Reading
Luke 24:13-49
Devotional
The journey is the destination.
We’ve all heard variations on this idea, that what we experience along the way to wherever we’re going is as rewarding, sometimes more, as whatever we will find upon arrival. It’s the cliche reminders to stop and smell the roses, to enjoy the moment, to slow down, that these are the good old days… all hinting at some distinction between what is to come and what is present.
And while it’s speculation, of course, it would be entertaining to suggest that today’s passage on the Road to Emmaus is the start of that whole sentiment. Let’s explain:
We’re in the middle of the story about the Marys finding the tomb empty, and Jesus has appeared to them and told them to meet Him on ahead in Jerusalem. They run on, tell the disciples, all of whom reject the story as nonsense, except Peter. Meanwhile, Jesus gets to the road to Jerusalem.
Then, as He did over and over in His ministry on earth, Jesus interrupts whatever He was doing and opts for a side quest instead. He finds two disciples on their way to Emmaus—which is out of, away from, Jerusalem, by roughly seven miles—and He joins them on their journey. Just to be clear, Jesus is now going the wrong way to meet the disciples in Jerusalem. (Brief side quest of our own: Let’s pretend that disciples walk the same average pace per mile that we walk today. If so, we’re talking 1.5-2 hours one way from Jerusalem to Emmaus.)
And here Jesus approaches and asks what they’re talking about—the friendly “hello”, His actions always pointing to the Father, the same who would walk and talk daily in the garden with Adam and Eve. While the two on the road are surprised that He is clueless (or is it just that He likes to talk to us?), they proceed to tell Him the whole story, including their sadness and disappointment. He responds to explain the whole history of Himself in the Scriptures as they walk.
When they finally get near to Emmaus, Jesus pretends He’s going further, but the disciples pressure Him to stay, citing that it’s already late in the day. So they sit down together, where finally as He breaks the bread and blesses it, their eyes are opened to recognize Him.
(Side quest again: Paul seems to understand this phenomena too when he tells the Corinthians that “as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” As we do the things He commands, others recognize Him in our actions.)
Then Jesus disappears, and the disciples immediately get up to go back to Jerusalem to tell the others. Remember, these are the two that just told Jesus it was too late in the day to keep travelling. They’re seven miles away, and it’s dark now. But they make it back to the main crowd and finally affirm what the Marys and Peter have said.
And we have to laugh at this point. It’s late at night, the two disciples are in the middle of telling the others the whole day’s events, and Jesus shows up. And, after having spent hours with Him literally all day, they still don’t recognize Him, and are afraid because they think He’s a ghost. They still can’t believe it until He shows them His scars. And even then, they’re so amazed that He has to actually ask for something to eat (remember, He left the dinner earlier in Emmaus before the meal).
And so what’s the point of all the going back and forth, the eating and not eating, the disappearing and reappearing, and belief and disbelief? Each time, Jesus has to explain again what is going on. Though He’s exasperated by their confusion and doubts, He lays it all out again and again, going over the details and explaining the Scriptures. But it seems like He’s taking an inordinately long and roundabout way to do so when He could just jump to the end.
As we discussed on Easter, this is just the beginning of the story, not the end. And Jesus is showing them, glimpse by glimpse, what has really begun, with patience and love. And as anyone who has ever believed in anything knows, the journey is ongoing. We believe in the potential of future generations over time, not based on any one moment. This journey of belief and faith is going to be one where we continue to need to have our eyes opened. We need the scenic route and the side quests because there is something about His continued Presence that changes us and our perspective.
Which is not to say that His future coming won’t be glorious. Bet on that, but just like a homecoming of a dear friend or family member, the option to know Him deeply, that we might recognize Him, is available now while we await that joyful reunion. Jesus takes the long road, out of His way, for the sake of yet one more chance to show us the Father and help us understand the richness of all that is both now and still to come, that we could really savor the new life available.
Can we take all that He has shown us of love enacted and understand the fullness of faith that it initiates? As we love one another, may we embrace the journey, both expectant of the end and joyfully grateful for His company along the way.
A Prayer for Each Moment
God Who Meets Us,
You patiently walk with us, even taking the long route, so that we might understand and know You. Open our eyes and hearts again and again that our faith might compound, that we would experience the fullness of joy that is Your presence, and that we may bring glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit—as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen
A Prayer for Each Other
Our Father,
In each day’s journey, You support us and offer us wise counsel, wiping away our tears, erasing our shame, and removing our doubts. May we fully embrace the heritage of hope You have given us, choosing to share life with each other in sincerity and truth.
Amen
Blessing
May this week give us opportunities to be amazed and joyful that God is with us, showing us the path to life.
