ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS, DISCIPLES MEET UPON THE RISEN LORD
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“Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” – Luke 24:32 –
In the Book of Luke, two disciples of Jesus have an amazing encounter with the risen Lord. As they are walking along the road to Emmaus, the two men talk about the recent events in Jerusalem. The risen Christ meets them on their journey… yet they do not recognize Him. He asks the disciples what they are discussing.
The men share the news of Jesus of Nazareth… a powerful prophet whom the Romans crucified. It had been the hope of Israel that He would be their Redeemer. This was the third day… and His followers had found His tomb empty. Jesus was not there! And angels at His tomb told them He is alive! Could this be true?
Jesus is surprised that they have not recognized all the prophecies written 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. At the evening meal, when He breaks bread with them, their eyes are opened. They recognize His true identity… the risen Christ… and He disappears from their sight. In their excitement, the two men return to Jerusalem to share the wondrous news that Jesus has indeed risen!
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 isn’t this what He does 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. He teaches us, counsels us and guides us into all Truth. He reminds us of Jesus’ words and illuminates to us the Scriptures. The same Spirit of wisdom and revelation that lived in Christ lives in us today.
Hidden treasure awaits us in God’s Word. His Word is alive. Perhaps we have heard or read passages many times… yet the Lord will reveal new insights when we read the Bible with open minds and hearts. Just like the travelers to Emmaus, we can encounter the risen Lord in Scripture. Through the Holy Spirit, we can discover new and exciting revelations in His Word.
