On the Road with Jesus
| 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... (You can read the full text below...) (Luke24:13-35) |
Two disheartened and despondent disciples, journeying from Jerusalem to Emmaus, were unexpectedly joined by a familiar but unrecognised companion:- Jesus Himself. They candidly shared their disillusionment over the crucifixion of Jesus, whom they had hoped would liberate Israel. His death had shattered their dreams, and they found it perplexing that their new companion seemed oblivious to these momentous events. Moreover, they had heard firsthand accounts of the empty tomb and the angels' proclamation of His resurrection.
In response, Jesus offered these two disciples a profound understanding of the Messiah and His mission by delving into the Scriptures. He illuminated how the Old Testament consistently pointed to a suffering Messiah who would ultimately attain glory. The death and resurrection of Jesus marked the culmination of God's redemptive plan throughout the history of His people.
Upon reaching Emmaus, Jesus and the two disciples paused for their evening meal. As He gave thanks and broke the bread, their eyes were suddenly opened to His true identity. In an instant, He vanished from their sight. Overwhelmed by His teachings, the disciples, without even resting their weary bodies, hastened back to Jerusalem to share their profound encounter with the apostles and fellow disciples.
This passage enlightens us on the significance of having Jesus walk with us on our journey of ministry and mission, urging us to open our hearts to comprehend His divine purpose. When we grapple with sadness and obstacles that impede our mission, His presence dispels our desolation, offering profound insights that confirm the unstoppable nature of His mission. The disciples' transformation from sorrow to joy, as they discovered the resurrection, serves as a potent reminder of God's ultimate redemptive plan, as foretold in the Old Testament. Their initial skepticism gave way to unwavering belief after encountering the risen Christ in prayer.
Moreover, this narrative underscores the power of God's Word to illuminate His work in our lives. The disciples found solace and were emboldened to journey back to Jerusalem, sharing the Good News of the risen Christ. We, too, are challenged to proclaim the Gospel of our Risen Christ to all, not just for a specific time, but until His glorious return. In this mission, we find comfort in His promise to be with us always, even until the end of the age.
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Masauso Nyirenda (Rev), husband to Margaret Banda and father to Chimwemwe Nyirenda, Walusungu Nyirenda and Wezi Nyirenda. Serving at Chimwemwe Congregation in Copperbelt Presbytery.
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.