Luke 24:13-49
Devotional
The journey is the destination.
We’ve all heard variations on this idea, that what we experience along the way to wherever we’re going is as rewarding, sometimes more, as whatever we will find upon arrival. It’s the cliche reminders to stop and smell the roses, to enjoy the moment, to slow down, that these are the good old days… all hinting at some distinction between what is to come and what is present.
And while it’s speculation, of course, it would be entertaining to suggest that today’s passage on the Road to Emmaus is the start of that whole sentiment. Let’s explain:
We’re in the middle of the story about the Marys finding the tomb empty, and Jesus has appeared to them and told them to meet Him on ahead in Jerusalem. They run on, tell the disciples, all of whom reject the story as nonsense, except Peter. Meanwhile, Jesus gets to the road to Jerusalem.
Then, as He did over and over in His ministry on earth, Jesus interrupts whatever He was doing and opts for a side quest instead. He finds two disciples on their way to Emmaus—which is out of, away from, Jerusalem, by roughly seven miles—and He joins them on their journey. Just to be clear, Jesus is now going the wrong way to meet the disciples in Jerusalem. (Brief side quest of our own: Let’s pretend that disciples walk the same average pace per mile that we walk today. If so, we’re talking 1.5-2 hours one way from Jerusalem to Emmaus.)
And here Jesus approaches and asks what they’re talking about—the friendly “hello”, His actions always pointing to the Father, the same who would walk and talk daily in the garden with Adam and Eve. While the two on the road are surprised that He is clueless (or is it just that He likes to talk to us?), they proceed to tell Him the whole story, including their sadness and disappointment. He responds to explain the whole history of Himself in the Scriptures as they walk.
When they finally get near to Emmaus, Jesus pretends He’s going further, but the disciples pressure Him to stay, citing that it’s already late in the day. So they sit down together, where finally as He breaks the bread and blesses it, their eyes are opened to recognize Him.
(Side quest again: Paul seems to understand this phenomena too when he tells the Corinthians that “as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” As we do the things He commands, others recognize Him in our actions.)
Then Jesus disappears, and the disciples immediately get up to go back to Jerusalem to tell the others. Remember, these are the two that just told Jesus it was too late in the day to keep travelling. They’re seven miles away, and it’s dark now. But they make it back to the main crowd and finally affirm what the Marys and Peter have said.
And we have to laugh at this point. It’s late at night, the two disciples are in the middle of telling the others the whole day’s events, and Jesus shows up. And, after having spent hours with Him literally all day, they still don’t recognize Him, and are afraid because they think He’s a ghost. They still can’t believe it until He shows them His scars. And even then, they’re so amazed that He has to actually ask for something to eat (remember, He left the dinner earlier in Emmaus before the meal).
And so what’s the point of all the going back and forth, the eating and not eating, the disappearing and reappearing, and belief and disbelief? Each time, Jesus has to explain again what is going on. Though He’s exasperated by their confusion and doubts, He lays it all out again and again, going over the details and explaining the Scriptures. But it seems like He’s taking an inordinately long and roundabout way to do so when He could just jump to the end.
As we discussed on Easter, this is just the beginning of the story, not the end. And Jesus is showing them, glimpse by glimpse, what has really begun, with patience and love. And as anyone who has ever believed in anything knows, the journey is ongoing. We believe in the potential of future generations over time, not based on any one moment. This journey of belief and faith is going to be one where we continue to need to have our eyes opened. We need the scenic route and the side quests because there is something about His continued Presence that changes us and our perspective.
Which is not to say that His future coming won’t be glorious. Bet on that, but just like a homecoming of a dear friend or family member, the option to know Him deeply, that we might recognize Him, is available now while we await that joyful reunion. Jesus takes the long road, out of His way, for the sake of yet one more chance to show us the Father and help us understand the richness of all that is both now and still to come, that we could really savor the new life available.
Can we take all that He has shown us of love enacted and understand the fullness of faith that it initiates? As we love one another, may we embrace the journey, both expectant of the end and joyfully grateful for His company along the way.
A Prayer for Each Moment
God Who Meets Us,
You patiently walk with us, even taking the long route, so that we might understand and know You. Open our eyes and hearts again and again that our faith might compound, that we would experience the fullness of joy that is Your presence, and that we may bring glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit—as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen
A Prayer for Each Other
Our Father,
In each day’s journey, You support us and offer us wise counsel, wiping away our tears, erasing our shame, and removing our doubts. May we fully embrace the heritage of hope You have given us, choosing to share life with each other in sincerity and truth.
Amen
Blessing
May this week give us opportunities to be amazed and joyful that God is with us, showing us the path to life.