Would you know it was Jesus?

Would you know it was Jesus?

Who else saw Jesus see after he had shed his burial clothes?

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaeus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. (Luke 24) They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them, but they were kept from recognizing him. This I do not understand--somehow, his appearance was not recognizable to them, two of his followers. . . and this was clearly divinely intentioned, though I am not sure why. . .

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?" >All locals would have known.

"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. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 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. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see." >And you see, it was common knowledge--accepted fact.

He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. >How blessed the travelers were! I would give anything to hear Jesus impart this history to them! I do not understand why his identity was kept from their understanding . . .

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 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.

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, >but why?? and he 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?" >So, somehow, they knew within themselves, and yet they didn't believe it was the Resurrected One talking and walking with them . . .it wasn't until Jesus broke the bread--then the familiar was unmistakable. What makes Jesus unmistakable to you, my friend?

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There [on the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews,] they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. Luke 24.13-35

We find ourselves on the dusty road to Emmaeus, wondering why in the world those with whom he walked and talked did not recognize him? And then, I say--do I always recognize the voice, the maneuverings of the Savior? I fear not.

How about you? Did you recognize him trying to get your attention when you needed a touch of the Divine, and you even prayed for it, vowing that you would follow him, if he would just grant you this one request? Did you then put your trust in him when you got out of your jam------or did you marvel at your luck, the happy twist of fate, your good karma, or the coincidence?

Did you recognize his attempt to get you to look his way, when you bumped up against someone who was just too kind, too good to be true, too sure and reflective of a loving God--and doggonit, you wanted some of that--but no, you just couldn't become the fool?

How about when your baby daughter was born, and there you were, at the miracle of new birth, with the purest of feelings coursing through you, and then life went on-------you got busy again. . . and the miracle God had wrought was forgotten? Do you realize that Jesus visited you that day? You might as well have been on the road to Emmaeus, because you didn't recognize him.

This is a new day. This is the day the Lord has made--and you have a choice--will you, like the psalmist say, "I will rejoice and be glad in it"? I pray so. Will you ask God to lead and guide you, and then will you look for him to do so? Will you hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way, walk in it"? If you are seeking Him like Isaiah did, then you will. . .

Your road may take you from a rough road in your Kenyan town to another down the road . . . your road make take you from a blue highway to a red highway, your road may take you through bumper-to-bumper traffic or painful personal hurdles, but your Savior walks beside you, if you will just look for him, recognize him. . . abide in him, and he will abide in you.

Christine

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