ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS, DISCIPLES MEET UPON THE RISEN LORD
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In the Book of Luke, two disciples of Jesus have an amazing encounter with the risen Lord. The two are traveling the seven miles from Jerusalem to the town of Emmaus. As they walk along the road, they talk about the recent events in the city. They ponder the sad news of the crucifixion of Jesus, the great Prophet.
The risen Christ meets them on their journey… yet they do not recognize Him. He asks the disciples what they are discussing…
About Jesus of Nazareth… He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed Him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified Him; but we had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel. – Luke 24:19-21
The men are surprised that Jesus has not heard of the events that have transpired in Jerusalem. They share with Him the recent happenings. It had been the hope of Israel that Jesus of Nazareth would be their Redeemer. This was the third day since His death… and His followers found His tomb empty. Jesus was not there! And angels at His tomb told them that He is alive! Could this be true?
Jesus admonishes their lack of understanding of all that the prophets have prophesied about Him…
Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter His glory? – Luke 24:26
Beginning with Moses and the Prophets, Jesus illuminates the Scriptures to the two men… revealing all the prophecies in the Old Testament that point to the Messiah. When they reach Emmaus, the two insist He stay for supper.
At the evening meal, Jesus gives thanks, breaks bread and gives a piece to each of them. At this, their eyes are opened. They recognize His true identity, the risen Christ. Suddenly, He disappears from sight. In their excitement, the two men return to Jerusalem to share the wondrous news that Jesus has indeed risen.
Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us? – Luke 24:32
What an incredible experience these two unsuspecting travelers had on their journey. To have Jesus Himself reveal the hidden treasure of Scripture would be soul-stirring. Yet does he not do this for us today through the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. – John 14:26
When Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave to His followers a Helper, a Comforter, an Advocate… the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is Christ’s presence with us… teaching, counseling and guiding us into all truth. He illuminates the Scriptures, reminding us of Jesus’ words. The same Spirit of wisdom and revelation that lived in Christ lives in us today.
Hidden treasure awaits us in God’s Word. Scripture is alive and powerful. The Holy Spirit will reveal new insights when we read the Bible with open minds and hearts… even with passages we may have read many times. Just like the travelers to Emmaus, we can encounter the risen Lord in Scripture, discovering new and exciting revelations in God’s Word.
† Eternal Takeaway – The hidden treasure of God’s Word awaits our discovery †
