Easter evening walk to Emmaus E - 8
Later on the day that we call Easter, Jesus took a walk with some of his followers who knew Jesus, but it seems that they knew him in a more impersonal way, a factual way, a theological way. Good men to be sure, but they simply hadn’t made the kind of personal contact that Mary Magdalene had. But Jesus knew that these two followers needed teaching and inspiration; they needed to see the big picture and how everything was interrelated. They knew him in their heads; she knew Him in her heart. (Mary’s Easter story is found elsewhere in BUT NOW).
Now on that same day (Easter Sunday), two of (Jesus’ followers) were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking to each other about everything that had happened. As they talked … Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.
He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?” Jesus said, “What things?”
“About Jesus of Nazareth … the chief priests and our rulers crucified him; but we had hoped he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And in addition, some of our women ... told us of a vision of angels, who said he was alive.”
And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, (Jesus) explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going … Jesus went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and Jesus disappeared from their sight. 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?”
They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem ... they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and said, “It is true! The Lord has risen…”
John 20, (NIV)
Jesus knew that these two followers needed teaching and inspiration; they needed to see the big picture and how everything was interrelated.
Jesus planned that visit to meet their particular personalities.
Sometimes people like you and I attend church for years and we have learned about Jesus, but we haven’t yet met Jesus. Meeting him personally, and experiencing his overwhelming personal attention, is what “BUT NOW” is all about!
1) Is it possible that the two disciples walking to Emmaus with Jesus just might have assumed that this stranger was “out of it” and out of touch, that He didn’t know about current events, and that they would have to bring Him “up to speed”?
2) The approach Jesus took toward them was different that toward Mary earlier on Easter morning. Why?
3) Can you see that Jesus treats everyone in a special way, a way unique to that person, a way that is perfect for that person? You will “meet” Him in a way special and meaningful to you, a way that will be different from everybody else!
4) Jesus wanted everyone to know that His resurrection was for everyone, including YOU! Can you sense this great news?
5) What does it mean when we learn the two walkers experienced their “hearts burning” as Jesus explained the Scriptures? Has this kind of blessing ever happened to you?
6) Do you know only about Jesus, like the two walkers, or are you like Mary, who experienced personally His life changing power for comfort and healing?
7) Perhaps you have realized by reflecting on the above question that you only know “about” Jesus, but you have not met Him personally. He wants you to hear Him call you by your first name.
8) Simply ask Him to come and then get to know Him! Begin a conversation with Jesus asking Him to reveal Himself to you, to call you by name and to reveal His love for you.
He calls you by your first name, AND He is calling you now!