Apr. 06, 2025

“JESUS IS ALIVE”

“WHEN WE DON’T SEE JESUS”

LUKE 24:13-35

Luke 24:15-16 “So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.”

1.   Why We Don’t See Jesus

The reason the two travelers on the Emmaus road did not recognize Jesus on the first Easter morning are the same reason some don’t recognize Him today?

*We Are Too Busy To See Jesus:

Luke 24:14 “And they talked together of all these things which had happened.”

Luke 24:29 “But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them.”

These two disciples were in a hurry to get to their destination.

The problem with being busy is that we miss out on the most important things in life.

Luke 10:38-42

*We Aren’t Looking For Jesus

Luke 24:16 “But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.”

These two people did not recognize Jesus because they simple were not looking for Him.

Notice the irony of the text:

What day is it? vs.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.”

What had the women discovered earlier that morning? vs.21-22 “But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us.”

What did the angel’s announce to those who went to the grave?

vs.23 “When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive.”

What did their companions discover when they visited Jesus’ burial place? vs.24 “And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.”

The witness of Jesus’ resurrection was overwhelming.

*Our Depressed State Of Mind Prevents Us From Seeing Jesus.

Luke 24:17 “And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?”

*Our Pessimistic Attitude Shuts Out Faith

Luke 24:25-26 “Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 26Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 

The proof was there, and the proof is here today: The Word of God!!

Romans 10:17

The real problem wasn’t in their heads but in their hearts, they simply didn’t believe Jesus would show up in their lives:

Luke 24:25 “Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 

Luke 24:32 “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?”

Luke 24:38 “And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?”

2.   When We See Jesus

Luke 24:30-31 “Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.”

*The Moment Of Recognition Comes Through The Most Common Gestures.

Luke 24:30 “Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.”

*When We See Jesus Our Hearts Will Feel It First.

Luke 24:32 “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?”

That moment was burned into their minds for eternity. Their hearts were aflame with Easter fire, they had burning hearts.

A burning heart refers to the renewing effect Jesus Christ has on the whole person.

Understanding Bible knowledge can lead to a “big head,” but receiving Bible truth and walking with the Savior will lead to a burning heart.

Now they knew for themselves Jesus is alive.

vs.34 “saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”

Luke 24:33-35 “So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.”