2025 Easter (2), Were Not Our Hearts Burning Within Us!
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2025-04-20 16:35
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Were Not Our Hearts Burning Within Us!
Luke 24:13-34
“Jesus is risen!” But the two disciples do not believe it. They’re going home because it’s over. All their hopes attached to Jesus have been smashed. They say this is road of Emmaus, the road of sorrow and despair. Emmaus is man’s escape from life. Have you run away out of despair, sorrow or burden of life? Now, what do we need to be revived and live a powerful life?
First, believe in Jesus
On their way to their home, they talked about Jesus’ arrest, suffering, crucifixion and death. Though they had heard about the news of Jesus’ resurrection, they did not believe that news. Jesus died and rose again. But the problem is that people do not believe it.
One lady said that she read the Bible several times and knew the full story of the Bible. I asked her, “Do you believe that Jesus is your Savior?” She just smiled to me. When he became old, Mr. Lee (Founder of Samsung) felt empty. He invited a pastor. The pastor said to him, “Jesus is the Savoir. What you need to is to believe in him.” But he died without confession.
The Risen Jesus came and walked along with them. “What are you discussing?” They said, “About Jesus of Nazareth. But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” They hoped that Jesus would liberate Israel from Roman Empire by supernatural power. They hoped for Jesus to give them political and economic stability on earth. To them, Jesus was a national hero. They expected a great kingdom and human glory from Jesus.
Jesus has risen from the dead. But they fail to recognize him due to their wrong or dead hope. We are blinded and deceived by evil spirit that the meaning of life is in success with good career, wealth and recognition. Many people expect from Jesus such things. But they become disappointed and even angry when they do not get from Jesus what they want. They fail to see who Jesus is due to their wrong hope.
No! Jesus did not come to this world to give you a better life. He came to save you and me from our sins and eternal judgment through his death on the cross and resurrection.
Look at verse 19. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.” They admired Him as a prophet, a good man, a great teacher and the greatest miracle worker, but it was short of a saving faith. Jesus is not just a good teacher. He is God and the Savior of the world.
Jesus died for man’s sins and rose again. He has risen! This is the good news to all mankind. But they did not believe the news of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus rebukes them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!”
Many refuse to believe Jesus’ resurrection, “how is it possible?” Many argue that they are too busy to think or believe Jesus’ resurrection. Most students are concerned about their finals and future job career. They say, “I do not care the resurrection after death.” Yes, you should! Why? It is related to your eternal destiny, true happiness and meaning of life.
Second, build your faith on the word of God.
After His resurrection, Jesus could have said to them, "Look at Me!” Then game is over. However, Jesus didn't do that.
Verse 27 says, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” He explained the resurrection to them not by miracles but by the word of God so that their faith may be rooted in the word of God.
Folks, miracles do not change man. Look at the Israelites who got out of slavery land. They saw Moses’ 10 miracles. They saw the Red Sea split. They saw Manna that came from heaven. They saw water came out of the rock when Moses hit it. These are all miracles. Did they believe in God? No, they continued to complain and perished in the wilderness. Miracle-rooted faith cannot make us strong.
The two disciples believed Jesus’ resurrection not by sight but by the word of God. Verse 32 says, “They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” Are you seeking a miracle from God? Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (Romans 10:17)
The strength of our church lies in Bible study. Some students do weekly Bible study so sincerely and eagerly. Some write their reflections after Bible study and share them at Friday prayer meeting. Though they seem to listen with only half an ear, I see the word of God makes them grow.
Brothers, in your twenties, what changes your life and makes you strong are the word of God. Today, when the Word of God is proclaimed, change is evident in your life. I believe this. So, who are evil leaders? Instead of giving the word of God, they buy hamburgers and coffee for their people and hang around with them. A true leader invites people to the place of worship and let them hear the word of God.
In this changing world, when we hold on the unchanging word of God, we become powerful. This is what it means to rely on the word of God and the Holy Spirit. Pray that your faith may be rooted in the word of God. Remember that Jesus didn't prove his resurrection by showing his resurrected body to the two disciples but through the word of God.
