Growing Deeply Sunday Sermon

a daily scripture guide

 Week of April 16 - 21
“Saints Without Halos”- April 15
MONDAY: Luke 24:13-32 (NLT) Surprise Encounters
Scripture: John 21:15-19 (NLT)
The two men on the road to Emmaus were not expecting to meet anyone who After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me
had not heard about Jesus and his crucifixion. They had no idea what was to more than these?”
come! “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
REFLECTION: Reflect on a time when a surprise encounter became an
unexpected blessing. “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

TUESDAY: Luke 24:13-32 (NLT) Mistaken Identity
Sadness, confusion, and disappointment kept Cleopas and his friend from
recognizing Jesus. Even though Jesus had told his followers what was to
happen, they did not recognize him.
CONSIDER: Consider this story in two different lights. First, consider yourself as
Cleopas with his doubts. Next, consider this story in the light of someone open
to the possibility of meeting Jesus.
WEDNESDAY: Luke 24:13-32 (NLT) Misplaced Focus
The followers of Jesus expected a Messiah, but Jesus did not fit their
expectations. They focused on what the Messiah would do for them physically,
not spiritually.
QUESTIONS: Who is your Jesus? On what do you focus in relation to Jesus?
THURSDAY: Luke 24:13-32 (NLT) Disappointment
When Jesus died, his followers were filled with disappointment. Because
Jesus did not come as a military leader; because Jesus did not confront the
Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you
know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
“I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked;
you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are
old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you
where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of
death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

religious and political leaders of the day, they did not know how to emotionally
reconcile what happened.
REFLECTION: Reflect on your understanding of Christianity. What, if anything,
do you need to emotionally or spiritually reconcile?
FRIDAY: Luke 24:13-32 (NLT) Recognition
Even though word had come that the tomb of Jesus had been found empty;
even though Jesus came to them as he said he would and shared Scripture,
they did not recognize him until they shared a meal together.
CONSIDER: How do you recognize Jesus? Where do you see Jesus in your daily
walk?
SATURDAY: Luke 24:13-32 (NLT) Unexpected Blessing
Jesus comes to us at unexpected times in unexpected ways. The Christ lives
within us and walks beside us as we travel our individual Emmaus walks.
PRAYER: God of promises, help us to meet each day with faith and hope with
the realization that the Jesus who was met on the road to Emmaus continues to
walk with us each day. Read or subscribe to the weekly guide at moumc.org/grow
Printed copies are available at the Connector Desk.