Introduction: 

On this beautiful Easter Sunday, we gather to celebrate the cornerstone of our faith - the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection is more than just a miraculous event in history; it reminds us of the unshakable foundation of our belief, justification, and hope. As we reflect on the profound implications of this day for our lives and the entire creation, let us hold this truth close to our hearts. Christ's resurrection is celebrated as the first fruits of the eternal life promised to us all in 1 Corinthians 15:20–23. May it serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the glorious future that awaits those who believe.

Scripture Reading: 

“But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some 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.” And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them.When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And 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?” 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!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them.

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,and were continually in the temple blessing God.”

-  Luke 24, ESV

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, on this Easter Sunday, we come before You to celebrate the cornerstone of our faith—the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we turn our hearts and minds to the account of the empty tomb, we ask for Your Spirit to guide us into all truth. Illuminate our understanding that we may grasp the depth of Your love, the power of Your victory over death, and the transformative hope that the resurrection brings to our lives and to Your Church. Help us to see beyond the empty tomb to the living Christ who intercedes for us and to embrace the fullness of life that He offers. In the name of Jesus, our risen Lord, we pray. Amen.

The Reality of the Resurrection

As we begin our Easter message, let us turn our imaginations to the early dawn of the first Easter morning. On the first day of the week, a group of devoted women approached Jesus' tomb. They came bearing spices; their hearts were heavy with grief, expecting to find the stone-covered entrance of a grave. Instead, they found an open tomb and an angelic messenger awaiting them, heralding the most amazing news humanity would ever receive: 

"Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise." (Luke 24:5-7, ESV).

This encounter at the empty tomb is the central moment of God's redemption story. Easter is not just a day on our calendars; it is the very heartbeat of our faith, the undeniable demonstration of God's power and love. This is the same power that shattered the chains of death and whispers to us in our darkest nights, promising that despair does not have the final word.

The Apostle Paul, understanding the absolute centrality of the resurrection to our faith, declares in his first letter to the church in Corinth, 

“And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” (1 Corithians 15:14-17, ESV).

Here, Paul lays bare the stakes: without the resurrection, the entire Christian faith collapses. It’s the foundation upon which everything else rests; our preaching, our faith, and even our very salvation hinges on the truth of the resurrection. It’s the linchpin that holds everything together, confirming Christ’s victory over death and, consequently, our victory in Him.

The resurrection signifies more than just an empty tomb; it represents our justification before God. As the Apostle Paul also reminds us, 

“That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification." (Romans 4:22-25, ESV).

Moreover, the resurrection embodies our hope and the promise of our own resurrection,

“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22, ESV). 

Christ’s resurrection is the first fruit, the guarantee of our resurrection, assuring us that death does not have the final say. In Him, we have the promise of eternal life, a future where death is swallowed up in victory.

Thus, the resurrection of Christ is the bedrock of our faith, the assurance of our hope, and the foundation of our eternal destiny. It nullifies the sting of death and guarantees our victory over it, inviting us into a living, vibrant relationship with the risen Lord. Today, I urge you, I implore you: let us be a people of resurrection hope. This message is particularly poignant in our world today, filled with pain, loss, and uncertainty. Easter assures us that, with God, hope is never in vain and that, through faith in Christ, we are part of a story that ends in victory, not defeat.

Notice that the women were not just passive recipients of the news; they were called to be witnesses. They ran to share the incredible news of the resurrection with the disciples, igniting the flame of the early Church. Similarly, we are called to witness the transformative power of the resurrection in our lives. Easter compels us to share the hope, peace, and love we receive from Christ with those around us. In doing so, we participate in the ongoing work of renewal and redemption in our world through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

The Disciple’s Disbelief

Let us now leave the empty tomb and turn our attention to the second resurrection account. Starting in verse 13, we read the account of two disciples who were walking towards Emmaus. The two disciples were in deep conversation, and it was clear that they were heavily burdened by sorrow over what they believed was the end of their hope in Jesus of Nazareth. While they were walking, a Stranger joined them on their journey. They were not aware that this Stranger was actually Christ Himself. Their inability to recognize Him highlights a truth: our grief, doubts, and preconceived notions can often prevent us from seeing the presence of God all around us.

