Walking Back (Luke 24:13-35)

Series: / (End of Year Service)Preacher: Ps. James TangDate: 28th December 2025Passage: Lk. 24:13-35Sermon Summary:As you look back at 2025, what is it that you approach the end of the year with? Are you relieved that it’s over, or are you recovering from all that happened? Do you grieve not just our city, but the world with its injustices, crises, and natural disasters?It can be tempting to ask God where He is in the midst of all this. The two strangers in this week’s passage of Luke 24:13-35 certainly did. There are hints to tell us that they were part of Jesus’ disciples: they heard from the women who had visited Jesus’ tomb that His body had vanished. (v.22) They knew where the eleven were, even though they were probably in hiding at this point. (v.33b) Yet Jesus still approaches them as a stranger, with gentleness and curiosity. He meets there where they are (v.17, 19), and takes the time to explain how all of Scripture points ultimately to Himself. (v.27) Though He leaves them just as suddenly as He joins them (v.31), their hearts and minds are changed. Not only do they recognize Him for who He is, but they also get up and go straight back to Jerusalem. Rather than leaving and walking away with heavy hearts of doubt, they manage to find the eleven and witness to them what they had seen, heard, and experienced. (v.34-35)Church, when we meet Jesus—truly encounter Him, we are changed. Once we realize that Jesus is who He says He is—that He is the Son of God, sent down to die for our sins; that His death and resurrection changed everything—we become people changed. Even in the midst of the grief, we can have hope, peace, and joy because He is always with us. Church, as you look back at and reflect on 2025, would you allow Jesus to join you? Would you do so with the lens of His death and resurrection? Would you invite Him in to change you?