Part 1
Jesus used His friendships to change the world.
He was a friend to his followers.
This is how he set up the church.
He chose to reveal who God is in his friendships
Luke 24:13-19 "13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him. 17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" 19"What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied."
Jesus only has 40 days left on earth and he reveals himself to two walking along the road as friends do. It doesn’t seem to be the best method. He didn’t’ reveal himself with a lecture and white board…He didn’t hold a conference…He did it in his friendships
Verse 28 says: “As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther.” He acted as if he was going further
(I think he was just messing with them) He knew they would laugh about this later.
Later in Verse 36…
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."
And then in verse 41…”And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?”
In John chapter 21
We learn about the miracle that happened when Jesus told the disciples to throw the fishnets on other side of boat.
We find Jesus the man who had just raised from the dead after defeated Satan, giving man access to God. (Ultimate Victory) was on the shore making breakfast for His friends!
He designed a church of friendship.
Jesus had influence because of his relationships with his friends and the ultimate relationship with his father.
Let’s all be challenged to be the kind of friend that Jesus is!