Though they did not realize who they were speaking with, Christ revealed how his life, death, and resurrection were connected to the prophetic writings that predicted his coming. This revelation wasn't just for the disciples' benefit but serves as a timeless reminder of the crucial role that Scripture plays in our faith journey. Christ continues to speak to us through the Scriptures. He guides, corrects, and illuminates our path, even when, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we are “slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken” (Luke 24:25, ESV).

Notice that in this account, there are two crucial elements that Jesus used to reveal himself: the Word of God and the act of “breaking bread,”

Let us first examine the importance of the Word of God in knowing and experiencing Jesus in our lives. Notice Christ's eagerness to direct His disciples towards the Scriptures is a clear indication of His love for the Bible. 

“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Matthew 24:27, ESV)

He wants His people to recognize Him, the living Word, in the Bible, the written Word. Although the Scriptures provide valuable insights into various issues, their primary objective is to reveal God through Jesus Christ. We must always bear this in mind while reading the Word of God. However, we must also remember that without Christ opening our eyes, we will not be able to witness His glory in Scripture.

In this encounter with the Disciples on the Road to Emmaus, we see that Scripture not just as a historical document, or a collection of moral teachings but as the living word of God. Through Scripture, we can come to understand the depth of God's love for us, which was demonstrated most fully in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The Scriptures not only reveals the character of God but also reflects our own need for redemption and the hope that is ours in Christ. In Hebrews 4:12 (ESV), it is written, 

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."  (Hebrews 4:12, ESV). 

The Word of God is a two-edged sword that cuts both ways. It is alive in every part and can deeply penetrate our conscience and heart. Every single verse and chapter in the Bible is relevant and useful, so we must not overlook any of them. The Word of God is a living and active force that discerns the thoughts and intentions of our heart, sharper than any two-edged sword. It bestows on our souls the prize of peace that surpasses all understanding, which Jesus left to his apostles. 

Notice, however, that Jesus did not only use the scriptures to reveal himself. It was the scriptures combined with the breaking of bread that caused the eyes of the disciples to be opened. The moment when Christ breaks bread and is recognized by His disciples is a powerful testament to how Christ chooses to reveal Himself to us, even today. This ordinary meal transcends its routine significance, becoming a sacred space of revelation and communion with the Divine. It is a reminder that Christ is most intimately known and experienced in the act of Communion, where the faithful gather not just to remember but to spiritually participate in the mystery of faith.

The tradition of breaking bread has been a sacred ritual that dates back to the Last Supper, where Jesus established Holy Communion. This ongoing practice of remembering His sacrifice and declaring His presence among His people extends an invitation to believers to participate in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It connects the faithful of all generations to the pivotal moments of salvation history. It is a beautiful and crucial reminder that Christ is present with us in every moment, even the ordinary ones, and that He invites us to draw near to Him in faith and love.

It is through the Holy Communion, we proclaim the Lord's death "until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV). This proclamation is not just a verbal declaration but in communion it serves as a tangible experience where we encounter the risen Christ, who offers Himself as nourishment for our souls. This sacred meal invites us to participate in Christ's sacrifice and experience the transformative power of His resurrection.

Furthermore, Communion serves as a unifying act, bringing together the body of Christ, the church, in an expression of unity and love. As we partake of the one bread, we are reminded of our interconnectedness and shared identity as members of the body of Christ. In this sacred meal, divisions fade away, and we are called to recognize Christ in each other, fostering a spirit of fellowship and mutual care.

Even today, Jesus invites us to invite Him to "stay with us" (Luke 24:29). We do this through hearing and reading his words, obeying his commands, and joining with his body - the local church. This Easter, as we reflect on the disciple’s encounter road to Emmaus, may we be inspired to seek and recognize Jesus in all aspects of our lives. For in recognizing Him, particularly in the sacredness of Scripture and the ordinances of the church, our hearts burn within us, compelling us to share the good news: "The Lord has risen indeed" (Luke 24:34). 

