Luke 24:13-27 (NRSV)
Read Luke 24:13-27 on biblegateway.com
Verse 13Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, Verse 14and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. Verse 15While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, Verse 16but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. Verse 17And he said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?" They stood still, looking sad. Verse 18Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?" Verse 19He asked them, "What things?" They replied, "The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, Verse 20and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. Verse 21But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Verse 22Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, Verse 23and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Verse 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him." Verse 25Then he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Verse 26Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" Verse 27Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
Devotion
The experience of "not getting the word" can be an embarrassing, painful, even tragic experience. There were Japanese soldiers dug in on islands in the South Pacific who never got the word that World War II was over. They kept fighting long after the peace treaty had been signed. Imagine the physical and mental anguish that could have been prevented if they'd only gotten the word!
Something similar was happening on Easter. Two followers of Jesus were on their way home, discouraged, disillusioned and heart-broken. Their Lord was crucified, dead and buried. Their hopes of him as the Messiah were dashed. They had heard word that he lived, but they walked in disbelief as if it were not true!
However, this tragedy changed when Jesus appeared in their midst and walked with them, opening the Scriptures, and revealing what it said about him. Today, Jesus still walks with us, opening the Scriptures, revealing himself and lifting our hearts in faith and love. Now, we've got the word...IT'S TRUE, JESUS LIVES!
Prayer
Dear Lord, Give us faith to believe it is true and the confidence to live in that faith. Amen.