Luke 24:1-35 He is RISEN

 

24:1 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.

Here we see these beautiful women – who were last at the Cross being the first ones at the tomb

  1. They brought spices as part of the embalming Process
  2. You recall how they were anxious to get Jesus & the two thieves off of the Cross – because the Sabbath was approaching
  1. Which meant that Joseph most likely didn’t have time to do the whole embalming Process – So these ladies were coming to finish the Job
  1. Mark’s gospel tells us that they were wondering who was going to move the stone for them
  2. Now the Jewish Calendar went from Sunset to Sunset – not sunrise to sunrise
  1. So Friday Jesus dies at 3:00 they rush to have him in the tomb before 6:00 because that was the start of the Sabbath
  1. Friday 6 to Sat. 6 – these women have to wait until after the Sabbath- so they come Early Sunday Morning

 

I like the fact that they came early – all 4 gospels make mention of that Fact!!

  1. David man after God’s Heart – declared Psa. 63:1 O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You
  2. Prov.8: 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
  3. Those who seek the Lord early in Life – early in a Situation – early in the morning each day – Promise – they will find Him
  4. These ladies – had a passion for the Lord / they rose up early & consequently they were the ones to make this GREAT DISCOVERY

 

Folks it is Important to Rise up Early – what ever that means in your case – Important to enjoy that quiet time w/ the Lord

  1. To establish that Discipline in your life – first fruits - first fruits of Your day – given to Him!!!
  2. It is good practice & it is good Practically –

A Family was gathering for a family Celebration- when the Grandfather announced that he had lost his gold pocket watch .

He told the Grand children – about 10 of them that he would give 25 BUCKS to whoever found it .

Those kids responded to the Challenge – running off screaming & yelling searching all over the house & yard – all except the little 6 yr. Bobby . He just sat there .

Well after an hr. or so all the kids returned empty handed / it was getting dark & the search was called off for the night

Early the next morning the kids all came down for Breakfast – in walked little Bobby – HERE IS YOUR WATCH GRANDPA

All the other kids were surprised & Bummed – 25 dollars – Grandpa asked How did you find it ?

Answer- Simple – I got up at 5:30 in the morning went outside & none of you guys were yelling & screaming & I just listened for ticking !!!!

Listen there is some TIMELY advice in that little story !!!

  1. See there is so much noise & commotion & activity and Busyness going on that it is hard to hear the Lord in the middle of your day
  2. More voices / tensions / Distractions – the time to hear the Lord is in the Early morning – when it is quiet & you can hear the TICKING
  1. When ever I over sleep – think – I will catch devotions at Lunch time – it rarely happens
  1. Now there are some times that I want to spend more time w/ the Lord – go to the park sit on hill over looking – Vista Oceanside – PRAY
  1. I Cherish those times – try to schedule those times – but I can’t always count on that it is going to Happen – many Interruptions / Preventions
  1. Found it is essential – that I discipline my self to rise up early to seek the Lord – those who seek me EARLY – they find me !!!!!
  2. Sleep test / used to sleep 8 or 9 hrs a day – High School – early College – book – sleep test / 15 min. a day
  1. I found out that I could get by Fine on 6 hrs / functioned real well.

 

So these women came Early – GREAT DISCOVERY

2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments.

5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?

6 "He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee,

7 "saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.'"

Now notice that it says that in the tomb were two men – the other gospels identify these men as Angels

  1. Gives us insight that – Angels often appear to men as men – seen often in the Bible

B) Writer of Hebrews 13: 2 Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!

C)Never know – might be ministering to an Angel – amazing when get to

Heaven see how much of the Spiritual Realm we interfaced w/

I love the question that the ANGELS ask in v. 5 why do seek the living among the dead !!!!

  1. That is a good question to ponder !!! – People are still seeking the Living among the dead

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  2. Single Christians – looking for a mate – they know they want to marry a Believer – but go looking in a Bar / dating service
  1. Among the DEAD
  1. Question to these women applies – Why seek the Living among the dead.
  2. Angels say – Don’t you remember what He said to you guys – 3rd day arise

8 And they remembered His words. 9 Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.

  1. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles.

