He Lives to Restore My Hope

April 23, 2023 —

As we continue our 7-Week celebration of Easter, this Sunday’s Gospel is the account of Jesus’ appearance to the two disciples on the way to Emmaus. They explained to Jesus that they had once “hoped that Jesus was the Messiah” but then the Jewish leaders and the Romans killed Him. Jesus explained that that is exactly what was to happen to the Messiah, and that He would also rise on the 3^rd day. Finally they recognized Jesus when “he broke the bread.” Finally their hope was restored!

Peter reminds us in our Epistle Lesson that because Jesus redeemed us from our empty way of life without God with His holy, precious blood, we now have hope and live fulfilled lives. Therefore, he urges, “conduct yourselves during the time of your pilgrimage in reverence.”

In our reading from Acts, Peter concluded his Pentecost sermon with a call to repent and an offer of forgiveness and new life: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

We’ll consider our Gospel in the sermon under the theme: “Stay with Us, Jesus!”

This Sunday, our readings are:

      Acts 2:14a, 32–41

      1 Peter 1:17–21     

Luke 24:13–35  (sermon text)