Published 4/25/19
Read Luke 24:30-32
When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?"
Reflect
• Why did Jesus choose to "open the Scriptures" as He joined the two disciples on the road to Emmaus? (Why not just instantly reveal Himself?)
• Do you ever ask Jesus to guide you through the Scriptures? (Explain what happens when you do this.)
• At one time or another we each find ourselves on our own road to Emmaus--those long treks through grief, despair, disappointment, fear, worry, confusion. During those unsettling times, do you remind yourself of who's walking beside you? Do you trust that He has not abandoned you? (Hold tight to His promises in the Bible.)
As the travelers walk to Emmaus, the Lord gives them a lesson in Old Testament quotations and stories that teach that the Messiah has to come and suffer for sins of humanity. (The men don't know it's Jesus who is speaking to them.) The two travelers are mesmerized by Jesus' teaching and want to hear more, so they invite Him to stay in Emmaus--not the usual courtesy invitation of hospitality but an impassioned plea to join them for dinner and spend the night. "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." Jesus agrees.
After washing up and settling down for dinner. The Lord conducts Himself like He is the host rather than the guest. He takes the bread, breaks it in pieces for everyone at the meal, and speaks a prayer of thanksgiving. In a flash, they realize who He is. He is indeed alive! But even as it dawns on them, He is gone. 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?" They get up and return at once to Jerusalem. There they find the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon."
Pray
Lord Jesus, when life is hard, help me to remember that You have not abandoned me. Give me hope when everything else feels hopeless.