Overcoming Doubt With Faith 

Having seen the empty tomb and experienced the risen Lord on the road, let us now turn to one last resurrection encounter, hidden away in the upper room. Picture the remaining disciples huddled together, their hearts heavy with grief and minds swirling with confusion. They were wrestling with the testimony of the women and the testimony of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and yet the idea of resurrection seemed almost too good to be true. Into this whirlwind of doubt and despair, Jesus Himself steps in, declaring with divine authority, "Peace to you!" Imagine the shock, the awe, the sheer amazement of seeing the risen Lord standing before them. 

Jesus, understanding their fears, offers them His hands and feet—a testament to His resurrection, saying, 

“Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” (Luke 24:38-39, ESV)

Here we see the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, reaching out to us in our moments of doubt. He does not rebuke the disciples for their uncertainty; instead, He invites them to experience Him firsthand. This act of mercy and understanding is a beacon of hope for everyone gathered here today. Jesus then breaks bread with them just as he did with the disciples in Emmaeus, an act rich in symbolism and remembrance, again echoing the Last Supper and foreshadowing Holy Communion. 

Moreover, Jesus “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” ( Luke 24:45, ESV), just as he had done for his disciples in Emmaeus, connecting the dots between His suffering and resurrection and the call to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins to all nations. 

This Easter, we stand at the threshold of a similar revelation. We are invited, just like the disciples, to encounter Jesus amid our doubts and fears. The risen Christ is among us, offering His peace—a spiritual peace that, as Philippians 4:7 assures us, surpasses all understanding. This is the peace of salvation made available through Christ. It is the peace that comes from knowing that Jesus Christ, the righteous Son of God, died on a cross for your sins, rose from the grave three days later having defeated sin and death on your behalf, clothed you in his righteousness and empowered you with the Holy Spirit, so that there is now no condemnation for you but only everlasting life! 

However, this is not where the story ends. Before he ascended into Heaven, Jesus gathered his disciples and entrusted them with a mandate that echoes through the ages to us today. Jesus, having defeated sin and death on our behalf, declared, "repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed… to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem" (Luke 24:47, ESV). The disciples, once bewildered mourners of a crucified Master, were now ambassadors of the greatest news ever told—the Gospel of repentance and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

As followers of Christ, this commission extends to us as well. We are called to be witnesses of Jesus' resurrection, embodying the Gospel message in our lives and sharing it with boldness. The resurrection is not merely a historical event to be celebrated once a year; it is a truth to be lived out in action and proclaimed in words. As Peter proclaimed at Pentecost, "This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses" (Acts 2:32). 

As we celebrate Easter, let us commit ourselves to delve into the Scriptures with the same fervor as the disciples on the road to Emmaus, allowing the Holy Spirit to open our minds to understand the depths of God's love and redemption. Let us also remember that we do not fulfill this mission alone. Let us continue to gather together, as Jesus taught us, to remember Christ’s sacrifice thought Holy Communion, and to serve together as the hands and feet of Christ. And lastly, let us embrace our commission to bear witness to the resurrection with renewed commitment and courage, knowing that we carry within us a light and a hope that the world so desperately needs. Let us step out in faith, sharing the message of repentance and forgiveness with all nations, starting with our Jerusalem—our communities, our workplaces, and our homes.

In doing so, we join the ranks of those early disciples, bearing witness to the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. May our lives be a testament to the truth that He is risen, and in Him, we have the promise of eternal life. Let us go forth with boldness, proclaiming, "The Lord has risen indeed!" (Luke 24:34).

Closing Prayer

Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, which we joyously celebrate today. Fill our hearts with the light of this eternal truth, guiding us to share the message of hope, repentance, and forgiveness with all around us. Empower us by Your Spirit to be bold witnesses of Your transformative love. May our lives reflect the joy and victory of the resurrection as we proclaim with confidence that Jesus is risen indeed. In His precious name, we pray. Amen.