Luke 24:13–35
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. 15 As 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 rulershanded 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 itand 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.
I love this story, and it inspires something important in me. I love this story because I see myself, other believers and lost people in this story.
I think about all the times I get caught up in the turmoil and difficulty and sadness of this world and I lose recognition of the presence of Jesus. Has that ever happened to you? I look around and recognize pain, loss, grief and confusion. I get caught up in the natural narratives of chaos and dashed hopes. Like the people in the story, I walk away from the situations and try to find answers without any recognition of the stranger on the road with me.
When I read this story, I also think of the people who are part of the church where I serve. I feel for them as they walk along the roads of their lives and for one reason or another, it seems that they don’t recognize Jesus walking with them. It could be pain, trauma, busyness, financial difficulty, relational stressors or any number of things. It could be the enemy who brings the confusion and the pre-occupation with tough stuff, and keeps them from recognizing Jesus.
I also think of those that do not yet know Jesus. Often, it seems like there are many things about Jesus that are around them or available to them, and yet they are kept from recognizing him. My heart aches for so many who could recognize him and don’t. The story of Jesus has been diluted and polluted in our culture, but it seems like it should be closer and simpler for people to recognize, turn to him and be saved. Yet, this is not the reality for so many.
The human side of this story can be disheartening, but consider the Jesus side of the story. In this story, Jesus is playful, wonderful, mysterious and joyful. I picture the twinkle in his eyes and the coy smile on his face as he starts walking with these people and asking about what’s happening. I love to imagine him giggling as he begins to teach them from the Word of God, and brings clarity to the purpose of the suffering and difficulty. I am awestruck when he acts as if he is going on further and they convince him to come in and stay with them. Then the best part: he gives thanks, breaks bread and their eyes are opened, and they finally recognize him. Wow!
I love this story because I love that moment, and it inspires me to deeper prayer. O Living Lord Jesus, please open my eyes to truly recognize you. Lord Jesus, open the eyes of the people in my church to really see you, recognize you and have their hearts burn for you. Lord Jesus, I know you are mysterious and amazing, so I’m asking that the people who don’t know you right now would have moments with you just like this one. I’m asking you, Lord Jesus, to show up for them, and open their eyes to really recognize you. Lord, I see how recognition of you leads to an energizing joy in you and for you. I want everyone to experience the joyful, energetic responsiveness to you that I see in this story.
• What about you today? What stands out to you in this story?
• What ways do you see yourself in this story? How do you see Jesus in this story?
• Ask Jesus about the ways that you have been kept from seeing him recently. Write those things down and then ask Jesus for his help with them.
• Ask for a fresh recognition of the living Lord Jesus walking with you today.
• Who else comes to your mind and heart as you read through this story? Who could you pray for in line with the things that Jesus is showing you in this story? Take some time to do that now.
Author Bio
Craig Cadwell is the Pastor of Renewal Ministries at Heartland Alliance Church.
Heartland Alliance Church is a gathering of people looking to connect with God in meaningful ways. We are located in Strathcona County, a vibrant municipality containing the diversity of both urban Sherwood Park and rural communities.
Luke and Acts taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office
by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission.