Over the last couple of weeks, we have had an up-close glimpse of multiple encounters Jesus experienced.  Each one leaving us with questions we should ask in our own lives… 

Don’t you just love a bunch of questions this early in the morning!!! 

First with the Pharasees which should cause us to pause and ponder if there is any truth in us that reveals hypocrisy vs a real trust and faith in Jesus?    And then as a result of His encounter with Mary of Magdala – are we able to say I have met him and I am different? 

Now this  morning we are going to add  a few more questions? I invite you to write these down and ponder them as we look at our next encounter.  

Do I truly want to encounter Jesus? 

Do I want the hope of Jesus in my life? 

Do I deeply believe Jesus will meet me where I am? 

Luke 24 beginning in verse 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. 

BUT NOT JESUS! 

Lets PRAY 

 Dear Jesus,  I need you. 

        I know you are my hope. 

       Open my eyes and let me 

        see you!      Amen 

In my early career, I was a nursing home administrator – locally at Life Care Center (that is actually what brought us to the valley) I believe and know fully that God allowed that in my life to grow me in deeper dependence and knowledge of him.  That is a whole other message.   

One of the hardest challenges of that job is staffing (anyone relate) The responsibility to the residents and staff was tremendous – taking me often to the point of desperation. 

 I remember one particular day that my regional director had stopped by and on this visit he had his elementary aged son with him. 

When they arrived, I had been sitting at my desk praying and seeking the Lords help for how exactly we would meet the need for CNAs that day. 

As we talked – the little guy offered to pray for me.  He prayed for a simple prayer or please provide today. 

The heart and faith of that young man was the encouragement, an encounter I needed to continue to trust in that moment. 

Let’s look at Jesus encounter with 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus 

Right before we see our next encounter in Luke, we learn that the stone is rolled away! Jesus has risen and the women who discovered the empty tomb are being hit with doubt and disbelief by the disciples as they share this indescribable news. 

 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. 

        Jesus shows up and meets us where we are. 

  Jesus shows up and meets us where we are. 

        He is worthy of our hope 

JESUS SHOWS UP UNEXPECTED WAYS PLACES 

“ALL THAT CRYING I DID THIS MORNING” 

2 BAGS OF GROCERIES       MATTHEW 25 

• PHARISEES- JESUS ALWAYS ENCOUNTERED THEM 

• MARY MAGDALENE- FIRST TO HEAR HIM  

• ALWAYS EXISTING WITH THE FATHER- 

• GO BACK TO BEGINNING HOW HE APPROACHES US 

SCRIPTURE GENESIS 3:6                               

   6. “WHEN THE WOMAN SAW THAT THE FRUIT OF THE TREE WAS GOOD FOR FOOD AND PLEASING TO THE EYE, AND ALSO DESIRABLE FOR GAINING WISDOM, SHE TOOK SOME AND ATE IT. SHE ALSO GAVE SOME TO HER HUSBAND, WHO WAS WITH HER, AND HE ATE IT.  

 SCRIPTURE  GENESIS 3:7 
   7. THEN THE EYES OF THEM WERE OPENED, AND THEY REALIZED THEY WERE NAKED; SO THEY SEWED FIG LEAVES TOGETHER AND MADE COVERINGS FOR THEMSELVES.  

SCRIPTURE GENESIS 3:8 

   8. THEN THE MAN AND HIS WIFE HEARD THE SOUNDS OF THE LORD GOD AS HE WAS WALKING IN THE GARDEN IN THE COOL OF THE DAY, AND THEY HID FROM THE LORD GOD AMONG THE TREES OF THE GARDEN.  

SCRIPTURE GENESIS 3:9 

   9. BUT THE LORD GOD CALLED TO THE MAN, “WHERE ARE YOU?’ 

• The New English Bible describes them as “full of gloom.” 

• THEY WERE NOT EXPECTING HIM- 

• DISCIPLES WEREN’T- MARY MAGDALENE DIDN’T 

• 2^ND TIME SAME DAY- DIDN’T RECOGNIZE HIM 

SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE: 

• JESUS TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM WITH THEIR BELIEF WAS MORE IN THEIR HEART THAN IN THEIR HEAD. WE OFTEN THINK THE MAIN OBSTACLES TO BELIEF ARE IN THE HEAD, BUT THEY ARE ACTUALLY IN THE HEART.  

SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:28 

  28. “AS THEY APPROACHED THE VILLAGE TO WHICH THEY WERE GOING, JESUS CONTINUED ON AS IF HE WERE GOING FARTHER.   (APPARENTLY WAST GONNA STAY) 

 SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:29                                   

  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.  

• JESUS WON’T FORCE HIMSELF 

• STAYS WHERE INVITED 

WHEN TWO SAINTS ARE TALKING TOGETHER, JESUS IS VERY LIKELY TO COME AND MAKE THE THIRD ONE IN THE COMPANY. TALK OF HIM, AND YOU WILL SOON TALK WITH HIM, “SPURGEON 

SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:30 

  30. WHEN HE WAS AT THE TABLE WITH THEM, HE TOOK BREAD AND BROKE IT AND BEGAN TO GIVE IT TO THEM.  

 SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:31 

  31. THEN THEIR EYES OPENED AND THEY RECOGNIZED HIM, AND HE DISAPPEARED FROM THEIR SIGHT. 

SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:32 

  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?” 

• V 27- AND BEGINNING WITH MOSES AND ALL THE PROPHETS, HE EXPLAINED TO THEM WHAT WAS SAID AND IN ALL THE SCRIPTURES CONCERNING HIMSELF 

    IMAGINE THAT CONVERSATION– THAT TEACHING? 

SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:33 

  33. THEY GOT UP RETURNED AT ONCE TO JERUSALEM. THERE THEY FOUND THE ELEVEN AND THOSE WITH THEM, ASSEMBLED TOGETHER.  

• WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER JESUS- YOU GO  

• WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER JESUS YOU SHARE 

 SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:34 

  34. AND SAYING “IT IS TRUE! THE LORD HAS RISEN AND HAS APPEARED TO SIMON.” 

SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:35 

  35. THEN THE TWO TOLD WHAT HAD HAPPENED ON THE WAY, AND HOW JESUS WAS RECOGNIZED BY THEM WHEN HE BROKE THE BREAD.”       LEONARD SWEET 

• They recognized him when he broke the bread 

• Cleopas- companion DIDN’T keep their experience to themselves -told it to the others. 

• Jesus seems to care well for all people- especially ones who are walking in the wrong direction. 

 COMMUNION 

• GOOD FRIDAY STARTED AT THE TABLEAT THE TABLE AGAIN 

• WETHER A MEAL OR COMMUNION? 

• TODAY WE OFFER TWO WAYS TO ENCOUNTER HIM 

• ONE THROUGH THESE ELEMENTS-  

• TWO THROUGH PRAYER 

• ³⁰So they asked him, “What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? ³¹Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it  is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ “ 

• ³²Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. ³³For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” ³⁴“Sir,” they said, “from now on give us this bread.” ³⁵Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. ³⁶But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. ³⁷All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.  

This food won’t keep your body alive.  It won’t keep your stomach from growling or your throat from being thirsty.  This food isn’t designed to sustain the body, it’s designed to sustain the soul.  It’s designed to help you be in constant communion with the One who created you, and the One who redeemed you.  This food is to nourish the soul. 

MATTHEW 26:26-28 

²⁶ While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 

²⁷ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. ²⁸ This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  

MAYBE YOU JUST WANT TO PRAY TODAY 

YOU NEED AN ENCOUTNER WITH HIM 

A FRESH ENCOUNTER WITH HIM- YOU COULD ASK SOMEONE TO COME AND PRAY – OR WE HAVE A FEW PEOPLE WHO WILL PRAY WITH YOU/FOR YOU 

https://www.bible.com/events/49592769

Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus 

Encounters Part 3 

The Emmaus Road encounter 

Today we continue in our Easter teaching series called Encounters. 

We are looking at different stories in the bible where people personally encounter Jesus. Today we are looking at Jesus’ encounter with two disciples walking down the Emmaus Road 

What did this encounter mean for them? What can we learn for our lives today? 

‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭13‬-‭16‬‬ 

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 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. 

In Lukes Gospel, this is the first post-resurrection encounter of Jesus. 

As they are walking along, the text says they were discussing everything that had happened. The language here indicates this more than a casual discussion- it was one of passion and perhaps even debate. 

