Meeting the Risen Jesus

Taking the bread, he blessed and broke and gave it to them. At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognised him; and then he disappeared – ‘Didn’t we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?’

Luke 24: 31–32 Message Study Bible

After Jesus’ resurrection, he made several appearances to his disciples,
to his friends, most likely to his mother (although that is not recorded),
to his half-brother James; and even to 500 people at one time,
as testified by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15: 6.
The Passover celebrations were over and many people were returning to their homes.
Disillusioned and exhausted, Cleopas and another unnamed disciple were walking towards Emmaus,
where they would spend the night. Their story and encounter with Jesus is told in Luke 24: 13–25.
They were not part of the inner circle of twelve,
but among the many who had been drawn to Jesus’ ministry of teaching and healing.

The two disciples left the others as they journeyed from Jerusalem to Emmaus.
They were conversing with one another dejectedly about the events which had taken place.
Jesus came and walked alongside them and asked them what were they discussing?
They were kept from recognising Jesus, and asked him ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem
who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’
Jesus asked them what things? They told him about Jesus of Nazareth,
who was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.
They had high hopes that he would be the Messiah
coming to liberate Israel from Roman occupation.
The chief priests and rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death and he was crucified.
After three days the women had gone to his tomb in the early morning to embalm Jesus’ body,
but found the tomb empty.

They knew the facts but had not been able to interpret them.
Jesus rebuked them for their lack of understanding of passages from Moses and the prophets,
and explained how they related to the Messiah.
Why hadn’t they understood that the Messiah would have to suffer before entering his glory?
If they had they would not be so downcast.
Almost certainly he would have referred to Isaiah 53 and the predicted sufferings of Jesus.
As they came near to Emmaus, Jesus gave the impression that he would leave them.
They invited him to stay with them as the day was almost over.
While Jesus was dining with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.
Then their eyes were opened and they recognised Him, and Jesus disappeared from their sight.
Then they returned to Jerusalem to share the joyful news with the others.

Let us reflect on the following points:

1. The two disciples missed the significance of history’s greatest event
   because they were so focused on their disappointments and problems;
   to the extent that they didn’t recognise Jesus who was walking beside them.
   Are we likely to miss Jesus and withdraw from the strength found in other believers
   when we become preoccupied with our frustrated plans?
   Only when we are looking for Jesus in our midst
   will we experience the power and help he can bring.
2. These disciples knew that the tomb was empty,
   but they still didn’t understand that Jesus had risen, as he had said:
   ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.’ (Matthew 26: 61)
   Today, despite all the witnesses, biblical prophecies,
   many still do not believe that Jesus rose from the dead, and is alive.
3. The disciples were so enthusiastic about their conversation with Jesus
   that they didn’t want to lose his company
   and invited him to spend the night with them in Emmaus.
   He had opened up the Old Testament to them. He was no longer a stranger but a friend.
   They believed the words of Jesus, and had proof of his resurrection.
   They had left Jerusalem dejected and sceptical, they returned as convinced believers.
   They had left in sorrow; they returned in joy.
4. Jesus was invited as their guest but he became the host as he broke bread and shared it.
   Reflect on how they recognised him through the action
   of blessing, breaking and sharing bread.
   Are there ways in which he comes to us through the Communion Service,
   sharing a meal with others or in our giving to those who are hungry?
5. Jesus does not force himself on us, He waits for an invitation to come in.
   ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door,
   I will come in to him, and will sup with him and he with me.’ (Revelation 3: 20 NIV).
   the precious gift of free will.

Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, help us to recognise and not miss your presence as you walk with us.
We know that often you come alongside us through others.
Father, please help us to make the reading of your Word a priority in our lives;
open your Scriptures to us and give us wisdom and discernment through your Holy Spirit.
‘He will guide you into all truth … and he will show you things to come.’ (John 16: 13 NIV)
Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Amen

Almighty God, we pray for Her Majesty, members and friends of the Royal Family,
as they mourn the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.
He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather
who was respected and loved by his family.
Millions of young people in the UK and the Commonwealth benefited from the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme which he pioneered.
The Duke was also the patron for hundreds of other charities
and will be remembered for his long life and selfless devotion to serving the United Kingdom.
Always he gave strong and wholehearted support to the Queen.

Father, we ask you to comfort, bless and guide Elizabeth our Queen,
as she comes to terms with the death of her husband, and life partner of over seventy years.
Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Amen

Excerpts from ’Time for Reflection’ by Ann Persson

Glynne Gordon-Carter