The Seven Mile Sermon

The Seven Mile Sermon

Luke 24:13-32

When I started in the ministry the normal length of a sermon was about 40 minutes and we did that at least twice on a Sunday. It seems that as preachers grow older, they get shorter, and their sermons get shorter as well.

But here in Luke 24 Jesus preaches a seven-mile sermon or it you have converted to metric Jesus preached a 12 kilometers sermon. He walked to one of the suburbs of Jerusalem with a couple of his followers to a little town called Emmaus.

Emmaus was a little village just west of Jerusalem. These two disciples had been in Jerusalem for the Passover when tragedy struck. Their leader had been crucified. Now they are making their way back home with broken hearts and weary steps.

We are given the name of one of the disciples – Cleopes. As far as we know this man was Jesus’ uncle – Joseph’s brother. Presuming that Cleopes was traveling with his wife the other disciple would be Jesus’ aunt, a woman by the name of Mary.

So here they are Uncle Cleopes and Aunt Mary drudging their way home. And Jesus drew near. Aren’t you glad that Jesus draws near to us in our sorrow, in our times of disappointment, in the hour of brokenness, He comes? We do not always recognize him, but He is with us just as surely as He was with these broken-hearted disciples on the road to Emmaus.

So, Jesus drew near. He listened. They poured out their grief. They talked about Jesus of Nazareth – prophet, sentenced to death, crucified, hopes dashed. Jesus listens, it’s like listening to your own obituary. Jesus listens for a long time and then he speaks.

One of the things they teach you in homiletics and public speaking courses is to build bridges with the people you’re speaking to. Right away when you stand to speak - build a bridge. Don’t say anything to offend.

So, what does Jesus say to begin his discourse? You fools! How can you be so dull? You’re not too swift! Apparently, Jesus had never taken a course on how to win friends and influence people. He plunges in.

You’re foolish if you think I’m a stranger in Jerusalem.

• Do you recall when the great Temple of Solomon was built? I was there. I am no stranger to Jerusalem.

• Do you remember when Abraham and Isaac came to Jerusalem to worship, long before there were walls or streets or houses. I was there. Before Abraham was I am. I am no stranger to Jerusalem.

• Do you recall when the sun first dawned over these Judean hills and valleys? I was there. Have you climbed Mount Zion and Mount Moriah? I formed them with the word of my power. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. I am no stranger in Jerusalem.

Nor am I a stranger in Kelowna. I know all about your mayor, your councilmen. I know your churches, your schools and university. I know your parks and lakes. I am no stranger to this city. You’re a fool if you think I am a stranger to Kelowna. As a matter of fact, I know what is going on in Willow Terrace. I know what is happening in your life. I know all about you: Your thoughts afar off; your dreams and aspirations; your fears, your good works. I know it all. You’re a fool if you think I’m a stranger around here.

You’re also foolish if you think I’m only a prophet.

I am a prophet – that’s true - but if that is all you think I am think again. I am also God come in the flesh. I am the Revelation of the Love of God come down to earth. I am the Holy Messiah of the Jews and the Saviour of the world. I am the second person of the Holy Trinity – God from God, light from light. Eternally begotten of the Father.

Be careful with the prophet talk. Even the Muslims and the Bhai say that much. Don’t settle for thinking that I am only a prophet.

You’re foolish if you think the Cross was a defeat.

Don’t you understand that because of the Cross we have free access into God’s presence? Don’t you grasp that because of the Cross we have forgiveness of all our sins? Don’t you realize that because of the Cross we are justified, we are sanctified, we are glorified. Don’t you see that the Cross is good? Don’t you know that the day of my crucifixion will forever be called Good Friday. How can you be so down in the mouth over the cross? How foolish if you think the cross was a defeat.