The Road to Emmaus

What a day it had been. Jesus was alive! Early in the morning He appeared to Mary Magdalene, who mistakenly thought He was the gardener. The crucified Savior was no longer in a borrowed tomb; the stone had been rolled away.

With the rollercoaster events of the last few days spinning around, Cleopas and his companion travelled on the road to Emmaus. The journey was a familiar one, yet today was different. There was much to talk about with so many thoughts and emotions vying for their attention.

And yet,

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. Luke 24:15-16 (NIV)

I wonder how many times Jesus has invited Himself into our discussions as we carried on, unaware that He was near?

These two disciples were so engaged in their conversation that they failed to realize that it was Jesus who stood in their midst. I believe their eyes were kept from recognizing Him because He appeared unexpectedly and in unfamiliar circumstances. He conversed with them and asked questions, although He already knew the answers. They treated Him as a stranger and told of the events of the last few days.

As they journeyed, Jesus began to explain and interpret all the Scripture concerning Himself. But as they drew near the village, they urged Him, saying, “stay with us.”

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. Luke 24:30-31

When He vanished, their hearts began to burn with passion. Jesus, the Savior of the world, had been in their midst! They quickly hurried back to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead.

No longer did they need to fear.

The Gospel, the message of hope, was at last free to spread.

Dear Lord Jesus, I thank You that You are alive, and You desire to reveal Yourself to me. I ask that You open my spiritual eyes that I can see how You see. May my heart burn with passion for You so that I can tell others of the hope that is found in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION^®, NIV^® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.