class all semester and expect to pass the final.
d. You’ve got to show up for class!
e. You’ve also got to open your book! Jesus can’t teach you if you leave your book on the shelf.
f. There is simply no reason for not reading your Bible these days.
g. There are more versions, study bibles, websites, and apps to help you read the bible.
h. There are more bibles available than every before, and yet biblical illiteracy is at an all-time high!
i. Church, it’s time to get in the Word!
Transition: So, Jesus encourages us, teaches us, and he…
III. Empowers Us (47-49)
A. Just As My Father Promised
1. The Scriptures not only taught about Jesus’ mission to save us, but also that the message of the Gospel would be proclaimed to all of the world. Jesus says in v. 47, “ It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ You are witnesses of all these things.”
a. The Scriptures also taught that repentance of sin and forgiveness of those sins would also be proclaimed to all the world.
b. You see, Luke was writing to a Greek-speaking audience, and he wanted them to know that the Gospel wasn’t just for the Jews, but it was also for the entire world, both Jews and Gentiles, and this was the plan from the very beginning.
c. And the disciples were witnesses of these things.
d. Now what is a witness? A witness is someone who saw or experienced something firsthand, and then they are to testify to the things they saw and experienced.
e. Jesus tells them it was their responsibility to tell the world about him and about the salvation that is possible through him.
2. Now this was no small task he was giving them. They were being given the responsibility of telling the entire world about him. But he wanted them to know he would not leave them ill-prepared. In v. 49 Jesus says, “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
a. He tells them that he was sending the gift that the Father promised. What gift had he promised?
b. “Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. 29 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike. 30 And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth—blood and fire and columns of smoke. 31 The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and terrible day of the LORD arrives. 32 But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved,” (Joel 2:28-32).
c. You see, up until this time the Holy Spirit was only given to prophets, priests, and kings.
d. But the Father promised that one day he would pour out his Spirit on all of God’s people. Every time that Luke refers to “the promise of the Father” he is referring to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
e. And this fulfillment of the promise was extremely important. In fact, it was so important that Jesus tells them not to leave Jerusalem without it.
f. You know, like those credit card commercials.
g. Yes, it was that important! When the Holy Spirit came, he would empower them to fulfill their mission.
B. You Shall Receive Power
1. Bill Crowder gives us a great Illustration of Need for the Power of the Holy Spirit: "The first winter that my wife Marlene and I were married was marked by severe blizzards. I can vividly remember one Sunday when we awoke to find that the electricity had been knocked out by an ice storm. Huddled around a battery-powered radio for news on that frigid Sunday, we heard a most unusual announcement. The announcer, before giving the list of church services canceled due to the ice storm, said, “The following churches will be closed due to lack of power.” What an interesting comment! I knew what he meant, but I was struck by what he said. The idea of churches closing due to lack of power conjures up some spiritual parallels that directly tie into Jesus’ promise of the Spirit. Just prior to His ascension, Jesus told His disciples in Acts 1:8, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” He directly attached the coming of the Spirit to the empowering of believers.
2. Jesus empowers us to be his witnesses by filling us with the Holy Spirit.
a. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
b. It’s easy to share our faith with people, and for some of us it’s harder than others.
c. We feel like we won’t know what to say.
d. We’re afraid that people will reject us or even get angry with us.
e. We’re afraid that family members will turn on us if we talk about Jesus to them.
f. But the Holy Spirit empowers us to do things that don’t come naturally to us.
g. He empowers us with a holy boldness to speak to people we don’t even know.
h. He empowers us to overcome our fears about how people will treat us.
i. He empowers us to know what to say when we need it.
j. He empowers us to turn the world upside down because that’s what the disciples did.
k. And if they needed the Holy Spirit, so do we!
Conclusion
1. Now, imagine you are one of the Lord’s disciples, and the great teacher who you had hoped was the Messiah, who you had seen crucified, suddenly appears from nowhere. Imagine the different emotions you would experience, fear, disbelief, joy, and excitement.
2. Jesus’ appearance to them brought all those feelings, but it also brought something better. His presence brought you…
a. Encouragement
b. Teaching
c. Empowerment
3. What’s the point? Spending time daily in Jesus’ presence will change our lives, and it will change us into the person he has created us to be.
