On the Road

“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.”
Luke 24:13-16



Sad, scared, confused and wondering what had happened, no doubt asking themselves why things hadn’t turned out the way they thought it. That’s life - just when you think you have it figured out - the plan changes and like the two disciples in this week’s passage we find ourselves in a place where our faith is surely tested and we are prone to question everything which leaves us unable to see Jesus even when He is walking right along with us.



Continue reading and we see that this “stranger” who has joined them asks “Hey what are you guys talking about that is so serious?” I wonder what Jesus thought when He saw the looks on their faces - looks of despair and perhaps a bit of a “what are you serious, don’t you know what happened in the city over the weekend?” expression. But then…


This “stranger” tells them about all that was written about Messiah by the prophets, explaining that all that they had experienced was exactly as the prophets had said. Then during supper, with the breaking of the bread, their hearts allowed their eyes to be opened and they saw their friend and Savior, alive and well. They couldn’t get back to the city fast enough to tell the others that “He lives!” 



We are on the road. It can be hard and painful and confusing. The road will challenge our faith. Then someone will join us on the journey - to encourage us, to share what they know, to let us know we are not alone. Someday, perhaps we look back to some of the people we have journeyed with and realize that it was Jesus walking with us, reminding us that even when it seems like the plot has been lost, we are still on course and all is well because He is there.



I don’t know what is happening in your life this week. But know this, even in the midst of the worst storms and greatest celebrations Jesus is there - you’ll see Him with your heart. 



A Prayer
Father - Thank you for the people who journey with us through the seasons of life. Thank you that these people are often Jesus in disguise and that when our hearts have been touched by theirs they have really been touched by You. Help our hearts to see You as we journey in the eyes of those we journey with and help us to be Jesus to those around us as well. In the name of Jesus, is always with us, Amen.