WEBVTT 1 00:00:01.700 --> 00:00:02.600 Christ is risen. 2 00:00:02.600 --> 00:00:05.500 He is risen indeed. Alleluia. 3 00:00:08.100 --> 00:00:13.600 When the risen Lord Jesus comes into the midst of his disciples, he 4 00:00:13.600 --> 00:00:15.400 bestows true and lasting 5 00:00:15.400 --> 00:00:16.400 peace. 6 00:00:18.100 --> 00:00:22.200 That's both a necessary and a wonderful thing. 7 00:00:24.300 --> 00:00:25.700 You see his disciples 8 00:00:26.700 --> 00:00:31.000 are frightened troubled and disbelieving. 9 00:00:32.200 --> 00:00:35.800 It's a common occurrence among those who follow the Risen Lord. 10 00:00:37.300 --> 00:00:43.800 But it is Jesus real presence that brings and bestows true and lasting 11 00:00:43.800 --> 00:00:50.300 peace. It is Jesus ongoing presence that turns frightened disciples 12 00:00:51.400 --> 00:00:53.300 into faithful witnesses. 13 00:00:56.200 --> 00:01:00.800 Our Gospel reading comes right on the heels of Jesus revealing himself 14 00:01:00.800 --> 00:01:02.000 to the Emmaus disciples. 15 00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:05.900 They had been walking along to the Village of Emmaus. 16 00:01:07.000 --> 00:01:11.000 And Jesus joined them Incognito and asked what they were talking 17 00:01:11.000 --> 00:01:11.300 about. 18 00:01:12.900 --> 00:01:19.300 So they recounted the recent events of Jesus passion, death and could 19 00:01:19.300 --> 00:01:21.100 it be his resurrection? 20 00:01:23.700 --> 00:01:27.200 Jesus then confronted them with their slowness of heart to believe. 21 00:01:28.400 --> 00:01:30.300 And then he conducted Bible classes as 22 00:01:30.300 --> 00:01:32.000 they continued on their way to Emmaus. 23 00:01:32.000 --> 00:01:37.200 He interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning 24 00:01:37.200 --> 00:01:38.000 himself. 25 00:01:40.100 --> 00:01:42.600 Then came the big reveal. 26 00:01:44.800 --> 00:01:47.200 The disciples prepared the supper table 27 00:01:48.400 --> 00:01:49.900 but Jesus took over as host. 28 00:01:51.800 --> 00:01:57.100 He took the bread blessed it broke it and gave it to them. 29 00:01:58.600 --> 00:02:02.800 And their eyes were opened and they recognized him. 30 00:02:04.500 --> 00:02:06.800 How exactly had they recognized him 31 00:02:07.900 --> 00:02:10.400 in the breaking of the bread? 32 00:02:13.600 --> 00:02:16.500 This leads us straight into our texts. 33 00:02:18.000 --> 00:02:20.000 And unlocks the secret 34 00:02:21.100 --> 00:02:22.100 to peace with Jesus. 35 00:02:24.400 --> 00:02:29.200 the Emmaus disciples had returned to Jerusalem and catechize the 11 36 00:02:29.200 --> 00:02:32.700 and the others with them on what they had witnessed. 37 00:02:33.600 --> 00:02:38.600 And then unannounced Jesus appears in their midst in his glorified 38 00:02:38.600 --> 00:02:41.000 risen flesh. 39 00:02:42.600 --> 00:02:47.000 No doubt with the doors locked and staying locked as John 20 tells us. 40 00:02:49.900 --> 00:02:55.700 Notice the kind and condition of people Jesus came to. 41 00:02:57.400 --> 00:02:58.500 They were startled. 42 00:02:59.800 --> 00:03:00.900 They were frightened. 43 00:03:02.100 --> 00:03:05.400 They were disbelieving just like Thomas. 44 00:03:07.300 --> 00:03:10.900 John says they were in lockdown for fear of the Jews. 45 00:03:10.900 --> 00:03:15.500 Luke says they thought they saw a spirit an unholy ghost. 46 00:03:19.300 --> 00:03:24.800 Notice the kind and condition of people Jesus still comes too. 47 00:03:26.500 --> 00:03:31.200 You and I may not fear the Jews or think we see spirits of those long 48 00:03:31.200 --> 00:03:31.800 buried. 49 00:03:33.500 --> 00:03:36.700 But we certainly have our fears. 50 00:03:36.700 --> 00:03:41.800 We certainly have our inner dialogues that expose our disbelieves. 51 00:03:44.200 --> 00:03:48.100 It may be the whole pandemic thing in general 52 00:03:50.000 --> 00:03:56.500 or the mini my new details of a novel virus and medical research 53 00:03:56.500 --> 00:03:56.700 studies 54 00:03:56.700 --> 00:03:59.100 we've absorbed the past year. 55 00:04:01.100 --> 00:04:06.900 It may be the fear of never again seeing an uncovered face in public. 56 00:04:08.900 --> 00:04:14.500 It may be the fear of actually seeing a face that's uncovered. 57 00:04:16.100 --> 00:04:20.600 It may be the fear of never escaping cyclical lockdowns. 