The Road to Emmaus

A couple of days ago as my wife and I were looking at an old picture hanging on our wall, she said that this picture "used to be" her all time favorite. She said it didn't mean as much to her anymore. No doubt you've seen it; the one that shows Jesus pointing the way … Down the road? To Heaven? I'm not sure anymore where He's pointing. I guess each one must decide for himself where Jesus is pointing us to.

Anyway, that got me thinking about the story that follows; how Jesus starts walking with us on our journey and then … well read on; I think you will understand.

This story is found in Luke 24:13-32 …

The very day of the resurrection of Jesus, two of the many disciples or followers He had were walking on the road that led to a village called Emmaus, which is about seven miles from Jerusalem. We only know the identity of one of them by name, a man called Cleopas who evidently lived in the village.

While these two men were talking with each other about all the things that had just occurred; Jesus Himself caught up with them and walked along with them for a while, but even then they did not recognize who He was.

Jesus sensing their sorrow and heaviness asks them, "What is it that has affected you so deeply?" They then stood still, looking sad and downcast.

Cleopas answered Him, "You must be the only visitor in Jerusalem who does not know what has occurred there these last few days." Jesus said to them, "What things?" Cleopas discloses the state of his own mind in his response back to Jesus. In his narrative there is hardly anything connected together; important points are referred to, but not explained, although he considered the person to whom he was speaking a stranger, entirely unacquainted with the events of the past 3 days. Cleopas in the narration he presents cannot help but mix in his own hopes and fears along with the confusion about Jesus that must dwell within his heart.

Jesus then said to them, (hopefully in a kind way) they were "dull in perception and slow to believe." Then He proceeded to explain and interpret to them all the things in the Scriptures concerning and referring to Him.

When they came to the village of Emmaus Jesus acted as if He would go further; but they urged and insisted for Him to stay with them, which He did ... for a while.

Later, eating at a table with them, He took bread, gave God thanks and asked a blessing; then broke it and was giving it to them (as He had done before) when their eyes were instantly opened and they recognized Jesus … and then He just vanished or just suddenly departed and quickly left their home.

I find this story interesting; almost to the point of wanting to make doctrine out of it. Have you ever thought about what happened to these two disciples as they walked on one of their highways of life, which just happened to be the road to Emmaus, has also happened to you? Let me explain what I am talking about.

This will not be doctrine … but its close.

These two men traveling down "the road of life" were questioning the situation they found themselves in. Sound familiar? Who hasn't done that, right? They needed answers … so who comes along, walking right into the middle of their lives with the answers they wanted and needed; God Himself, in the form of Jesus. He wasn't even invited. He just caught up to them while they were walking through life.

Can He do that? I thought He didn't come if you didn't want Him? Well, the reality is … many times He does. Do you know why? Because we are searching and looking for answers to the questions in our inner soul; answers that we can't find anywhere else.

Jesus has the answers; no … He is the answer.

When He catches up with us, He starts walking beside us, teaching us the Word, showing us Who He is and pointing us to our Emmaus, just like in the painting.

He leads us uphill, downhill, through the valleys, in the cold rain, hot sun, even darkness … it doesn't matter to Jesus; evidently He wants us to experience it all.

He just sticks with us, to a point … and then He just vanishes, disappears and leaves us on our own … or so it seems. Something changes … what is it? All we have left sometimes during a trial, when we feel alone, is something that He planted in us; one little seed that's supposed to do it all called … "faith."

That seed of "faith" if watered will grow; yes, slowly … but it's growing.

Just as these two men in Emmaus said after Jesus left them …"didn't our hearts burn within while He was here"… the memory that's left isn't enough.

But what are we to do? Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. You may feel like you are walking in a valley; even "Death Valley." But remember, there is a verse in Psalms that says you walk "through" the valley, you don't stay in it; you will get through it. Just keep walking.

Jesus didn't really leave you; even if some of the time you can't see, hear or even feel Him anymore … He's there. He's allowing you to prove to yourself that you really do "trust" Him. I know, I've said it before also …"thanks a lot"… Lord.

If it was easy … It wouldn't take "faith."