9.11- We talk about current events in the context of the life and teachings of Jesus and other great teachers.

 9.11-

We talk about current events in the context of the life and teachings of Jesus and other great teachers.  We ask ourselves about our views of the major things happening in our city.  Godly people are going through cruel and ugly things and trying to keep their own dignity in the midst of suffering.  People who have lived a powerful life in both word and deed that go through horrible pain.

Jesus is the model of life for many of these godly people who suffering great pain.

Jesus said to his disciples that they were foolish and slow to believe the things He had taught them.  The principle from Jesus and other great and wise teachers is that suffering comes before glory.

Once people go through deep suffering events they are changed forever.  They are not people pleasers, but God pleasers. They are not centered on the “party life”.  They are tireless in doing things to help the poor and the prisoners.  They know how to be still and rest. They have the quiet strength to set boundaries and set them with clear, loving and kind communication.

( Their language is the truth as they see it.)

They are creative artists driven by passion for what and who they believe in.  They may be painters or plumbers, but they are passionate about him.  They are bold, stand up for what’s right people.(Psalm 58) They have been through life changing fires that were transformational.

 (They are married to Jesus not religion. They are led by love, not fear.)

 (They want to make love not war.)

Outcast and poor and prisoner and palsied are partners in overcomings.

“Do go.  Stay and visit longer if you can.”  This adds to their hospitality’s power.

Enjoyment of fellowship with friends on holidays and other Special days.

When deep conversation in the context of Jesus’ life is one of the evidences of the resurrection of Jesus and the sending of His Spirit to fill the hearts of His followers.

  The best fellowship includes allowing the Spirit of Jesus to lead the discussion.  Current and ancient words of hymns may come up in the lively discussion of the connection between then and now.

Jesus centering of the thoughts can give meaning and clarity to hard, ugly things.

Is change possible?

Is forgiveness and a fresh start possible?

Is God and loving God who wants everyone from all nations to be saved?

When you have seen very had things close up and come out with a greater faith in the goodness of God it is a glorious thing.

This how God prepares witness of His true nature and how belief and trust in Him can prepare humans for the very best life on earth and forever in the next life.

We can receive the power of the cross into our own hearts and minds and never be the same. We surrender to go through the open doors that God gives to us.  These can be telling our family about the mercy God has had for us.  It can be a downcast stranger that needs an encouraging word.

Jesus made it to heaven.  He empowers others to stand for a cause and go through suffering without losing their human dignity and their faith in a good God.

These make it to the other side and enjoy life with Jesus and the others who are there with Him.

Luke 24

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

19 “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 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.

30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 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?”

33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.

44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

The Ascension of Jesus

50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.