News spread quickly within the inner circle of Jesus that the tomb was empty. You would think that would be a time of celebration, but it wasn’t. Everyone thought the rumors they heard from within their own organization was Fake News.
So, what does Jesus do? He plays Under Cover Boss to discern what’s going on behind the scenes within his own organization. And he doesn’t even wear a costume. He goes as himself. So, would those closest to him in his organization be able to figure this out? I invite you to join us as walk seven miles with Jesus.
Scene 1: The Walk
Many years ago, my oldest brother had a seizure selling encyclopedias door to door in our neighborhood. As I arrived at the scene, there was a crowd of people and paramedics checking him out. I cut through the crowd and told the medical personnel that he was my brother.
Ricky was still dazed and when he was brought up to see me; the paramedic asked him if he recognized me. He looked at me, pointed his finger and said, “I've never seen him in my life.” I was shocked. How could my brother not recognize me after living with him so long?”
That's kind of what happens here. Jesus is disguised as himself and we are told that two within his company were kept from recognizing him. So, did Jesus snap his fingers like a hypnotist and force them not to recognize him; or was there something else happening here behind the scenes that perhaps was more spiritual in nature? We have to continue the seven mile walk to Emmaus to find out.
Scene 2: The Inquiry
You’ve got to love Jesus here. He is totally working this situation. "What things?" What are you guys talking about and why do you look so sad? Cleopas is stunned. Everyone knows what happened the past few days. Where have you been?
Imagine today someone wondering why most businesses are closed and restaurants are empty. Imagine them asking you why people are wearing masks, gloves, and washing their hands for twenty seconds at a time. Imagine them saying, "Why are people social distancing?” You would be like, “Haven’t you watched the news or at least turned on YouTube? Haven’t you checked social media, everyone is talking about COVID-19.
Jesus was that dude in the first century. “What things?” What are people talking about these last couple of days?
Scene 3: Breaking News
Now if Jesus had a yellow pad and a pen, I could see him making a checklist. Perhaps it would look like this.
Okay, they said I am a prophet, mighty in deed and word before God and people. Check!
They said I was arrested, condemned, and put to death through crucifixion. Check!
They said, they hoped I would redeem Israel. Well, I can’t check that one. They didn’t quite get the details right.
They said, somehow today is the third day, which is important concerning my death. Check!
They said, some women, who they know well, saw an empty tomb. Check!
They said, the women saw a vision involving angels who told them I was alive. Check!
They said, some within their own party found an empty tomb like the women described. Check!
I can see Jesus thinking to himself. “Okay, why are these two men so sad again?” I told all them all these things when they went through my orientation. I told them about my impending leave of absence. That’s not Fake News; that’s great news!
Do you want to know what the real problem Jesus, the Undercover Boss is discovering? Quite simply, his disciples have an incorrect perception of him. You can see this as we continue our seven mile journey.
Scene 4: The Revelation
Now Jesus gets to the core issue. The main reason they could not recognize him is because they were Slow of Heart to Believe what the Scriptures taught about him. Cleopas and his assistant were making Jesus out to be someone he was not.
They were so focused on Jesus being a general who would redeem Israel; that they overlooked the Scriptures that taught that he had to first to suffer and experience death before he could be a redeemer, not of a country; but of all people. Cleopas and his buddy thought God sent Jesus to earth for political purposes; not as a humanitarian to save lives. Consequently, both had too narrow a view when it came to the purpose of Jesus stay here. Unfortunately, it’s the same today.
Some say he was a great moral teacher, but many ignore his hard teachings such extending forgiveness when they have been wronged, even betrayed.
Some say he represented love; but forget Jesus said it was expressed in obedience toward him
Some say he always showed grace; but they omit the “Sin No More” clause that followed the transgression.
Some say he died for our sins; yet they have been persuaded by outside sources that there are other roads that also lead to heaven
What Jesus is saying to Cleopas is basically, stop listening to Fake News. If you want to know who I am don’t rely on what you think. Don’t rely on what others think! Instead, Read the Scriptures, it's all in my work manual.
In the first book of Genesis, Jesus is involved with God in creation. In the Book of Exodus, he is the Passover Lamb that has been killed and his blood on the door saves God’s people’s lives. According to the Prophet Isaiah, he is the son born of a virgin, who is sent like a sheep to his slaughter, which foretells his death seven hundred years before it happened. In Daniel he is also the “Son of Man” who will return in the clouds at the end of the age, bringing his followers the the final finishing touches on glorification. From Moses to the Prophets, Jesus is present. What a study that must have been. One for the ages. Seven miles worth!
If you want to know about me; read your Bible. This is God’s revelation. The main source. Always go back to the main source. Okay, Let's keep walking with the Undercover Boss and his workers.
Scene 5: Open Eyes
We read, "Their eyes were opened!" The first time that phrase was used in the Bible was just after Adam and Eve had sinned. We learn, “Their eyes were open, and they knew they were naked.” Now, on the third day, that phrase would be forever redeemed into something beautiful. Jesus is alive.
Jesus had taught that he was the Bread of Life, and after he passed some to eat, on yet another memorable meal, their eyes were opened. The Undercover Boss had come clean and revealed himself to his company.
Maybe you’ve wondered why Jesus suddenly vanished. Perhaps he didn’t want to be interrogated with questions; preferring they read his manual, the Scriptures. Or maybe Jesus just wanted to give them what they needed most, assurance that he was alive, and then be on his way.
Today, we live in a time where COVID-19 has made us ask questions about what is truly important. And to be honest, that is a good thing. Without the many facets of our life being stripped during this period; we may understood this issue only in theory. COVID-19 has forced us to be without things in life that take up our time, and may even be an idol in our hearts.
For those that are sports fans; Live Sports and the stadiums have been shut down.
For those who invest their time in musicians, actors, entertainers, the concert halls and theaters have been shut down.
For those get their identity thru work and money; unemployment is at historic heights, and the economy has taken a big hit.
For those get their identity from academic achievement; the schools have shut down
What’s left? Your family, your loved ones and Jesus. It’s time to pick up your Bibles and get to know Jesus. You know, with people dying every day because of this pandemic, the best investment you can make is placing your faith in Jesus. You see, accepting the gospel is REALLY the only essential business the coronavirus will never infect or kill. Because He lives; you can live!
Scene 6: Proclamation
Proclamation! That’s all Cleopas and his unnamed partner of Jesus could do on that resurrection Sunday over 2,000 years ago. “The Lord has risen.”
So, for those of you who have been social distancing from Jesus for some, most or all all of your life, I am here to proclaim, Jesus is alive!
For those of you who are wearing gloves at the grocery store; the next time you pick up a loaf of bread, if you're lucky, remember that Jesus is The Bread of Life. The Lord has Risen!
For those of you are washing your hands for twenty seconds at a time; the next time you wash, think about the blood of Jesus that washed away your sins. You can now be without blemish or stain. The Lord has Risen!
For those of you who want to preserve life by "flattening the curve," the only way to truly flatten it is through placing your faith in Jesus. You see, people will die long after this COVID-19 pandemic. So, I invite you to flatten the curve now, this Easter, this Resurrection Sunday morning. Jesus is Alive!
Whoever you are. Wherever you are. Jesus is calling. He wants to draw near to you and walk with you like he did those seven miles with Cleopas and his friend. I pray you will as well.
