In recent days I have been looking at a familiar and beloved story that occurred in Luke shortly after the resurrection of Jesus. Join me today as we consider this text once again and reflect on it. Here is our text, our story:
The Journey To Emmaeus
“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. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. 18 Then 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?” 19 He 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, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But 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. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and 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. 24 Some 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.” 25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 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. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread” Luke 24: 13-35.
Consider again how the disciples are carrying an immense amount of loss, bewilderment and grief as they try to move on from Jesus’ appalling death on the cross. We must not be too critical of them, for they are us! What they hoped for has now completely disappeared. We meet them at this point. They are walking away in sadness with their hearts emptying out as they journey onwards. Isn’t that you and me in our lives? The depth of their experience unfolds as they encounter someone who appears to be a stranger to them. It is only later that they realize it is “the risen Lord”. In a very surprising moment in Luke, that the disciples provide Jesus with a detailed account of his own death. But notice how Jesus draws them out through continuous dialogue and gentle questioning as He listens and engages as an equal.
Is not this experience the description of prayer and meditation, our coming prayerfully into the presence of Jesus so that through continuous dialogue and gentle questioning He can draw us out? Out of ourselves? Out of our sinful patterns of living life?
Today I invite you to join me in considering a simple and central question of life: What does this story teach you about the meaning and purpose of prayer and meditation? Where are you “walking away” from Jesus Christ in your life? And where is Jesus calling you to a life of “encountering” His loving and healing presence in your prayer?
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.
From the Bible:
“And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone” Matthew 14:23.
“Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence” Hebrews 5:7.
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness” Ephesians 5:11.
“Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” 1 Peter 5:7.
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