Emmaus Road

13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. (Luke 24:13-16)

On the day of Jesus' resurrection, two disciples (not part of the twelve closest to Jesus) left Jerusalem. They had waited the three days. They had heard about the women who had gone to the tomb and found it empty. They had even heard that other disciples went to the tomb and corroborated the women's story. But they had not seen any angels, or Jesus, for themselves. So, with their unmet expectations and their dashed hopes, they gave up and headed home.

As they walked and talked about Jesus' life and death, they were joined by a stranger who seemed to have no knowledge of anything that had happened. The two men explained who Jesus had been and how they'd hoped he was the Messiah. They told this man of their disappointment, their disillusionment. In return, the man broke down all of the events according to the scriptures, and gave them understanding. As they approached their destination they invited the stranger to stay with them. Upon sitting down to share a meal, the stranger blessed, broke, and distributed the bread. As soon as he did this, the men realized it had been Jesus with them all along, and then he was gone. They hurried back the seven miles they had just traveled and shared their excitement and joy with the other disciples. In the midst of despair, may we tell Jesus all as we journey together, receiving with joy the understanding only God can give.

He gives beauty for ashes

Strength for fear

Gladness for mourning

Peace for despair

- "Beauty For Ashes", Crystal Lewis & Ron Kenoly

30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. (Luke 24:30-33)