58 00:04:22.100 --> 00:04:23.600 It may be the fear 59 00:04:24.600 --> 00:04:28.900 of actually opening everything up and getting back to normal. 60 00:04:32.200 --> 00:04:37.300 Some of you no doubt have fears over what will happen 2 weeks from 61 00:04:37.300 --> 00:04:37.500 today. 62 00:04:39.200 --> 00:04:43.400 Where will you be assigned for your vicarage or internship? 63 00:04:44.800 --> 00:04:48.700 Where will you begin serving the Lord in his church in your first 64 00:04:48.700 --> 00:04:49.200 call? 65 00:04:50.200 --> 00:04:51.400 Will you like it? 66 00:04:52.700 --> 00:04:54.000 Will they like you? 67 00:04:55.100 --> 00:04:57.500 Will you be able to handle the challenges? 68 00:04:58.900 --> 00:04:59.800 What if this? 69 00:04:59.800 --> 00:05:00.900 What if that? 70 00:05:04.200 --> 00:05:05.400 I'll tell you what I fear. 71 00:05:07.300 --> 00:05:13.400 I fear never getting out of the squalid swamp of our fears. 72 00:05:14.800 --> 00:05:18.100 The forces that feed our fears are great. 73 00:05:19.200 --> 00:05:24.100 Everything from fear-mongers in the media in Hollywood in the halls of 74 00:05:24.100 --> 00:05:27.000 power to the old evil foe himself. 75 00:05:30.500 --> 00:05:34.700 Thankfully getting out of the swamp and getting over our fears 76 00:05:35.800 --> 00:05:38.500 does not rest on our shoulders. 77 00:05:40.000 --> 00:05:42.400 We really are not up to that task. 78 00:05:45.300 --> 00:05:49.700 As he asked those fright filled disciples that first Easter Sunday, Jesus 79 00:05:49.700 --> 00:05:51.600 also asks us. 80 00:05:51.600 --> 00:05:58.200 Why are you troubled and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 81 00:06:01.200 --> 00:06:06.200 The Greek term for doubts is fascinating dila gismoe. 82 00:06:09.900 --> 00:06:17.800 But also reasonings, questions, arguments and even disputes. 83 00:06:19.200 --> 00:06:22.000 Within your own heart in mind. 84 00:06:22.900 --> 00:06:27.500 And also between your heart and mind and those of your brothers and 85 00:06:27.500 --> 00:06:28.300 sisters in Christ. 86 00:06:30.500 --> 00:06:36.000 That's what the virus of fear does to us individually and within the 87 00:06:36.000 --> 00:06:38.100 community of Jesus followers. 88 00:06:41.000 --> 00:06:42.200 Jesus steps in 89 00:06:43.300 --> 00:06:44.000 to comfort 90 00:06:45.200 --> 00:06:46.100 to give peace. 91 00:06:47.600 --> 00:06:49.800 First he shows his hands and his feet. 92 00:06:49.800 --> 00:06:56.500 He also refers to his flesh and bones the true Comfort though comes in 93 00:06:56.500 --> 00:06:57.300 his words. 94 00:06:59.000 --> 00:07:00.000 It is I myself. 95 00:07:02.400 --> 00:07:06.100 More literally he says I am myself. 96 00:07:08.000 --> 00:07:11.800 Or for those of you who need to know your Greek before being sent out 97 00:07:11.800 --> 00:07:14.700 I go amie altos. 98 00:07:17.100 --> 00:07:18.200 Did you catch that? 99 00:07:20.700 --> 00:07:22.500 This is the great 100 00:07:22.500 --> 00:07:28.700 I am. The one who spoke to Moses from the burning bush who led his 101 00:07:28.700 --> 00:07:31.200 people out of Egypt and slavery. 102 00:07:32.600 --> 00:07:37.400 Wo lead his fearful people into the Promised Land. This is the great 103 00:07:37.400 --> 00:07:44.200 I Am who became flesh was condemned beaten and nailed to a cross and 104 00:07:44.200 --> 00:07:50.400 now is physically raised from the dead and remains the eternal I am. 105 00:07:53.500 --> 00:07:55.600 This great I am 106 00:07:56.600 --> 00:07:59.900 comes to you who are frightened. 107 00:08:00.800 --> 00:08:03.000 Even disbelieving for joy 108 00:08:04.600 --> 00:08:05.700 and bestows. 109 00:08:05.700 --> 00:08:06.800 peace. 110 00:08:08.700 --> 00:08:12.600 That peace comes from his cross inflicted wounds. 111 00:08:13.700 --> 00:08:18.100 That peace is signed sealed and delivered in his resurrection life. 112 00:08:19.200 --> 00:08:22.300 That peace overcomes the fears 113 00:08:23.400 --> 00:08:27.900 and the inner dialogues of doubting and disputing. 114 00:08:29.300 --> 00:08:31.400 We have been justified by faith. 115 00:08:31.400 --> 00:08:38.299 We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ his perfect love 116 00:08:38.299 --> 00:08:41.500 for you cast out fear. 117 00:08:45.600 --> 00:08:47.300 For those first disciples 118 00:08:48.200 --> 00:08:53.600 Jesus dining on some broiled fish to prove it was truly him in the 119 00:08:53.600 --> 00:08:54.000 flesh. 