December 24, 2017
Hymn 295 – A little ship was on the sea
Prayer
Last time we looked at the empty tomb, and saw some bewildered people. They had found the stone rolled away, seen the linen clothes, and some had believed that Jesus had risen. I believe the stone wasn’t rolled away to let Jesus out, but rather to show that he had left.
Luke 24:11-12. People had followed Jesus for three years, and now He was gone. They didn’t even know where His body was! Some of them just decided to give up and go home.
V13. Here we get Cleopas and possibly his wife. They were walking home and talking about Jesus and what the Jews had done to Him. They might have been crying. They were going the wrong way, with their backs to Jerusalem, but still, “Jesus Himself drew near and went with them.” We may have times like that in our lives. We need Jesus! It was a precious thing for these sorrowing, distraught, saints.
The thing was, Cleopas and his wife didn’t recognize Jesus. The very one that they needed and were sorrowing for was right there, but they didn’t know it! In verse 17, Jesus asked them, “What are you talking about?” Cleopas couldn’t believe that He hadn’t heard what had happened, and basically said, “You’re the only person in Jerusalem that doesn’t know about this!” He thought that what happened to Jesus was big news. This Stranger knew more than Cleopas did, though.
Vv.19-24. It must have been precious for the Lord to hear that this couple had trusted in Him, but He rebuked them for being slow of heart, and not believing the prophets. He then began to ask them questions. Vv.25-26. Cleopas thought he would have to teach this Stranger, but the Stranger began teaching him. “Shouldn’t Christ have suffered like this?” He asked. There would have been no hope for any one if Jesus hadn’t suffered and died for our sins. V.27 Jesus began to show them this from the Old Testament. It would have been wonderful to hear!
Vv28-29. When this trio came to Emmaus, Cleopas and his wife constrained Jesus to stay with them. They had enjoyed the talk. When they sat down for dinner, though, Jesus took the place of the host, broke bread, and gave it to them. Vv.30-35. There eyes were opened, and they realized it was Jesus. He vanished, and they ran back to Jerusalem (they were going the right way!) and told the disciples.
Only Luke gives us this touching story. Jesus coming to walk with these sad followers can encourage us. He opened their eyes; may the Scriptures do the same for us!
James 2:1-17
James brings up the attitude of partiality or respecting others more then someone else. They were being judgmental of other’s appearance. Rather then do it the way they were, there should have been more equality or respect among them. This is not the way God judges people. “Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” (1. Samuel 16:7) External appearance doesn’t necessarily show what’s inside one’s heart.
In verse five James is contrasting their behavior with what God thinks and does. Just because someone doesn’t have a lot of money it doesn’t mean they aren’t rich in faith. There are some rich in faith that love the Lord. It’s what God looks for. The disciples weren’t considered the rich ones of the day. But they were rich in faith, loved the Lord, and were attracted to His person. A bit like the two on the road to Emmaus. If we’re rich in faith, hope in the glory of God, and love toward God maybe our behavior would be more like God. They appear to be more concerned about object of the world then God. Worldly objects aren’t necessarily wrong unless they steal our complete attention and make us act worldly.
In verse six “despised” doesn’t just sound like neglect; despised is a negative attitude.
James took the name Christian seriously. Our behavior and attitude can reflect on it positively or negatively. James was incensed by the way they blasphemed that worthy name.
The royal law is difficult to keep. To have a heart that loves other like you love yourself isn’t easy. James narrowed down the law to two commands. It brought it all in focus. It’s all about love. Love that is vertical and love that is horizontal.
Hymn 265 We joy in our God, and we sing of that love
Prayer