The story of the two disciples returning to Emmaus from Jerusalem in Luke 24:13-34 is a story of hope lost and regained. Their spiritual journey can help us on our spiritual journey today. Jesus Helped the Disciples Regain Lost Hope As our story begins, Cleopas and his companion, who may even have been his wife, …
There’s a saying, cold hands, warm heart. The disciples walking with Jesus to Emmaus said, “were not our hearts burning within us?” A warm heart generally means someone kind, loving, and sympathetic. Here, the disciples’ hearts were not only warm but burning. God’s Presence is Often Associated with Fire God shows Himself in fire often …
Many people don’t bother to read the Old Testament because we have the New Testament. But what if we read the Old Testament through the lens of Jesus? Why would we do such a thing? Jesus tells us to. Jesus Says the Old Testament Points to Him Jesus had just joined two disciples returning home …
What if Jesus does the unexpected in your life? Will you be offended and walk away from Jesus? Or will you use this as an opportunity for a new adventure with the Lord? The Disciples Had Expectations of the Kingdom of Jesus The two disciples walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus shared their expectations of Jesus …
Can we believe the resurrection? The two disciples walking from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus had heard reports of Jesus’ resurrection. But were these reports true? Even today, we hear many things reported on, and some turn out to be false. We have learned to use discernment as we listen to the reported information. …
As we do in the fall, Israel, too, celebrated a thanksgiving for the end of the harvest. The Festival of Tabernacles was the last of the Holy Days listed in Leviticus 23 and took place on the 15th of the Jewish seventh month. This would be in September or October on our calendar today. By …
As Jesus came to fulfill the Festival of Tabernacles, an elaborate schedule of sacrifices was simplified. The cross was the pivot point between the old and new covenants. An Elaborate Sacrifice Schedule The Festival of Tabernacles was an eight-day celebration. God gave an elaborate schedule of sacrifices for this Festival in Numbers 29. There, in …
Another Temple tradition that had developed during the Festival of Tabernacles was the Temple Lighting ceremony. God had not commanded this tradition, but it pointed to God as the source of light. Giant Candles Lit the Temple On the first day of the Festival of Tabernacles, the priests constructed three seventy-five-foot-high candles in the court …
During the time of Jesus, the tradition of the water libation offering had developed. This was a tradition and not something God had commanded. Jesus used the occasion to announce His identity to the people. Thanking God for Water During an Offering The land of Israel has an arid climate, and rain is essential for …
When the people were in the wilderness after leaving Egypt, they had to depend on God for their provision. God provided food and water and didn’t let their clothes wear out. The Festival of Tabernacles also celebrates God’s provision in the past and the present, and looks forward to His provision in the future. Remembering …