Seeing the unexpected Jesus

Luke 24:13-27

¹³ Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles 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.

I find it hard to fault the two disciples who walked to Emmaus. Not just because they were kept from recognising Jesus, but also because I can find myself burdened by circumstances that cloud my heart from Jesus, leaving me sometimes oblivious to how He is working in my life.

This story acts as a reminder that as we journey through the unknown, let us open our eyes to recognise Jesus amid our conversations, doubts, and uncertainties. And just as He unfolded the Scriptures to the disciples, may our hearts burn within us as we come to understand His purpose in every step of our lives.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word that reveals who You are to us. Help us to recognise You in all we do, feeling Your presence with us. Thank You for walking beside us, in the good and the bad, every step of the way.
In your precious name, Jesus. Amen

Written by Sven Bessesen