Now, on the same day [as the resurrection of Jesus], two disciples (one named Cleopas) were on their way to a village called Emmaus. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus Himself came near and began to walk along with them. But they were prevented from recognizing Him. It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed it and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. Luke 24:13-17; 30-31
My words…
Praise
Dear Jesus, much of Your humbleness and compassion is on display when, after Your resurrection, You hung around on this lowly planet for forty more days. I would have hightailed it to heaven and been done with this place. But, thankfully, that’s not how You think and act. The private lessons you taught weren’t understood as they should have been, so You had to stick around and keep teaching. Your followers must have slept through the lesson on fulfilled prophesy. They had no idea what was going on. They were expecting one thing only to have their hopes dashed. Discussions and arguments ensued. Who knows how it all would have been sorted out if You hadn’t stuck around a while? But something about You was different; You were no longer recognizable by Your disciples, that is, until You wanted to be. The travelers on the road to Emmaus listened to You interpret scripture while walking for seven miles, and they had no idea it was You. But then You performed a simple act or said a simple phrase, and then they knew! How much more momentous would it have been if they had recognized You right away?
Prayer for me
I don’t want to miss out on opportunities to recognize You. Help me grow to see You where You are in my day, in my work, in my worship.
Forgive me
There are times when I feel like the disciples traveling to Emmaus. You’re close by, but I don’t recognize You. I attribute a success as something I accomplished and not a blessing bestowed by You. I witness the power of medicine and not Your healing hand. I deposit a paycheck without depositing praise for Your provision. I neglect to recognize Your answers to my prayers. (Well, didn’t that turn out nicely?) Forgive me.
Thank You
Thank You for spending forty extra days on earth following Your resurrection. I wouldn’t have been introduced to Cleopas or Rhoda or other followers who were so endearing in their honest reactions when they recognized You!
More praise
It isn’t surprising that when you donned Your servant hat, Your disciples said, “Oh, it’s You!” It was in those moments of close, personal contact that memories were made before Your death and recalled following Your resurrection. You said a blessing over a meal. You shared a loaf of bread. So simple, but so memorable. It’s the same for me. Whenever I read or recall Your words of life, I sit up and say, “There You are!”