Third, worship Jesus as your Lord
Jesus came up and walked along with them, but they were kept from recognizing him. Why? It was because their hearts were filled with doubt, fear, and despair by a stereotype or a premise, “Jesus is dead.” That was why they did not recognize Jesus though he was walking with them.
When you stick to your own thought, stubbornness, plan, philosophy and feeling, the good news of Jesus’ resurrection sounds inaudible and unbelievable.
A mother said, "Hey, didn't I tell you a little while ago?” The child replied, "Mom, I didn't hear." Why? It is because their interests are in something else. In fact, it is not our ears but our hearts that hear. You are all sitting here. Now is the good news of the resurrection heard to your ears?
The disciples were with Jesus for three years, but because of the looming threat of death and the weight of reality, they fail to recognize Jesus though he stood right beside them. When did they begin to truly hear it?
The turning point is verse 29-31. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.” They invited Jesus. Then everything changed.
When we are hosts and Jesus is merely a guest, we fail to hear the message of God. On the other hand, when we invite Jesus to be our Lord and King, we can hear his message quite clearly.
Do you live under anxiety, fear, worry and despair? Why? Are you still enslaved by some unhealthy habits? Why? It is most likely because you make yourself king. Jesus rebukes them in verse 25, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!”
As a pastor, I preach and teach vigorously. However some miss the point but only hear what they wish to hear. They fail to catch what I'm teaching from the Bible but instead talk about unrelated things.
If you make yourself king, Jesus’ word will be never heard to you. Therefore, like the two disciples, invite Jesus as your Lord and King. Empty your heart and pray to God humbly.
Fourth, return to the land of God
The two disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the place of worship and mission. At the same time, Jerusalem is the place where Jesus was arrested, crucified to die. Jerusalem is the place where their human dream was shattered completely. To them, Jerusalem was the place of failure and despair. So, they were actually running away from the land of God.
While on the run, they met the Risen Jesus. Through Bible study with him, they were revived. Then they right away returned to Jerusalem, the land of worship and mission. They returned to once the place of despair, failure and fear.
In Luke 5, a few fishermen worked hard all night but did not catch anything. Out of discouragement, exhaustion and despair, they were washing their net to go back to their homes. Jesus said to them, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” The sea had been unresponsive to them throughout the night. No matter how hard they tried, there was no fruit to them. It was the sea of rejection and failure. They could have ignored Jesus’ word but Peter returned to that sea again by relying on Jesus’ word. Then they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
We all know the economy is in trouble. Many Canadians blame Mr. T and incompetent government. Many are looking for a more competent political leader. Many expect a miracle for them.
They were going to a new place, Emmaus. However, would a new place, Emmaus solve their problems? No. a new place is not the solution. The solution is the Risen Jesus and Holy Spirit from him. But many try to find a new place. They move from this job to that job. They move from this city to that city. And they move from this family to other. They divorce. Why? They think if they change the place or people, it will be better. No. The real solution is in the Risen Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
The true power comes to you when you return to the place where you failed. Go back to the land of God where there are the word of God, worship, prayer and gospel work. Then you'll catch lots of fish that would break.
Fifth, seek insight
Insight is the capacity to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of a person or thing. It is the ability to see the essence. You can read the Bible many times, but without insight, you won't know what it means. What is the core of the Bible and the church?
Verse 26 says, “Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” The key is that Jesus is the suffering Lamb of God. Jesus restores glory of God, the kingdom of God and paradise through suffering on the cross. (Isaiah 53) This is the essence. If you don't catch this, what you know has no any power but just meaningless and useless.
Young men, you work hard, don’t you? But zeal and hard-working life without insight and right direction is the life of Cain without fruit but only wandering. It is like also building of the Tower of Babel.
Do you know who you are? Do you know why you have a life? Do you know where are headed for? Do you know what will happen to you in the future? Do you know why God is allowing you to suffer? Why is there upheaval in your life? Sit, think about and pray to God. Then insight will be given to you from God in heaven. Then you will live a powerful life.
We live in era of AI. Knowledge is abundant and overflowing, but insight is hard to get. These two disciples hear, but never understand. They see but never perceive.
