Traveling In the Name of Jesus
Our lesson from Luke today is his main resurrection account. Which is strange since Luke is the only writer that tells us this account. Why would he choose this account to emphasize the resurrection? While there are several problems with this account (the location of Emmaus for one. There is no known village of that name seven miles from Jerusalem. The closest village that could be the one Luke names is nearly 18 miles away. A long walk to and from in one day.) It seems that Luke is not trying to prove that the resurrection of Jesus occurred here (his readers already believed that) but to tell something about Christian life. Remembering the early name for the church was “The Way,” and the other encounters that Luke tells us that happened on a journey such as Philip instructing the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:40) or Paul’s encounter on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19), you can begin to see why Luke chose this story as his lead article on the resurrection.
By choosing this story as his main resurrection story Luke is emphasizing what it means to encounter Jesus. First, it begins with confusion, misunderstanding, and foolishness. Then the scripture is interpreted to explain why Christ died and was raised from the dead. Thirdly, faith is given. Note that this is not so much a choice by the participants but a recognition of Jesus. Lastly, the new members of the community go out to find those who are still lost. Starting the process all over. Except, now, they are the ones who are interpreting the scripture for others.
We see that same pattern in our reading from Acts. This is the end of Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost. If you remember that was also a time of confusion. Peter used the opportunity to preach to the crowds who had traveled to Jerusalem and had gathered because of the coming of the Holy Spirit. “And about 3,000 were baptized,” Luke tells us. As a side note, the Greek in verse 40 could (and maybe should) be translated as, “Let yourself be saved,” instead of, “Save yourself.” A reminder that we have done nothing to be saved. That it is Jesus who has freed us from our bonds. Now that you have been baptized like the Ethiopian and 3,000 and have broken bread with Jesus, you are called to be the ones who are to extol the scripture. You are the ones to reveal Jesus through your life.
This is not an easy task in any time. Our present time is no different. We, who are on our way, are called to be patient and caring in this time. We are called to set aside our own struggles and fears so that we can help others. Our witness to Jesus is shown by how we face the unknown and our own fear. For those of us who are still called to serve the public we do so with patience and loving words. Those of us who rely upon others who work everyday in spite of this pandemic show Jesus by our gracious appreciation of and kind words for them. First Peter tells us to, “Live in reverent fear during the time of your exile.” This is echoed by Luther’s small catechism in his definition of the first commandment. “We should fear, love, and trust God above all things.” Yes in a time of great fear and confusing messages, cling to the one who gave his life for you. Let his love and grace show you the road you are to follow. Let go of the fears and worries of this time and let Jesus shine in your lives.
Christ is risen! Alleluia!