While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him.
Luke 24: 15, 16 (NASB)
The crucifixion had stunned Jesus’ followers; they’d believed that He was their Messiah. They’d waited long for His arrival and had found hope as they heard Him teach. Many had witnessed His miracles. Even so, His disciples fell asleep as they prayed for Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. Darkness covered the land, and Jesus took His last breath. The earth quaked. Doubt crept in. What now?
On the road to Emmaus, Jesus drew near and began to walk with two unsettled travelers. Their conversation was riddled with despair and anxious thoughts, disputes, and questions. Women had gone to the tomb earlier that day; they’d said that Jesus was alive. Was it possible? With veiled eyes, the men couldn’t see that the stranger who walked beside them was Jesus. Dialog drove them on. Seven miles. It wasn’t until they reached Emmaus, and Jesus reclined at a table with them, that they recognized Him. When He blessed and broke the bread, and passed it among them, their eyes were finally opened. Jesus had been with them all the while.
Let’s sit on this golden nugget of Truth for a while and consider all the angles.
First, our thoughts, questions, and disagreements can be expected when our outlook is limited. We don’t always see the big picture. Jesus’ disciples who’d walked with Him were bewildered by what took place, and they wrestled to explain it. However, Jesus invited the brave discussion. He encouraged the men to talk about what happened.
Second, when we suffer loss, and the road seems long and doesn’t make sense, Jesus walks with us. He is alive and present. Our faithful Friend never forgets or forsakes us. His Word sustains us.
Third, we recall Jesus’ sacrifice and count the cost as we lean in around the table to break bread. We share in His suffering as we offer up our loss, the hurt, apprehension, and confusion. Our gathering matters. Communion makes a difference. We break and partake, listen and participate, and we see Jesus. Know Jesus. Gift Jesus. Intimacy is born between us and our Savior and our faith family. The cross also rocks our world. Jesus paid the debt of mankind with His shed bled. Therefore, we are compelled to go the distance.
There are paths that we tread together, but we only see the problem and our limited understanding, abilities, and resources. Then again, there are walks where we encounter Jesus. He shows up in the troubled conversation amidst the grief, confusion, and unanswered questions. Jesus listens. Then He invites us to speak, to share our testimony, and He reveals Himself.
The Emmaus Walk—we have an encounter with Jesus like none other, and we’re changed.
May you see Jesus as you walk together,
Lily Mae
Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?”
Luke 24: 31,32 (NASB)