BibleProject | Upside-Down Kingdom / Part 1 - LukeSample

Luke tells us about some of the women who followed Jesus when he was alive. They see Jesus placed in the tomb on the day of his execution, and they return to Jesus’ tomb the day after the Sabbath at sunrise, the very first moment they could. But when they arrive, they find the tomb open and empty. They can’t figure out where Jesus’ body has gone, and suddenly two mysterious figures, glowing with light, appear out of nowhere to tell them that Jesus is alive. They are amazed. They run and tell the other disciples everything that they have seen, but their report sounds like nonsense, and no one believes them.

Meanwhile just outside of Jerusalem, a couple of Jesus’ followers are leaving the city traveling on a road to a town called Emmaus. They are talking about all that happened during Passover week when Jesus catches up and begins to travel with them, but, strangely, they don’t know it’s him. Jesus makes conversation and asks what they’re talking about. They stop in their tracks, saddened by the topic and surprised that he doesn’t seem to know what’s been going on the past few days. They tell him they are talking about Jesus, a powerful prophet who they thought would save Israel but was executed instead. They tell him how some women say he’s alive, but they don’t know what to believe. So Jesus explains that this is what the Jewish Scriptures had been pointing to all along. Israel needed a King who would suffer and die as a rebel on behalf of those who actually are rebels. This King would be vindicated by his resurrection to give true life to those who receive it. But the travelers still don’t get it. They are as confused as ever and urge Jesus to stay with them longer. This leads to the scene where Luke tells us how Jesus sits with them for a meal. He takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them just as he did at the last supper before his death. This is the image of his broken body, his death on the cross. And it’s when they take in the broken bread that their eyes are opened to see Jesus. This is a story all about how it’s hard to see Jesus for who he really is. How could God’s royal power and love be revealed through this man’s shameful execution? How could a humble man become the King of the world through weakness and self-sacrifice? It’s very hard to see! But this is the message of the Gospel of Luke. It takes a transformation of our minds to see it and embrace Jesus’ upside-down Kingdom.

Read, Reflect, and Respond:

• Imagine being at the tomb on the day of Jesus’ resurrection. How would you feel? What would you say and do?
  
• Do you see how all the ancient prophets point to Jesus? Do you trust that Jesus is King? If so, reflect on a time in your life when you did not. What helped you recognize Jesus for who he really is? And if you do not yet trust Luke’s account of Jesus’ life, consider asking God today to somehow give you eyes to see and understand who Jesus really is.
  
• Let your reading and reflection prompt a prayer from your heart. He hears you.