April 5, 2026

The Risen Stranger

Pastor: Tyrell Haag Topic: Easter Passage: Luke 24:1–35

Sermon Title: The Risen Stranger

Scripture Text: Luke 24:1-35

1. Key Scriptures

  • Luke 24:1-35
  • Luke 23:44-46
  • Genesis 3:15
  • Exodus 12 (Passover)
  • Isaiah 53
  • Psalm 16
  • John 5:39
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14
  • John 6:44
  • Genesis 50:20

2. Sermon Flow & Takeaways

I. The Empty Tomb: Evidence Without Understanding (Luke 24:1-12)

The women encounter the empty tomb but remain confused because they interpret reality through their expectations rather than God’s Word.

Takeaways:

  • We can have evidence and still not understand without God’s Word shaping our perspective.
  • Ask: Where am I interpreting my life apart from what God has said?

II. The Road of Disappointment: “We Had Hoped…” (Luke 24:13-24)

The disciples walk away in disappointment because Jesus did not meet their expectations of how redemption should unfold.

Takeaways:

  • Our disappointment often reveals our assumptions about God and salvation.
  • Ask: Where am I quietly saying, “I had hoped…”?

III. The Rebuke and the Revelation: The Necessity of the Cross (Luke 24:25-27)

Jesus confronts their slowness to believe and shows that suffering was not a failure but a necessary part of God’s redemptive plan.

Takeaways:

  • We often believe parts of Scripture but resist the whole story, especially suffering.
  • Ask: Where does my understanding of God break down when life is hard?

IV. The Recognition: Eyes Opened at the Table (Luke 24:28-32)

Jesus is finally recognized as their eyes are opened, revealing that true understanding comes as a gift, not mere discovery.

Takeaways:

  • Spiritual clarity is not achieved but given—God opens our eyes to see.
  • Ask: Where have I sensed God stirring in me, even before I understood why?

 

V. The Response: From Despair to Witness (Luke 24:33–35)

The disciples immediately return to share the news, showing that true understanding leads to transformation and witness.

Takeaways:

  • When we truly see Christ, it changes our direction and compels us to speak.
  • Ask: What has changed in my life that shows I am beginning to see clearly?

The Message: The Lord Has Risen Indeed (Luke 24:34)

The resurrection moves from confusion to certainty, Jesus is truly alive.

Takeaways:

  • Christianity rests on a living Christ, not an idea or moral system.
  • Ask: Do I believe this as reality or merely as information?

Conclusion: The Risen Christ Comes Near

Jesus meets people in confusion, disappointment, and doubt,  opening the Scriptures and revealing Himself.

Takeaways:

  • To the skeptic: The issue is not lack of evidence, but need for opened eyes.
  • To the religious: Familiarity with truth is not the same as seeing Christ.
  • Invitation: Turn, believe, and ask Christ to open your eyes.

3. Primary Sources (cited)

  • Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible
  • Charles Spurgeon, sermon on Luke 24 (Emmaus Road)
  • Robert H. Stein, Luke (New American Commentary)

4. Additional Resources

  • Tim Keller, King’s Cross (chapters on the resurrection)
  • N.T. Wright, The Resurrection of the Son of God
  • John Stott, The Cross of Christ
  • Desiring God: “Why Seek the Living Among the Dead?”
  • Ligonier Ministries: Articles on the Resurrection