God sighted on the Road to Emmaus, did you see Him?

One of my favorite post-resurrection appearances is the encounter of the two on the Road to Emmaus. Overcome with grief over Jesus’ death and disbelief over what the women said about seeing Him alive, these two followers of Christ were walking along the Emmaus Road discussing all these things. Jesus joined them on their journey without disclosing his identity. As they walked they were surprised that this man did not know about all the events that had just occurred in Jerusalem. They shared their hope that Jesus, the one crucified, had been the long awaited Messiah. “Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. ²⁶Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” ²⁷Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:25-27

Wouldn’t you have loved to have been there and listened to Jesus explain all about Himself? A little later in the story when they were sitting down to eat, Jesus gave thanks, broke the bread and began to give it to them. Right then, their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus. He then disappeared from their presence. Even though it was late they quickly returned to Jerusalem to tell the disciples about their encounter with the risen Lord Jesus.

Jesus came to these two when they were in grief, despair and confusion, and He cleared up their thinking, encouraged and enlivened them. Can you remember a time when Jesus came to you in prayer or through the actions or words of another believer to give you hope and encouragement? Jesus promises that He will be with us wherever we go. Just like these two, we need to look and recognize His presence with us and the hope that He brings.

I pray that my Lenten Blogs have brought you hope and encouragement these past 6 weeks. I have been mightily blessed by being with you and in the scriptures each day. I am still pondering the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice and all the truths I have gleaned from the book of Ephesians. I will continue writing on the post-resurrection appearances leading to Pentecost (40 days after the cross). Christ appeared many times, before His ascension, to many individuals and groups. They are affirming and touching encounters that teach us more about the depth of His love and care for us.