Disillusioned and confused, they start walking away- trying to sort it all out as they go down the road. And that’s when Jesus shows up. 

‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭17‬‬ 

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 

The weight they were carrying becomes clear as Jesus invites himself into their conversation. Literally the emotion, the burden of what has just taken place is written all over their face. 

‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭18‬-‭21‬‬ 

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?” “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. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 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. 

In the Jewish tradition, 3 days after death was the point of no return- death was final at that point. 

For these disciples, it was more than Jesus that was dead- their hope of him overthrowing the Roman’s and returning the nation of Israel to a place of prominence and freedom was over too. 

What they had focused on, what they thought was sure to come, what they were excited about- was over. It didn’t come, and seemingly never would. 

Have you ever been there? 

‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭22‬-‭24‬‬ 

In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” 

‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭25‬-‭27‬‬ 

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

Jesus continues the conversation with some stiff words- calling out their resistance to believing all that was written about Jesus. 

It’s interesting here- Jesus doesn’t go after them for not believing his own teaching, or his own words about his identity and resurrection. He doesn’t even rebuke them for not believing the testimony of the women, or the other disciples, or even the empty tomb itself. 

He calls them out because they have not believed what the word of God, the bible said about him. 

‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭28‬-‭29‬‬ 

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

Jesus was willing to walk a little while with these disciples as they were walking away. But he stayed with them because they asked. 

‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭30‬-‭32‬‬ 

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. 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?” 

One encounter is all it took and their hearts were aflame with hope. The scriptures and the stories they couldn’t figure out, were now alive and right in front of them. And their hearts were on fire. 

All of the information, the questions, the thoughts they had about Jesus, came alive in the person of Jesus, right before their eyes. This was the encounter that changed everything for these two disciples. 

‭‭Luke‬ ‭11‬:‭9‬-‭13‬‬ 

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” 

We know from this encounter story that Jesus is alive. 

We know that he is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan according to the scriptures. 

And he is still encountering people who are seeking him in the every day events of life. 

The question that remains for us is simply this: Will you look for Jesus, right here? Here in the everyday moments and needs of your life? 

Will you ask, seek, and knock for an encounter with Jesus himself? 

ENCOUNTERS

• WELCOME- HAPPY EASTER- STARTED SERIES
• SPOTLIGHT ON ENCOUNTERS WITH JESUS
• STARTING WITH PALM SUNDAY-PASSION WEEK

LAST WEEK- JESUS ENTERS A PARADE

JESUS –LAST WEEK LAST MOMENTS LAST BREATH

   PHARISEES – ADDRESSES HYPOCRISY

THIS WEEK- SHINE SPOTLIGHT ON MARY MAGDALENE

   MARY MAGDALENE -BEEN WITH JESUS FOR A WHILE

   MARY MAGDALENE- HEALED OF 7 DEMONS

THERE WHEN JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED-SUPORTER OF JESUS                               

 PAINTING OF MARY MAGDALENE

       ARCHEOLOGIST DISCOVERED MANY REMNANTS

• CHURCH – DUC IN ALTUM (PUT OUT INTO DEEP)
• ATRIUM DEDICATED TO WOMEN
• BEAUTIFUL MOSAIC DEDICATED TO MARY MAGD

THIS IS THE CHOSENS INTERPRETATION

MARY MAGDALENE- MEETS JESUS                                

MARY                                                   

ENCOUNTERS- THE ENCOUNTERS JESUS HAD WITH PEOPLE STARTING WITH PALM SUNDAY THROUGH PASSION WEEK AND BEYOND

     WHERE DID WE END ON FRIDAY NIGHT

     MARY MAGDALENE AND MARY   SIT FACING A STONE

SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:1

1. “EARLY ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, WHILE IT WAS STILL DARK, MARY MAGDALENE WENT TO THE TOMB AND SAW THE STONE HAD BEEN REMOVED FROM THE ENTRANCE.
   
   

SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:2

• SO SHE CAME RUNNING TO SIMON PETER AND THE OTHER DISCIPLE, THE ONE JESUS LOVED, AND SAID, “THEY HAVE TAKEN THE LORD OUT OF THE TOMB, AND WE DON’T KNOW WHERE THEY HAVE PUT HIM!”

 SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:3-4

• SO PETER AND THE OTHER DISCIPLE STARTED FOR THE TOMB. BOTH WERE RUNNING, BUT THE OTHER DISCIPLE OUTRAN PETER AND REACHED THE TOMB FIRST.

SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:5-6

   5 HE BENT OVER AND LOOKED IN AT THE STRIPS OF LINEN LYING THERE BUT DID NOT GO IN. THEN SIMON PETER CAME ALONG BEHIND HIM AND WENT STRAIGHT INTO THE TOMB. HE SAW THE STRIPS AND LINEN LYING THERE,

    JOHN FASTER-    PETER LESS SCADER.     

 SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:7-8

   7. AS WELL AS THE CLOTH HAD BEEN WRAPPED AROUND JESUS’ HEAD. THE CLOTH WAS STILL LYING IN ITS PLACE, SEPARATE FROM THE LINEN. FINALLY THE OTHER DISCIPLE, WHO HAD REACHED THE TOMB FIRST, ALSO WENT INSIDE. HE SAW AND BELIEVED.

    BELIEVED WHAT? WHY?

WHAT DO YOU HAVE A HARD TIME BELIEVING IN?

ANNA BAGENHOLM

• SKIING ACCIDENT- TRAPPED ICE- PUPILS DIALATED
• She had no heart beat for 2 hours 35 minutes Bågenholm’s spent the following 35 days connected to a

JUSTIN SMITH

• attempted to walk home 2 MILES in Tresckow, PA, wearing hoodie and jeans.
• Temp-4 DEGREES- passed out snowdrift (12 hours)

 father, Don Smith, found him the next morning. Justin was rigid, his skin was purple, and he had no pulse or breathing.

• Paramedics assumed DEAD, sheet placed over him- 1

SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:9-10                               

   9. (THEY STILL DID NOT UNDERSTAND FROM SCRIPTURE THAT JESUS HAD TO RISE FROM THE DEAD) THEN THE DISCIPLES WENT BACK TO WHERE THEY WERE STAYING

SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:11-12

  11. NOW MARY STOOD OUTSIDE THE TOMB CRYING. AS SHE WEPT, SHE BENT OVER TO LOOK INTO THE TOMB AND SAW TWO ANGELS IN WHITE, SEATED WHERE JESUS’ BODY HAD BEEN, ONE AT THE HEAD AND THE OTHER AT THE FOOT.

• WHAT IS THE SIGNIFIGANCE OF THIS?
• ON TOP- 2 ANGELS- ONE ON EACH END

THE ARK OF THE COVENANT

   OLD TESTAMENT- THE PRESENCE OF GOD LIVED HERE

• ARK TRAVELED AT ONE POINT
• ARK THEN ENDS UP IN THE TEMPLE
• ONCE A YEAR- THE HIGH PRIEST HOLY OF HOLIES

VODDIE BAUCHAUM                        

   WHAT WAS HE SAYING?

1. ADMIT YOUR’E A SINNER- IN NEED OF A SAVIOR
2. BELIEVE ON AND IN THE LORD JESUS
3. CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH

SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:13

  13. THEY ASKED HER, “WOMAN, WHY ARE YOU CRYING?’ “THEY HAVE TAKEN MY LORD AWAY,” SHE SAID, “AND I DON’T KNOW WHERE THEY HAVE PUT HIM.”

• VERSE 2 SHE SAID THE LORD-    ITS PERSONAL

SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:14

  14. AT THIS, SHE TURNED AROUND AND SAW JESUS STANDING THERE, BUT SHE DID NOT REALIZE THAT IT WAS JESUS.

SCRIPITURE JOHN 20:15

  15. HE ASKED HER, “WOMAN, WHY ARE YOU CRYING? WHO IS IT THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR?” THINKING HE WAS THE GARDNER, SHE SAID, “SIR, IF YOU HAVE CARRIED HIM AWAY, TELL ME WHERE YOU HAVE PUT HIM, AND I WILL GET HIM.”

   HOW DOES SHE NOT KNOW WHO HE IS ?

