|
Week of May 22 - 29, 2011 |
iWitness – First Hand Encounters with the Risen Christ
This week we are going to focus on the two disciples that meet Jesus on the road to Emmaus. We will look at some of the possibilities of Old Testament scripture that Jesus share with them and also at some of those “AHA” moments where we needed hindsight in order to truly see the bigger picture.
Day 1: Read Luke 24:13-23
Pray for open eyes that we might see, open hears that we might hear, an open heart that we would be tender towards the things that breaks God’s heart and willing feet that we would put our faith into action.
When was it that Jesus appeared to the two Christ followers? What was their limited understanding of the events that had just take place in Jerusalem? How is it that the two did not recognize Jesus? Have you ever felt a time, that in hindsight, you were in the presence of God, but was not aware of it? Describe that time. How is it that God used that time to teach you something of His character?
Day 2: Read Luke 1:3 and Luke 24:13-23
Look on a map of first century Israel. How far was Emmaus from Jerusalem? What was the reason for Luke writing the gospel? How did he go about putting the gospel together? Remember Luke was a physician. What other book in the Bible did Luke author under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit? Read the first 8 verses of the first chapter of that book and summarize them in a sentence. What were the facts that the two followers gave Jesus about His past? What was Jesus’ response to the two followers? What do you think He would have said to you or I regarding our knowledge of the Old Testament and the predictions of Him as Messiah?
Day 3: Skim the first 4 chapters of Matthew and Luke.
Look for Old Testament references that are quoted by the authors as being fulfilled in Christ. Write down the passage from the gospel and corresponding Old Testament passage. What was the prediction or prophecy that was fulfilled in Christ?
Day 4: Read the following passages and look for a prophecy of the coming Messiah. How was each of these fulfilled in Christ?
Isaiah 53; Exodus 12:3-6; Exodus 12:5; 2 Samuel 7:14; Zechariah 11:12-13 and Zechariah 13:7; Micah 5:1; Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 61:1; Psalm 45:7,8; Deuteronomy 18:18; Genesis 3:15. How are these recognized in Christ and what does this mean for us today as Christians?
Day 5: Read Luke 24:13-23.
What was the response of the two followers to Christ’s teachings? What did they say and do? Take time to reflect on “tipping point” or game changing moments in your life? Have you accepted Christ for who He says He is – Son of God and Lord? Remember you only have three options here – He is either Lord as He proclaimed, a liar or a lunatic. There are no other choices. When were your eyes opened? How does a risen Christ impact your daily interactions at home, at work or in the world? |
