september 29, 2022

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

“What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “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. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

Luke 24:13-31

Devotional

How do you know when Jesus is speaking to you? One way you might know is that you confront a lot of questions: questions about who you are, where you are going, what you believe, what are you going to do because of what you believe. You might find coming to mind questions of what choices Jesus would have you make, or how you should use the gifts God gave you. Some people think that having questions, and their close cousin, doubts, are a sign of shaky faith. But that’s not true. The opposite of faith is not doubt, but apathy. So questions are a healthy part of our life of faith. Because you really care about matters of faith, you ask questions.

In Leonard Sweet’s book, Jesus Speaks, we read, “Jesus was a master questioner. The Gospels are a case study in how to ask great questions…. [I]n the Emmaus story, the question is, [w]hy are you depressed? If Jesus were to meet you in the street today, he would most likely ask you something rather than tell you something. Jesus speaks in questions and this means questions are our friends, not our enemies. A questioning spirit is a Jesus spirit, and we hear Jesus better the more open we are to experience.”

What are the questions of your life? It could be that if Jesus came up beside you, he might ask just that same question: why are you so sad and downcast? Or he might ask, why are you so angry, or fearful? Why are you so worried? You might tell him about your work situation, or your family troubles. You might tell him about your health or your financial worries. You might tell him about politics, or something else that keeps you up at night. He would listen; he would understand, as He did before you even spoke. He would enlighten you about all of it, putting it in perspective. He would spend time with you, and then he would break bread with you, and you would know him and see him for who he truly is: the transforming power of grace and love in your life. Jesus opens our eyes and our minds, so that we can see life bright in his grace.

For Reflection

What do you think Jesus would ask you if he walked alongside you today?

What concerns would he pick up on?

As you imagine that conversation with the Lord, what would Jesus say to you?

Prayer

Dear Lord, my life can be chaotic and I have a lot on my mind. I feel so burdened and confused about what to do. Lord, walk with me. Ask me your questions: where are you going? Why are you sad? Or angry? Share my life and help open my eyes and my life to your grace, your presence, your joy. Help me to grow my faith by asking questions with you in mind. In Jesus name, Amen.