I Love Johns Account – turn there – John 20 :11-18

 

Mary is weeping – Man Gardener – Mary – RABBONI –

  1. Don’t cling to me – but go tell the others
  2. This is such a good thing to remember – although our Lord wants us to draw near to Him – essential that we do
  1. Christian faith is to be shared –
  1. Jesus says to Mary – Don’t keep this new found discovery to yourself – share it / go tell the others
  1. Jesus says the same thing to us today !!!!!!
  1. You are enjoying the Reality of the Resurrection. The Fact that you are forgiven / enjoying fellowship of the Brethren – But go tell the others
  1. Jesus didn’t tell the 12 to form a HOLY HUDDLE - but to go & tell the World !!!!! HE IS RISEN !!!!!!

 

There are some who have a tendency to always want to just study / Gain knowledge – contemplate deep theological things

  1. And there is nothing wrong w/ that – I enjoy that MYSELF – but it becomes a problem when it is all that we do
  2. Bible school is wonderful – Learning is great – we are to be students of the word – Know what we Believe
  1. But sometimes a mentality Develops that – I am not equipped to minister until – I Know more
  1. Sometimes People who are so gifted – people who are called waste valuable yrs – thinking they to gain more Knowledge – before really used
  1. When the God who loves to use the Foolish things to confound the wise wants to use them right now
  1. Wants them to experience the Joy & the Wonder of His Grace being Sufficient in their lives
  1. There needs to be a healthy Balance - LAST DAYS
  1. Listen – Do You know that He is Risen / Do you know that He loves You/ Do you Know that you are forgiven ? You can be Used !!!

Turn back to Luke – Note the response of the Disciples

  1. And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe

them. 12 But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.
  1. The apostles didn’t believe ( IDLE TALES = babblings from fevered & insane minds ) these women are nuts
  2. But Peter – gets up & ran to the tomb –
  1. I Love Peter – I’ve got to see this for myself –
  1. Sure Enough it was just as they said – ( Perhaps this is when the Lord appeared to Peter 1Cor. 15 / Seen by Cephas – Peter then by the 12

1) Why the Lord seek out Peter ? Forgiven restored

Psa.37: 23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.

  1. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.

Peter fell –but not completely – restored by the Lord

  1. Interesting the 2nd part of v. 23 – Let me read it again 23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And HE delights in his way.
  2. The He there is Capitalized – the Lord delights in the steps of a good man

    3. Spurgeon : As Parents are pleased w/ the Tottering footsteps of their Babies . All that Concerns the Christian is interesting to the HEAVENLY FATHER

    God loves to view the Holy strivings of a soul pressing forward to the skies
  3. I love that picture – we are all just a bunch of toddlers learning how to walk – Parent – Babies first steps – Picture / Cam Corder /
  4. The Lord watches us – taking first steps in our walks / in ministry in ventures of FAITH - / in area of difficulty – absolute trust
  1. Gab. Get the Camera this is good !!!!!!

E) Lord saw Peter get up & run to that Tomb – Saying GOOD PETER RIGHT ON -

V.13- 32 We have the Easter Afternoon Story – Looked at on Sunday

Read & Make a few notes

1st Notice when He Joined them – v.14 – When they were talking about Him

  1. Jesus enjoys – when His people – conversing about Him / 2 or more gathered together His name – He is there
  2. Incredible thought – Jesus is here tonight – Enthroned in our Praises –

1)Enjoying our Fellowship

Notice 2nd what He asked them –1st V.17 What are you guys talking about that you look so sad

  1. Here are these two – Lost Hope / fire gone out – Jesus draws near
  2. Here we see the Compassion of our Lord – coming to the Aid of those who were weak in faith
  3. His attitude wasn’t – I can’t believe their leaving town – giving up / forget those guys –
  1. No as the Good Shepherd He seeks after the one who is Lost / As the Chief Comforter – comes to the side of the one Grieving
  1. Jesus comes to these two WHO HAD LOST HOPE

E) Jesus asks – Why so Sad ?

They Respond – You a stranger ? - know the things – Love Jesus 2nd question He asked them - WHAT THINGS ? TELL ME

  1. Question – Did Jesus Not Know ? Of Course He Knew – He

Lived through these things

D) But this REMINDED ME OF SOMETHING

  1. 1) It REMINDED me that Jesus loves for me to talk over w/

Him things that He already knows about

E)EXAMPLE: Parents when one of your kids starts telling you

what they Learned in Sunday School ( Amanda David & Goliath)

1)Now You already Know the Story – but you Love hearing it

from their Perspective

F)Jesus is the Same Way – He knows what is going on in Your

Life but He loves to hear – You talk to Him about it

1) Reminded of that this week – Heart was Heavy – Just started

talking to the Lord – voicing my Frustration

G)There wasn’t any real answer – but I sensed his pleasure – open & honest w/ Him – It is about time you talked to be about this

