Jesus And The Emmaus Believers
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | November 19, 2023
Turn to Luke 24:31-35. Today’s Thanksgiving message, “Jesus And The Emmaus Believers,” highlights three special things. The text reads: “And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us… And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem…” Let’s pray: Father, thank You for this story, for journeying with the Emmaus believers and revealing Yourself. Bless our sick, travelers, and guests. Thank You for Josh’s faith and baptism today. Help me preach through tears, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
After the crucifixion, Cleopas and likely his wife walked seven miles home to Emmaus, discouraged. Jesus joined them, unrecognized, until supper, when He revealed Himself and vanished. Today, with Thanksgiving near, I thank God for three specials from this text: our Savior, the Scriptures, and His saints.
Something Special About Our Savior
When their eyes opened, “they knew him,” and He vanished. They said, “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way?” There’s something special about Jesus. He stepped from a side path to join this despairing couple, their hopes dashed after trusting Him as Messiah. Yet, He came to where they were, knowing their spiritual state.
Jesus is special because He comes to us in our condition—discouraged, troubled, or lost. As a song says, “When I could not go to where He was, He came to me.” From Heaven to Earth, miracles to the cross, tomb to resurrection, ascension to our hearts via the Spirit (John 14:16)—He never leaves us comfortless. At a conference, I heard, “Did I mention that I love Him… He’s been faithful to every promise.” He’s the Alpha and Omega, the Bright Morning Star—special beyond words.
Something Special About The Scriptures
They added, “while he opened to us the scriptures.” This Book is special. No novel or history can make your heart burn like God’s Word. Why? It’s inspired—“All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16). Holy men wrote as God breathed through them (2 Peter 1:20-21), every jot and tittle preserved forever (Psalm 12:6-7).
The Scriptures are empowered—“sharper than any twoedged sword” (Hebrews 4:12), piercing deep, making you mad or glad, exposing and saving. “The gospel… is the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16). Only this Book assures Heaven when you trust Christ’s death and resurrection. I oppose revisions—God preserved it perfectly. It’s His will for life, not dictated by the church, but dictating what we believe.
Something Special About The Saints
Finally, “they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem,” uniting with the eleven, sharing Christ’s rising. Despite evening dangers, they prioritized God over jobs or comfort. These saints became servants, spreading the gospel worldwide. Knowing Jesus transformed them.
I thank God for you—special saints who’ve weathered storms, given time, treasure, and talent to build His church. You’re eternal treasures (Malachi 3:17). I’d rather be an old-time Christian here with you than anywhere else. An old man’s safe held only his Bible—his greatest treasure. You’re mine, too. If you’re not in God’s family, come today—be born again and join this eternal work.
