Today’s Scripture: Luke 24:35, ESV- “Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.”
In Luke 24, after Jesus had been crucified, buried, and resurrected, there were two men walking and talking their way the seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. As they were reasoning all that had been happening, we are told that Jesus drew near and walked with them, but God kept them from recognizing Him.
This stranger asked them what kind of conversation they were having as they walked along the road. Cleopas was a bit rude to this stranger walking beside them by suggesting He must be the only person unaware of the things that had happened in Jerusalem in the last few days.
Jesus simply responded by asking What things? They briefly gave this stranger a recap of who Jesus was and how they thought He had been the savior, but he was crucified and buried, and they had just heard that morning that the women and others had gone to the tomb and Jesus was missing.
Jesus came back strong at them by calling people fools for not listening to the prophets in the scriptures who had told them what the Messiah must endure. He then proceeded, according to Luke 24:27, to take them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (NLT)
As they arrived home, Jesus accepted their invitation to stay with them. In Luke 24:30-31 we are told “As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!” (NLT)
I have always loved the question they asked each other next in Luke 24:32, “And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” (NKJV) Having Jesus and His Holy Spirit talk to us while we open the Scriptures can still set our hearts on fire today.
We are told that very hour, the two hurried back to assure the disciples that Jesus had risen indeed. The two told what had happened on the way, and how they recognized Jesus when he broke the bread. Luke 24:36 tells us that while they were still telling their story Jesus appeared in the room with them.
Although they were in the middle of sharing what they had witnessed, they were still surprised and doubting as Jesus stood there again. After showing His wounds and eating with them, He reminded them that everything written about Him in the Law of Moses and the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled. (ESV) Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Jesus still opens our minds to help us understand today.
We must share the understanding He has given us. As He told the disciples, we are His witnesses. We each have had different experiences and stories of how Jesus appeared to us. Whether we were running to Him as Mary was to His tomb earlier in this chapter or whether we are encountering Him along our roads we each have a story.
A story of how we came to recognize Jesus and what He said to us. Like His first Disciples we must go and share the understanding He has given us. Jesus still appears when we are telling our stories!
What have you witnessed?
Today’s Prayer: Father God, thank You for Jesus’ life, crucifixion, and raising from the dead. Thank You LORD for Your scriptures and witnesses who have come before us. Jesus, please continue to burn within our hearts and help us to understand. Please continue to break bread with us to open our eyes and to give us understanding. Help us to be Your witnesses and help us make disciples of all nations. Use us LORD. Amen.
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