We are changing gears from The Gospel of Matthew to the Early Church and the Gift of the Holy Spirit!  Beginning this Sunday we wonder with the disciples what Jesus death and resurrection really means.

We start with a story in Luke 24:13-35, as two followers of Jesus wonder about the events in Jerusalem.  As they are walking along the road, Jesus comes up beside them and has probably one of the most fascinating conversations anyone has ever had with him.  One problem, we don’t have the conversation recorded in Scripture.

However, I think that almost the entirety of what Jesus said to these two men on the road to Emmaus is recorded somewhere in bits and pieces throughout the rest of the new testament writings.  Read the story in preparation for Sunday and imagine trying to make sense of Jesus crucifixion and crazy reports of Jesus resurrection.  Questions would abound!

This story gives us a couple clues as to what life in following Jesus post resurrection looks like.  Two truths strike me: One, following Jesus (a life of discipleship) is one AHA moment after another.  Two, be on your Guard!  There will always be an alternative narrative to try and explain away Jesus’ death and resurrection.  So what will you believe?  The story of Scripture?  Or the alternative stories that discredit Jesus’ death and resurrection?

Come Sunday, come ready, come and worship,

Pastor Mark