OCTOBER 11 - Nº 284 Mark 16:12-14; Luke 24:13-43; John 20:19-20
That same day, two of Jesus’ followers were on their way from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They were discussing the things that had taken place over the last few days. As they were talking, Jesus came up and walked beside them—but they didn’t realize who he was. Their faces were sad, so he asked them, “What is this deep discussion about?” They stood still. One of them named Cleopas asked him, “Are you the only one living in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that just happened there?” “What things?” he asked. “You didn’t hear about Jesus of Nazareth?” they asked in disbelief. “He was a prophet who spoke the words of God and performed powerful miracles for the people. We were sure he was the Messiah and that he would redeem Israel. But three days ago, our religious leaders crucified him. Then this morning some of our women went to the tomb and couldn’t find his body! They had a vision about angels telling them he was alive. So some of the men ran to the tomb, and sure enough, it was empty!” Jesus spoke up, “Do you not believe what the prophets wrote about the Messiah? Didn’t they say he would have to suffer great things before his glory was revealed?” Then Jesus began to explain to them all the prophecies in the Scriptures about the Messiah. He included everything written by Moses and all the prophets. As they came near Emmaus, Jesus acted as if he was planning to go further. But the two men convinced him to stay with them. “It’s getting late. Why don’t you spend the night with us?” they asked. At the evening meal, Jesus took bread and gave thanks to God. He broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly they recognized him. As soon as they did, he disappeared from their sight. One of the men said to the other, “My heart was burning inside when he was walking with us and explaining the Scriptures. Wasn’t yours?” They hurried back to Jerusalem. They finally found ten of the disciples—and several others who had joined them. They were locked inside a room hiding from the Jewish leaders who wanted to arrest them. The lie that they had stolen Jesus’ body had spread quickly (see #283 - October 10). When the two men who had come from Emmaus finally convinced them to open the door, they exclaimed, “It’s true! Jesus is alive! He walked with us and explained everything from the Scriptures! We didn’t recognize him until he broke bread for us.” The disciples were having a difficult time comprehending everything that was taking place. Suddenly Jesus appeared! “Peace be with you!” he said. Everyone was startled. They thought they were seeing a ghost. Then Jesus showed them the wounds in his hands and his feet. He let them touch him. “Does a ghost have flesh and bones?” he asked. Then he asked for something to eat. The disciples were overjoyed. They finally knew for sure that Jesus was alive!
There are many things in the Bible that are difficult to comprehend. But Jesus promised that he would send the Holy Spirit to help us understand them. The Holy Spirit wants to walk through life with us, just as Jesus walked beside those men on the road to Emmaus. He will make things clear to us if we will take the time to listen to Him.
