Recognizing Christ's Presence: A Call to Action
Summary
On that first Easter Sunday, I reflected on the profound truth that Jesus is closer than we may realize. The day began with Mary Magdalene's discovery of the empty tomb, her encounter with Jesus whom she mistook for the gardener, and her subsequent announcement to the disciples of His resurrection. Meanwhile, two disciples journeyed to Emmaus, discussing the recent events with confusion and sorrow. Unbeknownst to them, Jesus joined their walk, interpreting the Scriptures and revealing Himself in the breaking of bread.
I shared the story of my early days in ministry, where I learned the importance of standing firm on the Word of God. I recounted the tale of a senior pastor who, when challenged by a deacon on his methods, responded with Scripture to justify his actions, ultimately leading to the deacon's resignation. This story illustrated the necessity of valuing the Word of God and allowing it to guide us.
I emphasized the urgency of responding to God's call, as seen in the immediate actions of Mary and the disciples upon recognizing Jesus. I also highlighted the numerous post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, including to Peter, the disciples, Paul, James, and even 500 others, demonstrating His desire to be known.
I shared a personal moment of vulnerability when I lost my voice, contemplating whether I had used my words for God's glory. This led to a deeper appreciation of the empty tomb's significance and the imperative to respond to Jesus' revelation of Himself.
In closing, I invited those who had not yet accepted Christ to do so, leading them in a prayer of confession and faith. I then guided the congregation in a time of communion, reminding them of Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood.
Key Takeaways:
1. The recognition of Jesus by Mary and the disciples on the road to Emmaus teaches us that Christ is often closer than we realize, working in ways we might not immediately perceive. Our spiritual awareness must be attuned to His presence in all circumstances, whether in moments of joy or in the depths of despair. ([02:08:33])
2. The story of the senior pastor and the deacon underscores the importance of grounding our actions and beliefs in Scripture. When faced with criticism or challenge, our response should be rooted in biblical truth rather than personal opinion or tradition. This approach not only strengthens our own faith but also upholds the integrity of our witness to others. ([02:19:43])
3. The urgency with which Mary and the disciples acted upon recognizing Jesus is a model for our own response to God's directives. When we discern His leading, we should move swiftly and decisively, knowing that our obedience can have far-reaching implications for the kingdom of God. ([50:41])
4. The numerous appearances of Jesus after His resurrection reveal His desire to be intimately known by His followers. Each encounter serves as a reminder that Jesus seeks a personal relationship with each of us, inviting us to experience His presence and to share in the joy of His resurrection. ([51:15])
5. The personal reflection on the potential loss of my voice served as a poignant reminder of the power of words and the responsibility we have to use them wisely. As followers of Christ, we are called to proclaim the good news of His resurrection and to use our voices to glorify God in every aspect of our lives. ([53:08])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 20:14-16 (NIV)
> "At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, 'Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?' Thinking he was the gardener, she said, 'Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.' Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!' (which means 'Teacher')."
2. Luke 24:15-16, 30-31 (NIV)
> "As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him... 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, and he disappeared from their sight."
3. Mark 9:31-32 (NIV)
> "He said to them, 'The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.' But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Mary Magdalene's initial reaction when she saw the empty tomb and encountered Jesus? How did she eventually recognize Him? ([30:52])
2. Describe the interaction between Jesus and the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. How did they finally recognize Him? ([35:31])
3. What was the significance of Jesus explaining the Scriptures to the disciples on the road to Emmaus? ([34:55])
4. How did the disciples react when they realized Jesus had risen and appeared to them? ([36:01])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Mary Magdalene and the disciples on the road to Emmaus did not initially recognize Jesus? What does this tell us about spiritual awareness? ([38:47])
2. How does the story of the senior pastor and the deacon illustrate the importance of grounding our actions in Scripture? What can we learn from this about handling criticism or challenges? ([48:56])
3. What does the urgency with which Mary and the disciples acted upon recognizing Jesus teach us about our own response to God's directives? ([50:41])
4. How do the numerous post-resurrection appearances of Jesus emphasize His desire to be known by His followers? ([51:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt Jesus was far away. How can you become more spiritually aware of His presence in your daily life? ([40:06])
2. When faced with criticism or challenges, do you tend to rely on personal opinions or Scripture? How can you ensure your responses are rooted in biblical truth? ([48:56])
3. Think about a recent directive or calling you felt from God. Did you respond with urgency? If not, what held you back, and how can you change that in the future? ([50:41])
4. Jesus made numerous appearances after His resurrection to show His desire for a personal relationship with His followers. How can you cultivate a deeper personal relationship with Jesus in your life? ([51:15])
5. The pastor shared a personal moment of vulnerability about losing his voice and reflecting on the use of his words. How do you use your words in your daily life? Are they glorifying to God? ([53:08])
6. How can you make room in your heart and mind for the ways God is working right now? What practical steps can you take to avoid closing your heart to the Word of God? ([47:17])
7. Identify one person in your life who may not recognize Jesus' presence. How can you help them become more aware of His closeness and work in their life? ([40:48])
Devotional
Day 1: Christ's Presence in Unexpected Places
Often, Christ is present in the most unexpected moments and places, working subtly in our lives. The recognition of Jesus by Mary and the disciples on the road to Emmaus serves as a powerful reminder that we may encounter Christ in ways we do not immediately understand. It is in the ordinary and the mundane that we might find the extraordinary, as Jesus walks alongside us, even when we are unaware. This calls for a heightened spiritual awareness, an openness to the divine in every aspect of our daily lives, and a readiness to see the sacred in the seemingly secular.
"Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?'" (Luke 24:31-32 ESV)
Reflection: Recall a time when you later realized that Christ was with you during a difficult or ordinary moment. How might this awareness change your perception of His presence in your current circumstances? [02:08:33]
Day 2: Scripture as Our Foundation
The story of the senior pastor and the deacon illustrates the importance of grounding our actions and beliefs in Scripture. When faced with challenges or criticism, it is the Word of God that should be our reference point and guide. This reliance on Scripture ensures that our responses are not merely personal opinions but are reflections of a deeper, divine wisdom. By valuing the Bible as the ultimate authority, we maintain the integrity of our faith and provide a steadfast witness to others, showing that our convictions are not swayed by the changing tides of societal norms or personal pressures.
"But he answered, 'It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."'" (Matthew 4:4 ESV)
Reflection: Consider a recent decision or challenge you faced. How did you use Scripture to inform your response, and how might you better integrate biblical wisdom into future situations? [02:19:43]
Day 3: Responding to God with Urgency
The immediate actions of Mary and the disciples upon recognizing Jesus highlight the urgency with which we should respond to God's call. When we discern His leading, it is crucial to act swiftly, trusting that our obedience is part of a larger plan for His kingdom. This prompt response to divine direction can have a ripple effect, influencing not only our own lives but also those around us. It is a call to be attentive and ready to move at God's command, knowing that our timely actions are a testament to our faith in His providence.
"And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, 'The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!'" (Luke 24:33-34 ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you sense God is calling you to act? What steps can you take today to respond to that call with urgency? [50:41]
Day 4: Jesus Desires a Personal Relationship
The numerous post-resurrection appearances of Jesus underscore His desire to be intimately known by His followers. Each encounter with the risen Christ is a testament to His longing for a personal relationship with each of us. These appearances remind us that Jesus is not a distant historical figure but a living presence eager to engage with us in a meaningful and transformative way. It is through these personal experiences with Christ that we are invited to share in the joy of His resurrection and to grow in our understanding of His love and grace.
"To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27 ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper personal relationship with Jesus in your daily life? What practices or changes might help you become more aware of His desire to be known by you? [51:15]
Day 5: The Power of Our Words for God's Glory
Reflecting on the potential loss of one's voice can lead to a profound realization of the power and impact of our words. As followers of Christ, we are entrusted with the responsibility to use our speech to glorify God and to share the good news of His resurrection. Our words have the ability to uplift, to heal, and to lead others towards the truth of the gospel. It is imperative that we consider how we are using our voices and whether they reflect the love and grace that we have received through the empty tomb.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14 ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on how you use your words in daily interactions. Are there ways you can more intentionally speak life, truth, and encouragement to those around you for God's glory? [53:08]
Quotes
1) "We can never lose. And close our heart to the word of God. Don't think you can make sense of the world without it. You won't. You'll find yourself like those men. On the road to Emmaus. Arguing about things you don't even understand. We embrace the closeness of Christ. And prayer and praise. By being in his word." [02:21:59]
2) "See Jesus he told Mary. After she had cried out Rabboni. And he says now go tell the disciples. Go get them. And so she took off. And she found the disciples. And the very first thing she said was. I've seen the Lord. I've seen him." [02:22:29]
3) "You see in total. There are 12 accounts. Of Jesus revealing himself. After his resurrection. Eight of them happened in the first 40 days. Four of them recorded on Sunday. The others happened. As he's come back. And he teaches his disciples." [02:23:05]
4) "Even when life doesn't make sense. Even when things are confusing. Trusting him. Even when life is good. We like to trust God when life's hard. Don't we? But how often do we forget him when life is good?" [02:27:43]
5) "You're allowed to ask questions. To seek clarity in the midst of confusion. Jesus says ask. It'll be given. Seek. You'll find. Knock. The door's going to be open. He encourages our growth. And we can embrace that closeness." [02:13:31]
6) "I was overwhelmed looking at these responses to the empty tomb. And I sat there and I thought, Lord, I want to use my words well. I only have so many of them in this life. See, the empty tomb, it requires a response of all of us." [53:44]
7) "Jesus is closer than you may realize because the empty tomb requires a response. My question for you today is would you recognize and respond to Jesus when he reveals himself?" [52:32]
8) "So what are we supposed to do with the truth that he may be closer than we realize? We have to embrace the closeness of Christ. We have to embrace the closeness of Christ in your life." [40:48]
9) "Jesus is closer than you may realize. That in this life and in this moment, Jesus is closer than you may ever realize. For Mary, when they said that she didn't recognize him. That word recognize, it means she didn't even imagine that could have been Jesus." [02:08:33]
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