Tuesday 21 January, 2020

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” 25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

Angels have come to speak with Mary, Joanna and his mother Mary at the tomb of Jesus, early Sunday morning – to tell them “He is risen” “He is alive”.  Now later that day we find Jesus walking with two disciples Cleopas and his friend on the 7 mile journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus.  On this walk Jesus “carefully unveils to them the revelation of himself throughout the Scripture.  He starts from the beginning and explained the writings of Moses and all the prophets, showing about how they wrote about Him and revealed the truth about Himself.”

This 7 mile walk becomes a life changing journey for Cleopas and his friend.  They open their home to welcome Him to dinner and stay.  As He breaks bread and blesses it before their eyes, they are suddenly aware that Jesus Himself is here with them.  They are so overcome by joy at this meeting with Jesus, they walk back 7 miles to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples.

I wonder if we gather together and talk about Jesus – He might manifest Himself in our midst.   It reminds me how important it is to gather in a Connect Group with each other.  To share a meal together.  To share communion together.  To open our home and our dinner table to others.  Jesus is so often present in those moments. 

In our busy lives we can neglect what is important.  Demands scream at us; however I think the most important time is around a dinner table.  Make 2020 a time to gather with others and see if Jesus turns up!!

Lord help us to manage our time so we prioritise time with you and time with each other.  Help us to carve out time into our schedules to Make Room for others.  Come and be with us as we gather at the dinner table.

Written by Ps. Sue Botta