Scripture: Luke 24:13-49 (NIV)
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?”
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together
34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”
35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.
38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?
39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.
41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”
42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish,
43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.
44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,
47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 You are witnesses of these things.
49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Devotion:
The journey to Emmaus, as recounted in Luke 24:13-49, is a poignant narrative that unfolds the mystery and revelation of the risen Christ. As we reflect on this encounter, we discover profound truths that resonate with the essence of Easter.
1. Walking with Jesus: Two disciples, their hearts heavy with grief and confusion, embarked on a journey to Emmaus. As they walked and discussed the recent events surrounding Jesus’ death, they were joined by a stranger who was none other than the risen Christ. Yet, in their sorrow, they were kept from recognizing Him. How often do we journey through life’s trials without recognizing the presence of the resurrected Christ walking alongside us?
2. Exploring the Scriptures: Jesus, the masterful Teacher, opened the Scriptures to the disciples, revealing how every prophecy and promise pointed to Him as the Messiah. He illuminated the truth of His suffering, death, and resurrection foretold by the prophets. Likewise, Easter invites us to delve into God’s Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to unveil the depths of Christ’s redemptive work in our lives.
3. Revelation at the Table: As they reached Emmaus, the disciples urged the stranger to stay with them. It was at the table, as Jesus broke bread and gave thanks, that their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. In the simple act of communion, their hearts were ignited with burning faith and recognition. How often does Jesus reveal Himself to us in the ordinary moments of life, drawing us into deeper fellowship with Him?
4. Bearing Witness: Filled with joy and amazement, the disciples rushed back to Jerusalem to share the news of their encounter with the risen Christ. Their testimony confirmed the reality of Jesus’ resurrection, echoing the proclamation of Easter hope. Similarly, we are called to bear witness to the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection, sharing the gospel message with a world in need of redemption.
5. Empowered for Mission: Before ascending to heaven, Jesus commissioned His disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations. He promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower them for the task ahead. Easter marks not only the triumph of Christ over death but also the beginning of a new era of mission and ministry empowered by the Spirit.
As we journey through the Easter season, may we walk with open hearts, ready to encounter the risen Christ in the midst of our daily lives. May His revelation ignite a burning passion within us to proclaim His gospel and fulfill His commission to make disciples of all nations. Amen.
