Scripture Verses
Luke 24:13-35
13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him.
17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One 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?"
19"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. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but 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. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ[b] have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But 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.
30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." 35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Devotion
The two men walking on the road to Emmaus were confused and downcast. They knew about and were discussing all that had occurred in Jerusalem to Jesus. They knew Jesus’ tomb had been found empty that morning and yet they did not attribute the empty tomb to Jesus being resurrected.
Once they realized their companion was indeed Jesus, they remembered that there were signs when they heard the stranger open the scriptures to them; their hearts had burned. Realizing now that their savior had risen from the dead, they quickly went to share the news with the disciples back in Jerusalem.
How many times do we fail to recognize Jesus in our lives or give credence to the wonder of the resurrection? Our culture supports being involved in many things at work, home and elsewhere. It sometimes seems like a contest for who is the busiest. Given our busy lives, we too can be confused and downcast. This happens when we forget who is with us. My life has been going through a peak of being busy and obligated. Many times I wonder when it will let up and then I realize that I cannot wait for it to go away, that will change as my life changes. What I can do is keep Jesus in everything I do so that he is not far from me. No matter what I do I should be looking for Jesus in my life and keeping him close to my heart. Waiting for confirmation or a sign of his presence is not necessary: he is there. I can take comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is with me every step of the journey. I am never alone.
Prayer
Lord, open our eyes and heart to recognize you presence in our lives, to help us understand the truth in your words and to replenish our souls with the living word and bread of life. Amen.
|