• DARK- SHES CRYING
• SHE HAS ZERO EXPECTATION HE IS ALIVE

REMBRANDT PAINTING JESUS GARDNER     

•  Christ not just Redeemer but also the cultivator of souls.
• Like a gardener tending to his garden, he nurtures each soul, guiding us toward spiritual growth and renewal.
• In the garden, a place of life, growth and resurrection, Christ’s presence illuminates the darkest corners and brings new life from the ashes of desolation.

 SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:16

  16. JESUS SAID TO HER, “MARY.” SHE TUNRED TOWARD HIM AND CRIED OUT IN ARAMAIC, “RABBONI!”

(WHICH MEANS “TEACHER”)

• SERIES IS ENCOUNTERS
• ENCOUNTERS VARY FOR PEOPLE
• ENCOUNTER HIM IN PAIN-IN JOY-CREATION
• IN OTHER PEOPLE

FUNERAL HOME ENCOUNTER                   

• FIRST YEAR AS A PASTOR (3 LADIES UNDER 50)
• NICKY BROWN- 46 BRUTAL BATTLE CANCER
• STANDING LOOKING AT HER BEATEN UP BODY
• I NEED YOU TO EMBRACE THIS
• DON’T NEED WORK FOR CHURCH TO ENCOUNTER

STATEMENT                                                     

  MARY MAGDALENE CAN BE SEEN AS THE OPPOSITE OF THE PHARISEES, SHE IS KEENLY AWARE OF HER NEED FOR JESUS AND HER DEPENDANCE ON HIM.

SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS 15:3

• FOR WHAT I RECEIVED I PASSED ON TO YOU AS FIRST IMPORTANCE; THAT CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES, THAT HE WAS BURIED, THAT HE WAS RAISED ON THE THIRD DAY ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES.

 SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS 15:4-5

   4 THAT HE WAS BURIED, THAT HE WAS RAISED ON THE THIRD DAY ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES, AND THAT HE APPEARED TO CEPHAS, AND THEN TO THE TWELVE.

SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS 15:6

   6 AFTER THAT HE APPEARED TO MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED, OF THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS AT THE SAME TIME, MOST OF WHOM ARE STILL LIVING, THOUGH SOME HAVE FALLEN ASLEEP.

SCRIPTURE I CORINTHIANS 15:7-8

   7. THEN HE APPEARED TO JAMES, THEN TO ALL THE APOSTLES, AND LAST OF ALL HE APPEARED TO ME ALSO

PAUL THE TERRORIST– IS TESTIFYING THAT HE HAD AN ENOUNTER WITH JESUS.

• MARY MAGDALENE HAD ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS
• THE CHOSEN TAKES LIBERTY HERE-
• THE MESSAGE OF WHAT SHE SAYS DOESN’T
• THIS IS A REAL PERSON- REAL PROBLEMS

EXPLAINS TO NICODEMUS- A PHARISEE WHAT HAPPENED

• WOULD YOU KNOW HIM IF YOU SAW HIM
• I WAS ONE WAY- AND NOW I AM COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
• AND THE THING THAT HAPPENED IN BETWEEN-  WAS HIM–   YES I WILL KNOW HIM

SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:17

   17. JESUS SAID “DO NOT HOLD ON TO ME, FOR I HAVE NOT YET ASCENDED TO THE FATHER. GO INSTEAD TO MY BROTHERS AND TELL THEM, “I AM ASCENDING TO MY FATHER  AND YOUR FATHER, TO MY GOD AND YOUR GOD. “

SCRIPTURE JOHN 20:18

  18. MARY MAGDALENE WENT TO THE DISCIPLES WITH THE NEWS: “I HAVE SEEN THE LORD!” AND SHE TOLD THEM THAT HE HAD SAID THESE THINGS TO HER.”

HAVE YOU SEEN THE LORD-

• HAVE YOU HAD AN ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS?

TODAY WE END WITH WHERE WE ENDED FRIDAY NIGHT

   2 WOMEN- SIT, STARING AT A STONE

MARY MAGDALENE AND MARY THE MOTHER OF JOSEPH AND SALOME- SAT STARING AT THE TOMB WHERE HE WAS LAID”.    ALL HOPE HAS BEEN LOST

STONES IN SCRIPTURE REPRESENT MANY THINGS.

STONES WERE MARKERS, STONES WERE ALTARS, STONES WERE REMINDERS, AND STONES- THIS STONE WAS A BARRIER.

