Beyond the Weekend: Road to Resurrection
The Passion of Jesus defines the events leading up to Easter and is the biggest holiday season celebrated by Christians around the world. The milestones of this season include Jesus’ Triumphal Entry, Good Friday, and Easter. But why do the events of Jesus’ Passion matter? Do they even have significance in our lives today?
In this 3-week series ROAD TO RESURRECTION leading up to Easter, Sr. Pastor Aaron Buer will teach about the biblical and cultural significance of the events of Jesus’ Passion and share the impact of Jesus’ sacrifice for our eternity.
Week 1: Matthew 21:1-11
Week 2: Matthew 27:45-53
Week 3: Luke 24:13-35
The Road to Emmaus
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
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. Luke 24:13-14
Read: Luke 24:13-35 Listen: Luke 24
TODAY'S MESSAGE
Massive crowds gather to welcome Jesus of Nazareth into Jerusalem at the beginning of Passover. Many believe he is the long-awaited Messiah, the one promised in the Jewish Scriptures. The entire city is stirred, and everyone is talking about Jesus. Yet, in just five short days, everything flips. The crowds turn against Jesus, and he is arrested and killed. It is shocking and confusing for all who had followed and put their hope in him.
It’s in this sad and confusing state that two followers of Jesus leave the city and travel about seven miles to Emmaus. They put their hope in Jesus but now walk away disappointed. On the way, Jesus meets them, travels with them and shows them who he really is. Unfortunately, we all find ourselves in a similar place from time to time, where we are confused, disappointed or have lost hope. As we study this encounter, we will see that Jesus is close to those who have lost hope. He wants to be accepted for who he is—the true source of our hope. May our gracious God use this story to remind us of our hope and challenge us to see Jesus for who he really is.
TODAY: As you study this passage, pray and ask God to teach you this week. With a posture of humility, invite him to challenge and surprise you. Ask him to remind you of the hope you have in him and reveal areas where you need to grow in understanding of Jesus.
JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
Read Exodus 2-3. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Note Moses’s miraculous birth and rescue from the water.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
