Last week we celebrated an empty tomb. As miraculous as that event is to a Christian, we continue to find the miraculous in the events that followed. I find it miraculous that Jesus took time to linger before ascending to his Father in heaven. Let’s take a look at a couple of guys he wasn’t quite ready to leave. I think you will find that what Jesus did for these two men, he continues to do for you today and it is nothing short of miraculous.
We have all had those events in our life that change everything. We were living one way and then something happened either to us or in our family or a world event that turned us upside down. If you lived through 9/11 then you can most likely tell of that day in detail. Where you were, how you found out about the terrorist attacks, who you were with, times and phone calls that were made. Why can we recall that particular day so clearly? Because it marked something significant that would always be remembered.
For the disciples the days of Jesus’ crucifixion followed by his empty tomb were such an event. They were trying to make sense of it all and they were uncertain of the days ahead. Two of Jesus’ disciples were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Along the seven-mile road they talked of the events as they desperately tried to process what had just happened. Then along came a stranger; it was Jesus, but they did not recognize him.
The scriptures say, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” Luke 24:27. For seven miles, Jesus took time to open the scriptures to them to give them an understanding of why he was put to death and then raised to life. Each step Jesus walked with them brought them more peace and understanding. By the time they reached Emmaus, they had a new friend that they were not ready to say goodbye to. They urged Jesus to stay longer because his companionship was such a comfort to them.
When the stranger dined with them “he took the bread, broke it and gave thanks”, then they recognized that he was Jesus. And then in a moment he vanished. Jesus always acted out of compassion. His pure passion for mankind was displayed on the cross. He poured it all out for you and I, but even after that final act on earth, he was moved with compassion for those who were at a loss without him. Before he was crowned King, he went to be a brother and a friend.
This is still our Jesus today. He walks with us and talks with us. For those that know him, he is a counselor, friend, and brother. When events happen in our life that completely throw us off course, he desires to take that Road to Emmaus with us too. Remember, Jesus opened the scriptures that only pertained to what his friends were going through. He does the same with us. As we walk with him and talk with him, he gives us Scripture that pertains to our circumstances and emotions. Isn’t that just like a good friend?
