Will Vaus

On Easter Sunday morning we often focus on the Gospel stories surrounding the empty tomb and that is understandable. But that also means that we often neglect the other stories of Jesus’ resurrection appearances. I want to correct that deficiency this morning by reading to you one of my favorite resurrection stories from Luke 24:13-35. Listen for God’s word to you…   Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles   from Jerusalem,   and talking with each other about all these things that had happened.   While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them,   but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.   And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.   Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these...

  Listen for God’s word to you from Luke 23…   So, Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished. Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’   “Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’”   More literally, according to the original Greek, the sentence begins, “And Jesus was saying…”   I wonder… how many time...

I invite you to imagine this scene. Jesus and his disciples are standing atop the Mount of Olives. Spread out before them, on the other side of the Kidron Valley, is the Temple and the city of Jerusalem beyond. As Jesus, riding on a donkey, along with his disciples walking beside him, begin to descend the Mount of Olives, various pilgrims who have gathered for Passover, greet him by spreading their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. This is how the crowds greeted another conquering hero less than two-hundred-years before Jesus. Next, the crowd begins to recite the words of Psalm 118 (which we read this morning) just as they always do, while flowing in pilgrimage up to the Temple to celebrate Passover.   Alright, you may open your eyes. But I want you to keep that picture in your mind as we consider what this psalm that was chanted on that first Palm Sunday has to teach us today.   I believe this psalm teaches us at least t...

  Listen for God’s word to you from Galatians 6:11-18…   See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which  the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to   the Israel of God. From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.   To...