For lots of people, the Bible is an intimidating book. People have a hard time getting to know God. There’s a mystery surrounding how to understand the Bible. Spiritual growth becomes confusing. The story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus and their encounter with Christ shows how to make Christ come alive.
The women found the stone rolled away from the tomb and did not find the body of Jesus. Two angels said He rose and reminded them that the “Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” What they said to the apostles appeared as nonsense. Only Peter believed them because he saw the empty tomb (Lk. 24:1-12). Believe in Christ’s resurrection to experience Christ.
The two disciples on the road to Emmaus were bewildered about the empty tomb. They were conversing and discussing while Jesus traveled with them. Their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. The strange man (Jesus) asked, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” After Cleopas asked if He was the only one unaware of what was occurring, Jesus asked “What things?” He explained that Jesus was a prophet mighty in word and deed who was crucified. They hoped He would redeem Israel. Christ said they were “slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken” (Lk. 24:13-25). Ask questions so people will think and understand Scripture.
Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, Jesus explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. They invited Christ to stay and He broke bread. Their hearts burned within them as He opened the Scriptures. They related their experiences on the road recognizing Christ in the breaking of bread (Lk. 24:26-35). Study and discuss the Bible in a thorough and systematic way to experience the passion of knowing Christ.
While they were telling these things, He Himself stood in their midst, which startled and frightened them. Jesus asked, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?” After touching His hands and feet, Christ asked if they had anything to eat (Lk. 24:36-43).
Communicate God’s word so Jesus appears in the midst of your doubts and fears.
Jesus said He spoke His words to them, so that all things written about Him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and Psalms must be fulfilled. Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. He said that He (Christ) would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all nations beginning from Jerusalem. They were to stay in the city until being clothed with God’s power (Lk. 24:44-49). Share what the Holy Spirit teaches you so people can experience forgiveness of sins.
Jesus led them out and after blessing them, He parted from them. They praised God continually in the temple (Lk. 24:50-53). Tap into God’s authority through small group prayer.
To make Christ come alive:
1. Believe in Christ’s resurrection
2. Ask questions so people will think and understand Scripture
3. Study and discuss the Bible thoroughly and systematically to experience the passion of
knowing Christ
4. Communicate God’s word so Jesus appears in the midst of your doubts and fears
5. Share what the Holy Spirit teaches you so people can experience forgiveness of sins
6. Tap into God’s authority through small group prayer
