Your walk to Emmaus
Christians around the world celebrated their most high Holy Day this past weekend–the commemoration and celebration of the Passover Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who was found without blemish, was crucified, buried and risen, overcame sin and death that those who believe may have everlasting life. Many pastors saw folks that they see maybe twice a year–the other time being Christmas. Many may have celebrated at home with family and friends, having a more traditional Passover Seder or reading of the Holy Scriptures. It is a day when most everyone who claims to be a follower of Christ comes together in some way. Then they go home. And often just go about their lives. But there is so much more.
The story of Christ after his resurrection gives us insight into how we are to walk out our faith. I am reminded of the account in Luke 24 about the two men on their way to Emmaus when Jesus walked with them after he had resurrected. Their “eyes were holden that they did not recognize him.” They told Jesus what had happened in Jerusalem during Passover and how Jesus of Nazareth had been crucified.” Jesus, as he continued to walk with them, explained (verse 27), “beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” He sat with them to eat and, Verse 31 says, “their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.”
Luke 24:32 says, “And they said one to another, did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” These guys were so excited that they ran back to Jerusalem only to find the disciples gathered together and told them of what happened. “And as they spoke, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and said unto them Peace be unto you.” And he explained to them how the things were fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning him. The men who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, and now the disciples, had a new understanding of the scriptures as explained by the resurrected Christ.
Christ remained on earth some 40 days after his resurrection and appeared to over 500 people. During this time, the disciples gained a clearer understanding of the scriptures and found a deeper meaning to their relationship with Christ Jesus. Jesus instructed them to go out and witness and make disciples. It must have been an amazing and terrible time to witness the fulfillment of those prophecies during that Passover. But how precious it was to walk with Jesus after he was resurrected. During these difficult times, as prophecies pointing toward the return of Jesus seem to be in process, it is ever more important to draw close to Jesus, to walk with him on our own road to Emmaus that we might have greater understanding and a stronger relationship with the one who died that we may live.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
