Focus
Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.
Read
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does 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. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 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. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 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.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 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?”
Reflect
In Easter, we rejoice in the salvation secured by the sacrifice of Jesus. We recognize that God has not only made salvation possible but also that forgiveness of sin has been secured through Christ’s death and resurrection. It is a done deal. The disciples on the road to Emmaus began their conversation by saying, “But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” They were hurting and confused because they didn’t believe their Messiah could be killed. By the end of the conversation with Jesus, they knew he was the Messiah and that his suffering and death was the path of victory over death and sin. What God intended, Christ accomplished. I pray our hearts burn with passion for the One who endured the cross, despising its shame, that we now children of God.
Pray
Cause our hearts to be enflamed with You, O God. Let the Word within in us be like fire trapped in our bones. Let our mouths proclaim Your great love for all people in Jesus Christ. Amen
Go with God!
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