Monday – (the Emmaus Disciples’ Eyes Are Opened)
We trust that you will find these devotions helpful on your spiritual walk with Christ. Please meditate on the Scripture passages, understand the story in context, then reflect on how this story relates to your life today. May God bless you this Easter season.
SCRIPTURE: Read Luke 24:28-35
SUMMARY: On the same day of Jesus’ resurrection, two disciples are walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, discussing the recent events concerning Jesus’ crucifixion and the reports of his resurrection.
As they walk and talk, Jesus himself joins them on the road, but they do not recognize him. Jesus engages them in conversation, asking them about their discussion and why they seem downcast.
The disciples express their disappointment and disbelief regarding the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion and the reports of his resurrection.
Jesus begins to explain the Scriptures to them, starting from Moses and all the prophets, showing how all of Scripture foretold the Messiah’s suffering and glory.
Upon reaching Emmaus, the disciples invite Jesus to stay with them, as it is getting late. During the meal, Jesus takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them. In that moment, their eyes are opened, and they recognize him as Jesus, but he vanishes from their sight.
Filled with excitement and understanding, the disciples rush back to Jerusalem to share the news of their encounter with Jesus. They find the eleven apostles and others gathered together, and they recount how they recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread.
This passage highlights Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, demonstrating how Jesus reveals himself through the Scriptures and in the breaking of bread, confirming his resurrection to his followers.
STORY: Requesting Jesus to abide with us, and to break bread (or commune) with us (Luke 24:28-29)
SELF-EXAMINATION: As followers of Jesus, we totally enjoy the times that we spend with Christ, like when we read his Word, worship him in the sanctuary, fellowship and grow spiritually within a community of other believers. But notice the plea we read in Luke 24:29, “they urged him, saying, stay with us” since the day was almost finished.
- Is there a time in your life when this situation described you? You recognized your need to be with Jesus; you were not ready to move on, or for him to move on.
- When did you last urge or beg for the presence of Christ? Where were you? What was happening in your life?
- What were you going through at that time? What did you learn? What was God teaching you?
- What was your relationship with Jesus like back then? Casual? Committed? Sold out? On the fringe? Perhaps non-existent?
- What has changed since that time? Are you closer or farther away than you once were?
Note the context, Jesus had already revealed himself, where he, “explained to them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27). Apparently, his work was done here and he was ready to move on to find other people who have not yet heard this good news of the resurrection and personal redemption. Perhaps other disciples needed to be encouraged. Then these disciples made the ask, for Jesus to stay with them, and Jesus decides to stay with them for a while. The hospitality of these disciples welcomed Jesus into their home and to eat around their table. It was in this atmosphere, their eyes were opened to the reality and identity of their guest. Only after seeing Jesus bless and break the bread did they recognize him.
- In what situations might you see Jesus more clearly?
- When is it the hardest to recognize Jesus?
SOUL-SEARCHING: I suppose that walking with Jesus is an ongoing adventure where we start each day with a desire and invitation for Jesus to walk through this life with us. To stay with us. To not leave us. Believers love being connected to the only source of life and meaning of this earthly existence.
- Is that your desire? If not, why not?
- Do you earnestly want Jesus to abide in you? Does that inspire concern or freedom?
- Is it your passion to abide in Jesus? What will it take to get closer to Christ?
John 15 is a great passage of Scripture that teaches us about abiding in Christ. Here are a few points to note…
- Every branch is destined and designed to produce fruit (John 15:2a).
- Every branch is pruned by the Father to produce MORE fruit (John 15:2b).
- Our God is glorified when we produce MUCH fruit (John 15:5)
- Bearing much fruit is the sure sign that we belong to Christ (John 15:8).
It is a popular belief that we must work harder to make it through this life, but is that what Jesus really wants? For us to work harder? That sort of sounds like our salvation or success in our spiritual life is all up to US. While it is true that we must make an effort (spiritual growth does not come by itself), Jesus teaches that we bear MUCH fruit only when we abide in him and allow him to abide in us. God provides the growth. If this abiding relationship is not present in your life, then there is no bearing fruit, because without HIM we can do nothing (John 15:5).
- Do you invite Jesus to stay with you, to be close to you, and in a position of influence in your life? Every day?
- Do you allow him to stay with you at home, in the office, at the gym, or at school? Or do you just want him to be near when you’re at church?
- Have you made the request for his daily presence? Or do you just assume he is near but don’t think much about him throughout the day?
Think about what these disciples could have missed if they had not asked Jesus to stay with them! They would have never known it was Jesus who was walking along the road and talking with them. Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus. Let Jesus be an unmistakable presence in everyday life.