120 00:08:56.400 --> 00:08:57.000 For you 121 00:08:58.600 --> 00:09:05.000 he comes in that very same crucified and risen body and blood that you 122 00:09:05.000 --> 00:09:06.500 may feast on him. 123 00:09:07.700 --> 00:09:11.700 When you feast on him you receive forgiveness for all your fears 124 00:09:13.000 --> 00:09:15.300 and peace for your path forward. 125 00:09:17.000 --> 00:09:21.400 As Luther wrote the comfort of the sacrament is given when the heart 126 00:09:21.400 --> 00:09:27.100 feels that the burden is becoming too heavy so that it may gain here 127 00:09:27.100 --> 00:09:30.000 new power and refreshment. 128 00:09:32.800 --> 00:09:36.800 And once refreshed, once newly empowered 129 00:09:37.700 --> 00:09:42.000 you and I continue to hear and receive our Lord's words everything 130 00:09:42.000 --> 00:09:46.700 written about him in Moses in the prophets and the song has been 131 00:09:46.700 --> 00:09:50.800 fulfilled and continues to sustain and enliven us. 132 00:09:53.000 --> 00:09:54.800 And since we cling to what is written. 133 00:09:56.500 --> 00:09:59.800 That the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead. 134 00:09:59.800 --> 00:10:08.200 We have something to bring to a world still bogged down in the myre 135 00:10:08.200 --> 00:10:10.200 swamp of fears. 136 00:10:14.100 --> 00:10:18.500 Just yesterday a segment of a radio program caught my attention. 137 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:24.000 The host and two guests were discussing the recent deadly shooting in 138 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:25.000 Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. 139 00:10:26.900 --> 00:10:31.900 The one in which a police officer shot a Taser Taser Taser, but ended 140 00:10:31.900 --> 00:10:36.600 up drawing and using her standard firearm instead. 141 00:10:38.200 --> 00:10:41.000 One guest was a police officer from somewhere else. 142 00:10:42.800 --> 00:10:43.800 The other guest 143 00:10:45.000 --> 00:10:47.500 had his own incidents with police. 144 00:10:49.400 --> 00:10:53.700 The host then made the point that both sides in such incidents 145 00:10:53.700 --> 00:10:56.700 routinely operate out of fear. 146 00:10:58.200 --> 00:11:03.200 The one pulled over and detained by police fears what the police will 147 00:11:03.200 --> 00:11:03.700 do to him 148 00:11:05.500 --> 00:11:06.800 and the police officer 149 00:11:07.800 --> 00:11:13.500 fears with the person in the vehicle may do even in a routine traffic 150 00:11:13.500 --> 00:11:14.100 stop. 151 00:11:16.500 --> 00:11:23.200 Both of the guest agreed that fear seems to be raining supreme. 152 00:11:25.600 --> 00:11:28.900 Was a most pertinent and invaluable insight. 153 00:11:31.500 --> 00:11:34.400 You are witnesses of these things 154 00:11:34.400 --> 00:11:35.200 Jesus said. 155 00:11:37.000 --> 00:11:41.600 The first Disciples of course actually witnessed Jesus saying these 156 00:11:41.600 --> 00:11:44.000 and proclaimed them for your benefit. 157 00:11:46.000 --> 00:11:47.400 We hear those deeds 158 00:11:48.800 --> 00:11:54.300 and we witness the needs of those around us mired in their fears. 159 00:11:56.000 --> 00:12:01.000 We too are called to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins in 160 00:12:01.000 --> 00:12:01.800 the name of Jesus. 161 00:12:01.800 --> 00:12:06.000 This is the singular mission of the Holy Trinity. 162 00:12:07.200 --> 00:12:11.200 The Father the Son whom he sent and the promised Holy Spirit. 163 00:12:12.200 --> 00:12:15.800 The mission to bring fearful people 164 00:12:17.200 --> 00:12:19.000 back into peaceful life 165 00:12:20.000 --> 00:12:23.200 peace filled life with him. 166 00:12:25.300 --> 00:12:30.900 Yes, you and I are witnesses of the saving deeds of Jesus after all 167 00:12:30.900 --> 00:12:37.200 he still comes among us and his real presence to bring true and 168 00:12:37.200 --> 00:12:37.400 lasting 169 00:12:37.400 --> 00:12:38.000 peace. 170 00:12:39.800 --> 00:12:44.300 Amen. And the peace of God, which goes beyond all understanding will 171 00:12:44.300 --> 00:12:46.700 guard your hearts and minds in Christ 172 00:12:46.700 --> 00:12:49.400 Jesus our Lord. Amen. 173 00:12:50.300 --> 00:12:51.000 Please rise.