1) My heart that was HEAVY became Light

  1. Did He not know the things – of Course He lived them –
  1. But Jesus loves for us to tell Him about the things going on in our Lives

 

Note 2 more things we touched on Sunday –

  1. Why Jesus came to these two – Rekindle the fire & Re- Establish their Hope
  2. And how did He Do it – HE OPENED THE SCRIPTURES
  3. He wasn’t performing miracles – or doing signs – that is not what got the fire going again – It was the Word !!!!
  1. And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while

He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?"
  1. Has Your Fire Dwindled ? When is the last time – Rose up early – opened the scriptures & sought the Lord !!!!!!

2 more things then we are done – Something in this story that serves as an illustration for us –

  1. As they are journeying along w/ the Lord – they come to a place where they could have – separated –
  2. They constrained Him – ABIDE W/ US – Jesus is the rewarder of those who Diligently seek Him
  1. He REWARDS US W/ HIMSELF !!!!!
  1. Which is exactly what – He did w/ them – they were given Revelation concerning Him as they pressed into Him –
  1. As they constrained Him – idea they grabbed His shirt / arm – Abide w/ us ( Please don’t go)

D) Jacob – not letting you go until you bless me !!!!

But there is something for us to be see in this place / Illustration for us

Here we find a Place where they might have parted Company

  1. A place where they might have –turned to go to Emmaus & Jesus would have continued on/
  2. they would have missed fellowship & Not gained this Revelation

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  3. Note a few things about this Place – and some application for our Lives – because we come to similar places
  1. Places that would be easy for us to Part Company w/ the Lord

 

1st – It was a Point of Change in the Journey

  1. There is always a danger to us of missing fellowship w/ Christ at Points of Change
  2. Especially at Seasons of greatly altered Circumstances
  1. Seasons of Busyness / new Project / a new move / a new job

A new Baby

  1. All examples of seasons in our life where we can find ourselves being distracted from our fellowship w/ Christ
  1. Seasons where we can find ourselves – becoming preoccupied w/ temporary things – Forsaking Eternal Relationship
  1. We need to watch that we don’t become like a tree that is often transplanted – because those type of tree’s don’t flourish well
  2. We are to be like the Tree –mentioned in Psa.1 tree that is planted by the Water / Leaf doesn’t Wither
  1. Tree that Brings forth fruit in it’s season - & Whatever he does He Prospers

What makes a Person that Kind of Tree ? The Person that Meditates on the Word Day & Night ( Meditates ) Journal – Kids

  1. The Person who daily seeking the Lord – Drawing near to the Lord – Like these men – Constraining Crying –Abide w/ Us

B) That person is like that TREE !!!!! ROOTED/ BUILT UP

ESTABLISHED & ABOUNDING

2nd thing to note about this PLACE – It was a Point where something had been Accomplished / reached their Destination

  1. Again this can be a Danger to us – because we have the tendency when we are in the mist of a Project / Ministry/ trial
  2. To Press into Christ – all the way Through it - / we are fervent in Prayer – Disciplined in Devotion
  1. We Know the Importance of Being Prayed up & Read up in order to be prepared for the task / ready for the battle
  1. But when the Project is Finished the Ministry is over – the Outreach is done – Missionary Trip is Completed
  1. We can find ourselves – getting Lazy & Neglecting that time w/ the Lord
  1. Also when the Journey or Project is Completed when the Goal is completed we sometimes fall into Pride thinking
  1. Wow – look what I accomplished – Or God really used me / I am Special – Starting Leaning more on self / Less on Christ

 

3rd thing that this Place speaks to me about – is that sense it was the end of the Journey it was a Place to Rest

  1. Sometimes – VACATION- time People – put Christ on the Shelf – let their guard down
  2. But I love what these men did they – Pressed into Christ & begged Him to stay w/ them
  1. May that be the attitude of our hearts as Well!!!!

Note one more thing: Move into Communion v.33

 

 

33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together,

34 saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" 35 And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.

Note that last Phrase: He was known to them in the breaking of the bread –

  1. That is why communion is so important – He is known to us more deeply in the breaking or the bread
  2. – Something of a Mystery – almost Mystical – but there is a deeper communion – established as we Partake –
  3. With that let’s pray – Lord – be Known to us in the Breaking of Bread tonight – partaking of the cup !!!