The Israelites had escaped from the land of slavery, but they continued to seek easy life and delicious food. To them, the key is water, food and easy road. No. The goal is in moving forward toward Canaan, God’s Promised Land though it would mean hunger, thirst, rough road and suffering. This is insight. Without it, you're always wandering in this wilderness like world saying, “Give me water, better food, better career and security.”
Brothers, there is a land ahead of you, a land flowing with milk and honey, promised by God, yet do you have vision of it? Do you have will, decision and desire to move forward God’s promised land? Otherwise, you wander. If you feel you wander, it is because you have no insight in your life.
Not a few young people have physical relationships before marriage. They just want comfort and pleasures right now. No! Why don’t they wait and keep their bodies pure until God’s time to establish a beautiful marriage? Why don’t they have insight about their future including their marriage?
Jesus says, “Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This is an epitome of insight. The kingdom of God and his righteousness are the main core. If you have God’s kingdom and his righteousness in your heart, you will be free from anxiety, worry and agony of life. Otherwise, you're constantly caught up in mind control, "Don't worry, don't worry, don't worry. Everything will be okay." No, that is not the answer.
The core of the Bible is Jesus’ cross and resurrection, transformation and soul salvation through the Holy Spirit and eternal glory. This is what you need to focus on. Ask God to give you insight.
Sixth, be moved
Verse 32 says, “They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Once, their hearts were dead with no hope. But after they did Bible study and met the Risen Jesus through Bible study and prayer, they were burning with passion and hope.
I pray that your heart may be burned with fire, the fire from the Risen Jesus. We live in a generation of no fire from heaven. Everyone seems to expect things from earth and becomes either proud or worried and powerless. However, has your heart been burned with truth and passion to do something noble and great for the glory of God and for your eternal reward?
SFU has more than 25,000 young people. Sometimes I wonder how many young people’s hearts are burned with fire of heaven. How many are burned with passion to suffer for Christ and his church? How many are burned with passion to kneel down before God to pray for 30 minutes or one hour? Do you know you need fire from heaven? Otherwise, you have no life. Today, I pray that God may bless you to be burned with fire of Jesus’ resurrection.
Young men, life is not that long. Don't waste your life on things that are not glorious. Find hope, passion, meaning, value and purpose in the Risen Jesus Christ.
Luke 24:13-34
“Jesus is risen!” But the two disciples do not believe it. They’re going home because it’s over. All their hopes attached to Jesus have been smashed. They say this is road of Emmaus, the road of sorrow and despair. Emmaus is man’s escape from life. Have you run away out of despair, sorrow or burden of life? Now, what do we need to be revived and live a powerful life?
First, believe in Jesus
On their way to their home, they talked about Jesus’ arrest, suffering, crucifixion and death. Though they had heard about the news of Jesus’ resurrection, they did not believe that news. Jesus died and rose again. But the problem is that people do not believe it.
One lady said that she read the Bible several times and knew the full story of the Bible. I asked her, “Do you believe that Jesus is your Savior?” She just smiled to me. When he became old, Mr. Lee (Founder of Samsung) felt empty. He invited a pastor. The pastor said to him, “Jesus is the Savoir. What you need to is to believe in him.” But he died without confession.
The Risen Jesus came and walked along with them. “What are you discussing?” They said, “About Jesus of Nazareth. But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” They hoped that Jesus would liberate Israel from Roman Empire by supernatural power. They hoped for Jesus to give them political and economic stability on earth. To them, Jesus was a national hero. They expected a great kingdom and human glory from Jesus.
Jesus has risen from the dead. But they fail to recognize him due to their wrong or dead hope. We are blinded and deceived by evil spirit that the meaning of life is in success with good career, wealth and recognition. Many people expect from Jesus such things. But they become disappointed and even angry when they do not get from Jesus what they want. They fail to see who Jesus is due to their wrong hope.
No! Jesus did not come to this world to give you a better life. He came to save you and me from our sins and eternal judgment through his death on the cross and resurrection.
Look at verse 19. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.” They admired Him as a prophet, a good man, a great teacher and the greatest miracle worker, but it was short of a saving faith. Jesus is not just a good teacher. He is God and the Savior of the world.
Jesus died for man’s sins and rose again. He has risen! This is the good news to all mankind. But they did not believe the news of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus rebukes them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!”
