I invite you to turn your Bibles to Luke 24:13-35 and join me as I break down the scriptures to give you a better insight into one of the most powerful stories – turned ministry – in the Bible.
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
For me, this first sentence is mind-blowing. “That same day” turns out to be Easter Sunday. Jesus had just risen from the grave and gave instructions to Mary Magdelene to go and tell Peter and the disciples that he had risen.
Then immediately he is found walking beside two disciples that were headed home after they watched Jesus be placed in the tomb. These two men were most likely close followers of Jesus during his 3 years of ministry. Not of the 12, but certainly dedicated disciples.
I must be honest and tell you that if I were Jesus, my first stop would have been to Pontious Pilate. Or maybe to the chief priest Capias. I would have taken great pleasure in showing up and asking, “Do you believe me now?”
I am definitely a work still in progress.
Why do you think the disciples were kept from recognizing him?
I am glad you asked.
Ever been to a party where everyone was having a great time, maybe a glass of wine and open discussions?
A knock at the door reveals your pastor stopping by. Your discussion changes and wine gets slipped between the couches.
Jesus wanted these two men to be honest and open with him about their feelings, so He chose to hide his identity.
So why would Jesus choose to walk this road moments after he rose from the tomb?
You can find the answer in verse 21 but we had “hoped” that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.
Is there any further you can fall after you have lost hope in something or someone?
Everything they lived for; the last 3 years ended on Friday at 3 pm with three words from the cross.
“It is Finished”
Scripture goes on to tell us that Jesus began to remind them of all scripture as they continued to walk the road to Emmaus.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther.
Why do you think Jesus acted as if he was going further? The answer is repeated over and over again in scripture.
Jesus will not go where He is not invited.
The disciples do invite him in and the story continues with verse 30:
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
As a pastor for the last 23 years, it always amazes me how some churches have closed communion. The Communion table was given to us by Jesus Thursday night in the upper room.
How many eyes have not recognized Jesus because of being refused communion?
That is my soapbox, and I will move on.
Our purpose is found in the last part of this story.
35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
We must share our story with others.
The Ministry – Walk To Emmaus.
I went on my walk to Emmaus in 2002. It is a three-day retreat based upon the scripture I just opened for you.
In fact, I have just returned yesterday from serving my 30th time as the Spiritual Director for the women’s walks.
The Men’s walk usually takes place the weekend before the Women’s walks.
During the 72-hour retreat, you will experience, if you are willing, everything the scripture covers in Luke 24.
The purpose of the Walk to Emmaus ministry is to strengthen church leadership.
It is also to draw you into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. It restores Hope and gives you clarity on God’s amazing Grace and His unconditional Love.
My life and ministry were empowered on my walk in 2002. I found purpose and discovered a peace that truly goes beyond all understanding.
My belief in this ministry has led me to serve on the Board of Emmaus as the Community Spiritual Director of the Houston North Emmaus Community.
I often told my congregation that I truly see lives change in the 72 hours spent on the Walk to Emmaus.
Jesus himself felt it was important enough to leave the empty tomb on resurrection Sunday.
If you would like to know more about this amazing ministry, you can go to Houston North Emmaus Community – Home Page (hnec.org)
DeColores my friends
RevDeb