Wednesday 22 January, 2020

28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Wouldn’t we all love to be on the road when Jesus revealed the significance of the Old Testament scriptures, fulfilled in himself! A session of unlocking the promises and plans of God. Wow!

This account continues the events as Jesus gradually revealed himself to his closest followers. I’m fascinated how he chose to come along side these travellers rather than head straight for the Eleven who were gathered together in town.

Even more to notice that it was not until he had performed an everyday task of breaking bread (that is blessing and sharing their meal) that these two friends recognised Jesus. It was an act they would have seen him do countless times over the years together, so familiar it all suddenly became clear to them – this was really Jesus.

This demonstrates two things to me.  Jesus is about relationship with us, just like he was with these friends. Sharing a meal in someone’s home is all about relationship. Secondly, God reveals himself in the everyday, all the time. Many people seek a special moment of revelation of God’s presence, but God reveals himself in the normal everyday, when I am seeking him, day after day. It could be through his Word, or the word of a Christian friend just at the perfect moment. It could be as I pray and know he is with me, or as I serve and bring blessing to others.

Dear Lord Jesus. You spent time with two of your shattered friends who thought they had lost you. You brought incredible hope. Thank you that day by day, not just on Sundays, in your love you reveal yourself to me by your Holy Spirit and bring hope. Speak to me today. Amen

Written by Claire Moore