According to Luke 24:13-35, the same day they discovered the empty tomb, two of the disciples Cleopas and his unnamed companion, were walking to Emmaus, a village about 7 miles northwest of Jerusalem.  As they walk they are discussing the events of Jesus’ crucifixion, the empty tomb and what it could mean for their group.  Overhearing them a stranger approaches and asked what they were talking about.

“Are you the only one who does not know,” they asked? Cleopas and his companion went on to explain how they had believed that Jesus had a connection with and was being guided by their Creator God of scripture.  He would be the one who redeemed and delivered the people of Israel.  Yet he had been turned over to the Priests, tried by Pilot, and crucified on Calgary.  Yet this morning, three days after the crucifixion, the women had gone to the tomb to prepare the body for burial, and the body was gone.

The stranger listened and when they had finished told them that the Messiah had to suffer all of these things, and went to explain how the events from the time of Moses until the present day were destined to be fulfilled.

Cleopas and his friend were so impressed with the strangers understanding and interpretation of the events that when they reached their destination in Emmaus they asked him to join them for the evening meal.  The stranger accepted and as they sat at the meal he took the bread, gave thanks, and broke it open, passing it the disciples.  At this point their eyes were opened and they saw Jesus in their midst, and then he disappeared.

They rushed back to Jerusalem and told the other disciples what they had witnessed.

The story is important because it establishes that Jesus was indeed brought back from the dead.  It also shows that Jesus was still with, and still teaching the disciples.  For us today it is the reassurance that Jesus’ promises to us; forgiveness, grace, our resurrection and the fulfillment of our faith is assured.  There is also the sidelight that Jesus could appear in our lives at any moment, in any place.

Join us for our April 27th Worship Service.

Gathering Music:                                      Karen MacConell and Impromptu Choir

“This Is The Day”

Announcements:                                          Chris Buchanan               

Call To Worship:                                                             Pastor Bob Ramos

Songs of Praise:                                                              Praise Team

 "I've Just Seen Jesus"

"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"

Congregational Prayer:                                   Kay Bolton

Scripture:                                       Penny Carlson

Luke 24:13-31

Message:                                                                          Pastor Bob

"It's Easy to Miss Jesus"

Dedication of Offerings:                                                          Yvette Herrera  

Doxology:                                                                   Praise Team

Closing Hymn:                                                                          Praise Team

"My Redeemer Lives"

Blessing:                                                              Pastor Bob

Ron Urzua, Pastor

Bob Ramos and Rob Schleef, Commissioned Lay Pastors

Interim Music Director: Lucinda Anderson

Accompanist: Donna Nelson