A Walk to Remember
Sermon Notes
As we continue in our "In Living Color" series, we see people who had unmet expectations and their impact on their lives. You will see how Jesus steps into our pain and addresses our wrong expectations that lead to pain and discouragement. As we walk the road to Emmaus with Jesus, you will see the importance of aligning our expectations with the truth of Scripture and how that gives us a correct narrative that brings transformation.
Jesus Inserts Himself Into Our Pain
Jesus inserts Himself into our pain by walking alongside us and engaging in conversation.
He inserts Himself into situations of deep discouragement, sadness, guilt, shattered hope, and unmet expectations.
Our view of God in the midst of these feelings may vary, but Jesus reveals that God is not distant, uncaring, or playing with us, but rather actively working in supernatural ways. He asks probing questions to expose the underlying issues and serve as a compassionate counselor.
Jesus Identifies Our Problem
Jesus identifies the problem by exposing their wrong expectation of Him as the Messiah and their cultural view rather than a biblical understanding.
He rebukes them for their lack of belief and calls them foolish and slow of heart to believe God's word.
Jesus patiently stays with them, goes back over the Scriptures, and re-explains the true meaning, correcting their misunderstanding and offering correction in a kind and gentle manner. He restricts their sight to address the heart-level issue rather than relying solely on physical sight.
Jesus Is the Point
Jesus interprets the Scriptures, beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, revealing how they bear witness to Him as the focal point.
He highlights key events and prophecies such as deliverance from bondage in Egypt, Jonah's time in the whale, and the provision of daily bread for the Israelites, ultimately pointing to His own sacrifice and redemption.
Understanding the correct narrative centered on Jesus brings about a transformative change for the disciples. Jesus is the ultimate focus, surpassing the pursuit of personal desires or overcoming sadness, and it is essential to prioritize Him over seeking mere techniques or tips. Connecting with others who remind us of Scripture and continually revisiting its teachings is crucial to avoid misinterpretations and the resulting pain, discouragement, and shattered hopes.
Discussion Questions
Have you ever experienced unmet expectations in your life? How did it affect you emotionally and spiritually?
How can wrong expectations of God lead to pain and disappointment? Share any personal experiences or observations.
In the passage, Jesus asks these disciples three questions to expose their problem. Why do you think asking questions is an effective counseling technique?
Reflecting on your view of God during challenging circumstances, do you tend to see Him as distant, uncaring, or intentionally withholding? How can a correct understanding of God's character impact our expectations?
Jesus restricted the disciples' sight to address the heart-level issue of their expectations. How does misinterpreting Scripture contribute to our disorientation and wrong expectations? Discuss ways to align our interpretations with the truth of God's Word.