“Would the Modern Church Recognize Jesus on the Road to Jerusalem?” Luke 24:13-35 Jesus rebuked them sharply: “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not Christ t have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?” (Luke 24:25-26) Then He expounded the Scriptures, showing that His death and resurrection were clearly foretold. Parallels to Today’s Church Most of the modern church is just like these disciples—blind to prophecy and caught up in false expectations. Just as they ignored the prophecies of Jesus’ suffering, today’s church largely ignores or distorts the prophecies of His Second Coming. 1.They don’t study prophecy – Many churches treat eschatology as “too complicated” or irrelevant, just as the disciples failed to grasp the prophetic Word. 2.They have false expectations – Just as the disciples expected a conquering Messiah but got a suffering servant, many expect a world revival and peace instead of judgment, tribulation, and Christ’s literal reign. 3.They are spiritually dull – Jesus called them “slow of heart to believe,” just as many today refuse to believe in a literal rapture, tribulation, or millennial kingdom, even though the Bible speaks clearly on these things. 4.They don’t recognize the signs – The disciples were walking with Jesus Himself and didn’t recognize Him. Similarly, today’s church ignores the obvious prophetic signs of His soon return—global apostasy, increasing wickedness, and Israel’s central role in world events. The Call to Wake Up Just as Jesus opened their eyes when He broke bread (Luke 24:30-31), the church today needs spiritual eyes to be opened through the Word of God. The prophetic Scriptures are not optional—they are essential. Jesus’ rebuke applies just as much today: “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” It’s time for the church to wake up, study prophecy, and prepare for the Lord’s return by watching eagerly for His glorious return.