  TODAY WE INVITE YOU TO TAKE A STONE- WRITE A WORD OR EVEN A SYMBOL ON IT AND TAKE IT WITH YOU.

• ALSO INVITED TO PLACE IT- FOOT OF THE CROSS
• REMINDER-MARKER-MEMORIAL REPRESENTS
• MY STONE SAYS FREE

THE STONE WAS A BARRIER- NOT TO HIM GETTING OUT

BUT TO US GETTING IN

PRAYER-

1. ADMIT YOU ARE A SINNER (ALL HAVE SINNED)
2. BELIEVE ON AND IN JESUS
3. CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH- YOU WILL BE SAVED

LORD TODAY- I ADMIT IM A SINNER IN NEED OF YOU-

FORGIVE MY SINS JESUS- COME INTO MY HEART TODAY.

FINAL MESSAGE OF EASTER- MARY THOUGHT THEY LOST

JESUS WON

https://www.bible.com/events/49589832

Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus 

Encounters Part 2- Easter Sunday 

Mary Magdalene 

Today we continue in our Easter teaching series called Encounters. 

We are looking at different stories in the bible where people personally encounter Jesus. Today we are looking at Jesus’ encounter with Mary Magdalene on resurrection Sunday morning. 

What did this encounter mean for Mary? What can we learn from it today? 

‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭3‬‬ 

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. 

We learn that Jesus had healed Mary from evil spirits and infirmities- It tells us specifically that 7 demons were cast out of her life. And that’s all we really know about her background 

She was once in darkness, living with demonic presence in her life. But an encounter with Jesus was all it took. And her life was changed forever. 

What about you? 

‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭1‬‬ 

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 

The last time Mary saw Jesus. He was dead. 

It was on the evening of Good Friday after she witnessed Jesus lifeless body being placed in the tomb, with a large stone rolled in front of the entrance. 

That stone on Friday evening had to feel like the end of her world. Hopeless and heavy. And she carried that same feeling with her on Sunday morning. 

‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭2‬-‭7‬‬ 

So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 

Mary’s only conclusion at the sight of the stone being rolled away is that someone has taken the body of Jesus out of the tomb. She runs to tell the other disciples. 

The other disciple who is not named here, is believed to be John, the one writing this gospel. 

Peter arrives and goes right on in to see for himself. He is taking it all in, trying to process the evidence that’s right in front of him. 

‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭8‬-‭13‬‬ 

Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying. Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 

Mary is still so upset, that she is seemingly unphased by the sight of two angels as she looks in the tomb. As the angels ask about her condition, she can only reply that someone has taken away Jesus. 

And now comes Mary’s encounter – the one that would change her forever…the one that would change the world – change you. If you let it. 

‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭14‬-‭16‬‬ 

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”). 

This is the encounter. This is the moment that changes everything for Mary. 

Jesus first shows up in a graveyard to encounter his friend Mary who is confused, broken, and hopeless. That’s the God we serve. 

At the sound of Jesus calling her name, Mary recognizes that it is Jesus. Her heart leaps for joy as she grabs ahold of him. 

‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭17‬-‭18‬‬ 

Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. 

This encounter with Jesus changed her life. Jesus was alive, validating everything he ever said. 

Jesus is alive, there is hope, there is the forgiveness of sin and the hope of ternal life. And he’s still encountering us today. 

Do you believe that? Do you really believe that it can be true for you? 

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬-‭8‬‬ 

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬-‭17‬‬ 

If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 

The question of the resurrection is really the central claim of Christianity. 

The good news or the gospel of Jesus Christ is that through is life, death and resurrection, we can not only encounter him, but we can find new life in him. 

Jesus, through his sufferings, and his death on the cross, made the full payment for all sin. 

The bible tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Jesus came to deal with the penalty and the power of sin in our lives. And in his resurrection, he validated his teaching, and the victory over sin death and hell. And those who place their faith in him, will one day share in a resurrection like his. And until then, we get to experience his life within us. 

That’s what’s at stake today as we consider the stone rolled away this Easter Morning. 

WELCOME- START OF PASSION WEEK

• BEGIN NEW SERIES ENCOUNTERS
• ENCOUNTERS JESUS HAD THIS SEASON

SET THE SCENE- MATTHEW 21 ( ALL 4 WRITERS SAY)

21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, ² saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. ³ If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.

