Who me?
| 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. (Luke24:33-35) |
They've rushed back to Jerusalem because they have big news! Jesus isn't dead – He's alive. I wonder if they breathlessly discussed how they were going to get the Eleven to believe them. (Note the title Luke gives them – the Eleven – they're the "big boys"). When they get there, they discover that they are not the only ones who have this news – their experience is a confirmation and corroboration of what has already been happening!
If this was indeed a couple, then it's worth recognising that the Risen Lord appeared to an interesting selection of people:
- to Mary and the women who were disregarded in the patriarchy of the day
- to Simon Peter who had failed so dismally
- to fringe-disciples on the road to the little town of Emmaus
- (and, if my conjecture is plausible, to a couple whose marriage and hospitality gave them a story to tell.)
- to a rag-tag bunch disciples hiding fearfully from the Jews
- to a sibling (James the brother of Jesus) who got it so wrong (1Cor15:7)
- to Saul, the legalist, blinded by rule and ritual.
Devalued women, a disqualified disciple, an insignificant pair (possibly a couple) of followers, frightened followers, an estranged sibling and an angry holier-than-thou. Jesus would use their stories.
If you have also met the Risen Lord Jesus, no matter who you are, He will use your story too!
Who? Me???
Yes you....
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That brings us to the end of our series on the Emmaus Rd.
Hope you enjoyed it.
God bless,
Theo
