The Road to Emmaus
It’s the day after Easter! In the final chapter of Luke, there appears a beautiful story about two men, distraught over the death of Jesus, who find themselves in deep conversation with Jesus, himself – only they didn’t realize who they were talking to. It’s a powerful tale, filled with lessons about discernment, hope, and the truth of the Old Testament prophecies. Later, on the day we know as Easter, these disciples were walking together on a road going to a village called Emmaus. Jesus comes alongside them and listens to their conversations, but these men didn’t know it was Jesus. Jesus expresses gentle rebuke, telling the men, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” (vs.25-26)
The men still did not know who they were talking to but when they got to Emmaus, they invited Jesus to stay with them instead of continuing on his journey. At the table, Jesus gave thanks and breaks the bread and they recognize Him. Immediately Jesus disappears, and they rush back to Jerusalem, find the 11 apostles and tell them what happened.
Jesus wanted them to know that although things looked hopeless, they have to look no further than Scripture to understand what happened and what will happen: First the Christ must suffer, then He is glorified. It’s all part of God’s plan.
Jesus was born to a humble woman in humble circumstances. He spent his life in suffering, wandering, and hated as he traveled from place to place, until He was finally arrested, beaten, tortured, nailed to a cross, and left to die a terrible gruesome death. Because of Jesus, all receive salvation, beggars and kings alike. Jesus opened the eyes of these men and steered them to the full truth that is contained in God’s Holy Word. The Easter story should have an impact on each of our lives and remind us that Jesus has come for all!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to this earth and dying for our sins. Thank you for reminding us that we need to look no further than Scripture to understand God’s plan for salvation for all people. Amen.
Luke 24:26-27: 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.
Author: Tommy Herndon