10 day of Nisan

    This was the day they selected the lamb to be sacrificed on the 14^th day- the day when Jesus this lamb would ride.

• He then says to them and us- I will take on the entire sin nature of these dirty people

• The mud was cleaner than the souls of the people

LIMO VEHICLE

• VLADIMIR PUTIN CAR

 HELICOPTER

• FORMER BRITTISH PRIME MINISTER
• RISHI SUNAK

TRAIN

• ARORMORED- FOOD SECURE- POWERED
• KIM JONG UN

 DONKEY

• LAST YEAR PASTOR STEPHEN WILLIS
• DONKEY- THIS CROSS DESGN ON ITS BACK

HORSE- A WAR HORSE                                

• RODE DONKEY MEANS YOU “COME” IN PEACE
• WAR HORSE MEANS YOU COME TO …
• SIZE DIFFERNCES ARE BIG
  
  

SCRIPTURE ZECHARIAH 9:9

  9. “REJOICE, O PEOPLE OF ZION! SHOUT IN TRIUMPH, O PEOPLE OF JERUSALEM!

SCRIPTURE ZECHARIAH 9:9

  9. LOOK YOUR KING IS COMING TO YOU. HE IS RIGHTEOUS AND VICTORIOUS, YET HE IS HUMBLE, RIDING ON A DONKEY- RIDING ON A DONKEY’S FOAL.

SCRIPTURE ZECHARIAH 9:10

  10. I WILL REMOVE THE BATTLE CHARIOTS FROM ISRAEL AND THE WARHORSES FROM JERUSALEM.

 SCRIPTURE ZECHARIAH 9:10

  10. I WILL DESTROY ALL THE WEAPONS USED IN BATTLE, AND YOUR KING WILL BRING PEACE TO THE NATIONS.

• HOSANA-(SAVE NOW) PALM BRANCHES

SCRIPTURE 9:10                                           

  10. HIS REALM WILL STRETCH FROM SEA TO SEA AND FROM THE EUPHRATES RIVER TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.”

     THE VISUAL PICTURE DIFFERENCE

      JESUS ARRIVES ON A COLT- PEACE-HUMILITY

WASN’T THE FIRST KING TO ARRIVE DONKEY-

• SOLOMON RODE IN TO JERUSALEM

SCRIPTURE LUKE 19:41

  41. “AS HE APPROACHED JERUSALEM AND SAW THE CITY HE WEPT OVER IT.”

• WHY- WHY IS HE WEEPING?
• BECAUSE OF THE PAIN WILL SUFFER?

 PASSION WEEK FOCUS

    MATTHEW – 40 %- LAST WEEK OF JESUS LIFE

    MARK- 60 %

    LUKE 33 %

    JOHN- ALMOST 50 %

HOW MUCH TIME THIS WEEK IN REFLECTION?

• BE INTENTIONAL IN REPENTANCE- IN PRAISE

SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 23:13                   

  13. “WOE TO YOU, TEACHERS OF THE LAW AND PHARISEES, YOU HYPOCRITES! (1)YOU SHUT THE DOOR OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IN PEOPLES FACES.

HYPOCRITE DEFINED

   A PERSON WHO PRETENDS TO HAVE MORAL STANDARDS OR OPINIONS THAT THEY DO NOT ACTUALLY HAVE.

    ACTOR

• Ain’t going to church- church is full of hypocrites-
  TRUE ON SOME LEVEL
• I also had some relatives and friends who loved Jesus and they were NOT hypocrites– do you know some real very real

THE HYPOCRISY STARTED 6 DAYS BEFORE THIS

JUDAS AND JESUS BEING ANOINTED- WOW

WHAT A JOKE THIS WAS – JUDAS

   WHEN YOU HEAR HYPCOCRITE- YOU THINK OF WHAT IT IS OR DO YOU PICTURE A FACE?

