Day 45

Resurrection and beyond...

Luke 24:13-35 NIV84

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from  Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 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.

He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"

They stood still, their faces downcast.  One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

"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. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 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. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."

He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 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.

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. 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 got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. 

Does it seem odd that these two disciples returned home after they heard the news from the women that Jesus was alive? Do you think they believed?

Who did they meet on the road? What happened?

At the Last Supper, Jesus gave thanks and broke bread ...do this in remembrance of me... Here He demonstrated the effect: Communion opened their eyes to Jesus. Joining together, walking the same road, discussing Scripture, looking for Him in the Word, opened them up to the Truth and stirred their hearts. Important acts of fellowship that help us know Jesus's presence. Do you practice regular fellowship with other disciples? What does it look like, spiritually, to walk the same road together?

Lord, send someone into my life who will walk the same road with me. Teach me to fellowship with others through prayer, study of Scripture, and spiritual disciplines. I want to grow in my knowledge and understanding of You. I want to experience You in the midst of fellowship.

"...For where two or three come together in my name,
there am I with them." ---Jesus

Matthew 18:20 NIV84