Introduction
As we previously studied Luke 24:13-27, we “eavesdropped” on a conversation that took place on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus on the first Resurrection Day. The conversation occurred between two obscure disciples and the risen Christ, though he walked with them incognito. The disciples were forlorn and agitated because Jesus was crucified. So, Jesus explained the plan of God for the Christ found throughout the Old Testament Scriptures. He showed them that the cross did not thwart Kingdom hopes, rather it was the essential prelude to the Kingdom. This is true because Christ vacated the tomb.
In today’s text (Luke 24:28-35), Jesus reveals his identity to these disciples as they enjoy table fellowship. The climax of the passage arrives in v. 32 as the disciples declare, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” The risen Lord Jesus convinced them from the Scriptures that the crown will certainly follow the cross.
The hymns selected for this service open our church’s 2022 season of Christmas celebration. They present an overview of the first advent of Jesus, from Bethlehem to Emmaus and beyond.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship: Psalm 19:9b-11
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn Insert (vv. 1-3) A Lord’s Day Anthem
Note: This hymn expresses our desire to hear the Word of God and our longing for its transforming work within us. These desires rest upon our faith in the risen Christ, remembered each Lord’s Day.
Worship through Giving
Hymn 91 Once in Royal David’s City
Note: Mary’s child born in Bethlehem so long ago was no ordinary baby. “He came down to earth from heaven Who is God and Lord of all.” He was the long-expected Messiah. This hymn reminds us of his condescension to the humblest of circumstances as he became one of us.
Scripture Reading 1 Peter 1:3-12
Note: Peter explained that the Old Testament writing prophets struggled to fit together the Scriptures’ descriptions of Christ as Suffering Servant and glorified King. These things Jesus explained that day on the road to Emmaus.
Hymn Insert What Child Is This?
Note: We will sing a version of this beloved Christmas hymn using lyrics that differ from those contained in our hymnal. The second verse makes a direct connection between the child we see in Luke 2 and the events that occurred on Friday of his Passion Week (chapter 23).
Why lies He in such low estate
where ox and lamb are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through;
the cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
the Babe, the Son of Mary.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 162 Thine Be the Glory
Note: Each Lord’s Day marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ which occurred on the first day of the week. The second verse could be the testimony of the disciples on the road to Emmaus that day, “Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb.” Our risen Lord has conquered death and swept away our fear. Therefore, we sing, “Thine be the glory, risen, conqu’ring Son.”
Message: “Did Not Our Hearts Burn Within Us?”
Luke 24:28-35
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn 160 Lamb of God, Thou Now Art Seated
Note: We conclude with a hymn that praises the Lamb of God for his current session, “seated high upon [his] Father’s throne.” From there he watches over his “ransomed people.” With the concluding verse, we express our longing for his return: “Lamb of God, Thou soon in glory wilt to this sad earth return.” When he comes, we too “shall rise to meet [him]” and with him in his kingdom reign. Truly the cross is the necessary prelude to the crown.
Prayer Response: Mark Williams
Hymn Insert (vv. 4-6) A Lord’s Day Anthem
Note: The final verses of this hymn make a fitting lyrical benediction. They convey joy at God’s self-revelation in his word and express our determination to live worthy of our new life as God’s children.
Benediction: John Miles