ON THE WAY

A New Story with God

Biblical foundation: Luke 24:13-35, NIV.

13“Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They 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; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’ They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’ 19 ‘What things?’ he asked. ‘About Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” 25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ 35 Then the two told what had happened ON THE WAY, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.”

Rationale

This is one of the most powerful stories on the NT that clearly presents the power of Jesus’ Story in transforming someone’s eternal destiny. Those two disciples were devastated by sorrow, anxiety, fear, disillusion—to the point they simply couldn’t see Jesus.

ON THE WAY to Emmaus, they met Jesus.
ON THE WAY to Emmaus their hearts were touched by Jesus’ Story.
ON THE WAY to Emmaus a NEW STORY with God started in their lives.
ON THE WAY from Emmaus to Jerusalem, they began their “mission” to share hope to those who didn’t know about the “good news” yet.

Amazingly, Jesus affirmed: “I am THE WAY and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NIV)

Call for action

Living ON THE WAY is the best decision we can make as a community to intentionally share our transformed NEW STORY with God with the world around us.
         
            ON THE WAY we will be able to understand and live Christ’s method to reach the unreached, thus fulfilling His mission through us:

            “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with people as one who desired their good. He showed sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He invited them, ‘Follow Me.’” (MHH, 73).

ON THE WAY we find an opportunity to live the Great Commission: “Therefore Go [On the Way] and Make Disciples [On the Way] of all nations, Baptizing them [On the Way] in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and Teaching them [On the Way] to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I [The Way] am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV)

ON THE WAY we will be inspired, motivated, and equipped to proclaim the Eternal Gospel (Revelation 14:6) to everyone around us.
          - ON THE WAY is a decision.
          - ON THE WAY is a lifestyle.
          - ON THE WAY is a mission.

What are you waiting for? Join us, and let us live together ON THE WAY:
          - Sharing Love
          - Connecting People
          - Proclaiming Hope
The result? All of us will have A New Story with God.