Many refuse to believe Jesus’ resurrection, “how is it possible?” Many argue that they are too busy to think or believe Jesus’ resurrection. Most students are concerned about their finals and future job career. They say, “I do not care the resurrection after death.” Yes, you should! Why? It is related to your eternal destiny, true happiness and meaning of life.
Second, build your faith on the word of God.
After His resurrection, Jesus could have said to them, "Look at Me!” Then game is over. However, Jesus didn't do that.
Verse 27 says, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” He explained the resurrection to them not by miracles but by the word of God so that their faith may be rooted in the word of God.
Folks, miracles do not change man. Look at the Israelites who got out of slavery land. They saw Moses’ 10 miracles. They saw the Red Sea split. They saw Manna that came from heaven. They saw water came out of the rock when Moses hit it. These are all miracles. Did they believe in God? No, they continued to complain and perished in the wilderness. Miracle-rooted faith cannot make us strong.
The two disciples believed Jesus’ resurrection not by sight but by the word of God. Verse 32 says, “They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” Are you seeking a miracle from God? Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (Romans 10:17)
The strength of our church lies in Bible study. Some students do weekly Bible study so sincerely and eagerly. Some write their reflections after Bible study and share them at Friday prayer meeting. Though they seem to listen with only half an ear, I see the word of God makes them grow.
Brothers, in your twenties, what changes your life and makes you strong are the word of God. Today, when the Word of God is proclaimed, change is evident in your life. I believe this. So, who are evil leaders? Instead of giving the word of God, they buy hamburgers and coffee for their people and hang around with them. A true leader invites people to the place of worship and let them hear the word of God.
In this changing world, when we hold on the unchanging word of God, we become powerful. This is what it means to rely on the word of God and the Holy Spirit. Pray that your faith may be rooted in the word of God. Remember that Jesus didn't prove his resurrection by showing his resurrected body to the two disciples but through the word of God.
Third, worship Jesus as your Lord
Jesus came up and walked along with them, but they were kept from recognizing him. Why? It was because their hearts were filled with doubt, fear, and despair by a stereotype or a premise, “Jesus is dead.” That was why they did not recognize Jesus though he was walking with them.
When you stick to your own thought, stubbornness, plan, philosophy and feeling, the good news of Jesus’ resurrection sounds inaudible and unbelievable.
A mother said, "Hey, didn't I tell you a little while ago?” The child replied, "Mom, I didn't hear." Why? It is because their interests are in something else. In fact, it is not our ears but our hearts that hear. You are all sitting here. Now is the good news of the resurrection heard to your ears?
The disciples were with Jesus for three years, but because of the looming threat of death and the weight of reality, they fail to recognize Jesus though he stood right beside them. When did they begin to truly hear it?
The turning point is verse 29-31. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.” They invited Jesus. Then everything changed.
When we are hosts and Jesus is merely a guest, we fail to hear the message of God. On the other hand, when we invite Jesus to be our Lord and King, we can hear his message quite clearly.
Do you live under anxiety, fear, worry and despair? Why? Are you still enslaved by some unhealthy habits? Why? It is most likely because you make yourself king. Jesus rebukes them in verse 25, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!”
As a pastor, I preach and teach vigorously. However some miss the point but only hear what they wish to hear. They fail to catch what I'm teaching from the Bible but instead talk about unrelated things.
If you make yourself king, Jesus’ word will be never heard to you. Therefore, like the two disciples, invite Jesus as your Lord and King. Empty your heart and pray to God humbly.
Fourth, return to the land of God
The two disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the place of worship and mission. At the same time, Jerusalem is the place where Jesus was arrested, crucified to die. Jerusalem is the place where their human dream was shattered completely. To them, Jerusalem was the place of failure and despair. So, they were actually running away from the land of God.
While on the run, they met the Risen Jesus. Through Bible study with him, they were revived. Then they right away returned to Jerusalem, the land of worship and mission. They returned to once the place of despair, failure and fear.