LANCE ARMSTRONG/HOLLYWOOD

• NOT PICKING ON LANCE- BUT HE TALKED
• HOLLYWOOD- EVERYONE GETS UPSET THEM

 SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 23:13

  13. YOU YOURSELVES DO NOT ENTER, NOR WILL YOU LET THOSE WHO ARE TRYING TO.
    

 SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 23:23

  23. “WOE TO YOU, TEACHERS OF THE LAW AND PHARISEES, YOU HYPOCRITES! (2) YOU GIVE A TENTH OF YOUR SPICES-MINT, DILL, CUMIN.

SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 23:23

  23. BUT YOU HAVE NEGLECTED THE MORE IMPORTANT MATTER OF THE LAW-JUSTICE, MERCY, AND FAITHFULNESS.

SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 23:23

  23. YOU SHOULD HAVE PRACTICED THE LATTER, WITHOUT NEGELCTING THE FORMER.

SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 23:24

  24. YOU BLIND GUIDES! YOU STRAIN OUT A GNAT BUT SWALLOW A CAMEL.”

 SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 23:25

  25. “WOE TO YOU, TEACHERS OF THE LAW AND PHARISEES, YOU HYPOCRITES! (3) CLEAN THE OUTSIDE OF THE CUP AND DISH, BUT INSIDE THEY ARE FULL OF GREED AND SELF-INDULGENCE.

SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 23:26

  26. BLIND PHARISEE! FIRST CLEAN THE INSIDE OF THE CUP AND DISH, AND THEN THE OUTSIDE ALSO WILL BE CLEAN.

SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 23:27

  27. “WOE TO YOU, TEACHERS OF THE LAW AND PHARISEES, YOU HYPOCRITES! (4) YOU ARE LIKE WHITE WASHED TOMBS,

 SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 23:27

  27. WHICH LOOK BEAUTIFUL ON THE OUTSIDE BUT ON THE INSIDE ARE FULL OF BONES OF THE DEAD AND EVERYTHING UNCLEAN.

SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 23:28

  28. IN THE SAME WAY, ON THE OUTSIDE YOU APPEAR TO PEOPLE AS RIGHTEOUS BUT ON THE INSIDE YOU ARE FULL OF HYPOCRISY AND WICKEDNESS.

QUOTE FRANCIS CHAN                             

   “IF GOD CARED ONLY ABOUT RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES, THEN THE PHARISEES WOULD HAVE BEEN HEROES OF THE FAITH.”

 QUOTE A.W. TOZER

   “A PHARISEE IS HARD ON OTHERS AND EASY ON HIMSELF, BUT A SPIRITUAL MAN IS EASY ON OTHERS AND HARD ON HIMSELF.”

RECORD PLAYER

• WHATS THE OPPOSITE OF HYPOCRISY?
• FIDELITY HIGH- FI ( HIGH FIDELITY)
• THIS RECORD SOUNDS EXACTY LIKE STUDIO

THE CHOSEN                                   

• RIGHTEOUS ANGER
• RELIGIOUS MEN WHO KNEW BETTER

WHO WAS JESUS REALLY TALKING TO HERE?

IN A SENSE HE WAS DONE TALKING TO PHARISEES

• HE’S INVITING THEM TO KILL HIM

QUOTE BRENNAN MANNING                

  “THE GREATEST SINGLE CAUSE OF ATHEISM IN THE WORLD TODAY IS CHRISTIANS WHO ACKNOWLEDGE JESUS WITH THEIR LIPS AND WALK OUT THE DOOR AND DENY HIM WITH THE LIFESTYLE. THAT IS WHAT AN UNBELIEVING WORLD SIMPLY FINDS UNBELIEVABLE

• OUR PUBLIC LIVES MUST BE AN EXTENSION OF THE WORK HE HAS DONE INWARDLY IN OUR PRIVATE LIVES

LENT IS THE PERFECT TIME TO REFLECT

TO EXAMINE OURSELVES

MIRROR TALK                                                              

• PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE MIRROR
• NOT ABOUT LOOKING AT WHO ELSE I SEE
• SEARCH ME OH GOD AND KNOW MY HEART,

SEE IF THERE IS ANY OFFENSIVE WAY IN ME.

JESUS HUMILITY WAS ON FULL DISPLAY

HE WASN’T THE ONLY LEADER WHO EVER ROAD A DONKEY

BUT MANY SCHOLARS BELIEVE IT WAS 2 ANIMALS

DONKEY AND THEN A FOAL- EVEN SMALLER