In Luke 5, a few fishermen worked hard all night but did not catch anything. Out of discouragement, exhaustion and despair, they were washing their net to go back to their homes. Jesus said to them, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” The sea had been unresponsive to them throughout the night. No matter how hard they tried, there was no fruit to them. It was the sea of rejection and failure. They could have ignored Jesus’ word but Peter returned to that sea again by relying on Jesus’ word. Then they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
We all know the economy is in trouble. Many Canadians blame Mr. T and incompetent government. Many are looking for a more competent political leader. Many expect a miracle for them.
They were going to a new place, Emmaus. However, would a new place, Emmaus solve their problems? No. a new place is not the solution. The solution is the Risen Jesus and Holy Spirit from him. But many try to find a new place. They move from this job to that job. They move from this city to that city. And they move from this family to other. They divorce. Why? They think if they change the place or people, it will be better. No. The real solution is in the Risen Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
The true power comes to you when you return to the place where you failed. Go back to the land of God where there are the word of God, worship, prayer and gospel work. Then you'll catch lots of fish that would break.
Fifth, seek insight
Insight is the capacity to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of a person or thing. It is the ability to see the essence. You can read the Bible many times, but without insight, you won't know what it means. What is the core of the Bible and the church?
Verse 26 says, “Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” The key is that Jesus is the suffering Lamb of God. Jesus restores glory of God, the kingdom of God and paradise through suffering on the cross. (Isaiah 53) This is the essence. If you don't catch this, what you know has no any power but just meaningless and useless.
Young men, you work hard, don’t you? But zeal and hard-working life without insight and right direction is the life of Cain without fruit but only wandering. It is like also building of the Tower of Babel.
Do you know who you are? Do you know why you have a life? Do you know where are headed for? Do you know what will happen to you in the future? Do you know why God is allowing you to suffer? Why is there upheaval in your life? Sit, think about and pray to God. Then insight will be given to you from God in heaven. Then you will live a powerful life.
We live in era of AI. Knowledge is abundant and overflowing, but insight is hard to get. These two disciples hear, but never understand. They see but never perceive.
The Israelites had escaped from the land of slavery, but they continued to seek easy life and delicious food. To them, the key is water, food and easy road. No. The goal is in moving forward toward Canaan, God’s Promised Land though it would mean hunger, thirst, rough road and suffering. This is insight. Without it, you're always wandering in this wilderness like world saying, “Give me water, better food, better career and security.”
Brothers, there is a land ahead of you, a land flowing with milk and honey, promised by God, yet do you have vision of it? Do you have will, decision and desire to move forward God’s promised land? Otherwise, you wander. If you feel you wander, it is because you have no insight in your life.
Not a few young people have physical relationships before marriage. They just want comfort and pleasures right now. No! Why don’t they wait and keep their bodies pure until God’s time to establish a beautiful marriage? Why don’t they have insight about their future including their marriage?
Jesus says, “Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This is an epitome of insight. The kingdom of God and his righteousness are the main core. If you have God’s kingdom and his righteousness in your heart, you will be free from anxiety, worry and agony of life. Otherwise, you're constantly caught up in mind control, "Don't worry, don't worry, don't worry. Everything will be okay." No, that is not the answer.
The core of the Bible is Jesus’ cross and resurrection, transformation and soul salvation through the Holy Spirit and eternal glory. This is what you need to focus on. Ask God to give you insight.
Sixth, be moved
Verse 32 says, “They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Once, their hearts were dead with no hope. But after they did Bible study and met the Risen Jesus through Bible study and prayer, they were burning with passion and hope.
I pray that your heart may be burned with fire, the fire from the Risen Jesus. We live in a generation of no fire from heaven. Everyone seems to expect things from earth and becomes either proud or worried and powerless. However, has your heart been burned with truth and passion to do something noble and great for the glory of God and for your eternal reward?
SFU has more than 25,000 young people. Sometimes I wonder how many young people’s hearts are burned with fire of heaven. How many are burned with passion to suffer for Christ and his church? How many are burned with passion to kneel down before God to pray for 30 minutes or one hour? Do you know you need fire from heaven? Otherwise, you have no life. Today, I pray that God may bless you to be burned with fire of Jesus’ resurrection.
Young men, life is not that long. Don't waste your life on things that are not glorious. Find hope, passion, meaning, value and purpose in the Risen Jesus Christ.