Larry Devich
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Wednesday of Lent 3 - The Road to Emmaus
Read: Luke 24:13-35
He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. (Lk. 24:30)
Two men are walking back to Emmaus, two of the many who had made their
pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover. They're sober and subdued as they walk
and talk, reviewing the recent events in Jerusalem.
A third man joins them, perhaps another pilgrim on the way home, and
inquires about their conversation. They're amazed: is this the only man who
doesn't know what's happened in Jerusalem? Cleopas vents the news: Jesus of
Nazareth...mighty in deed...condemned and crucified...it was hoped He would
redeem Israel. Sure, some women reported that He was risen, but they're not
buying it. Sad.
If Cleopas is expecting a sympathetic ear, he's in for a surprise. The stranger
responds, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets
have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into
His glory?" And then, rather than lapse into self-pity or shattered dreams, the
stranger walks them through the Scripture to demonstrate that things have gone
exactly the way God intended for the salvation of the world. The rebuke is
enough to make their hearts burn within them.
They reach the village; and as the preacher makes to go farther down the
road, they ask him to abide with them there. He consents, and the meal is
prepared. Strangely, though, the guest becomes the host. It is he who takes the
bread, blesses and breaks it, gives it to them...and vanishes.
It wasn't just a man. It was the Man. Jesus has walked them home and
convinced them of His resurrection. So much for staying home at night:
Cleopas and his friend hoof it back to Jerusalem to tell the others as fast as they
can.
As you meditate upon this story, consider this: risen from the dead, how does
Jesus deal with people? We had the example of the disciples yesterday; there,
Jesus came to be present with them. He spoke His Word to declare forgiveness
and peace. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus invites Himself into the conversation
of two distraught followers. He speaks His Law to rebuke them for their doubt,
and He preaches His Gospel to strengthen their faith. Not only that, but He
gathers them to a meal where He Himself is the Host. The language of that
dinner is very reminiscent of Holy Communion: He takes bread, blesses, breaks
and gives it. Whether or not He is celebrating the Sacrament or not, I'll leave to
the many journal articles on the subject. What is clear is this: the Lord Jesus is
present (body , blood and all!) with His people there, forgiving their sins,
strengthening faith and giving hope.
Where is He today? The same Lord, still risen from the dead, still deals with
His people as He did with those in Emmaus: He visits them, fully present with
them, speaking His Word and hosting His Supper. True, He has ascended into
heaven (we'll discuss that tomorrow); but even as the Lord in heaven led His
people out of Egypt in a cloud, He comes to them today. ¶ 3/14/2007 09:00:00 AM 0 Comments
He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. (Lk. 24:30)
Two men are walking back to Emmaus, two of the many who had made their
pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover. They're sober and subdued as they walk
and talk, reviewing the recent events in Jerusalem.
A third man joins them, perhaps another pilgrim on the way home, and
inquires about their conversation. They're amazed: is this the only man who
doesn't know what's happened in Jerusalem? Cleopas vents the news: Jesus of
Nazareth...mighty in deed...condemned and crucified...it was hoped He would
redeem Israel. Sure, some women reported that He was risen, but they're not
buying it. Sad.
If Cleopas is expecting a sympathetic ear, he's in for a surprise. The stranger
responds, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets
have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into
His glory?" And then, rather than lapse into self-pity or shattered dreams, the
stranger walks them through the Scripture to demonstrate that things have gone
exactly the way God intended for the salvation of the world. The rebuke is
enough to make their hearts burn within them.
They reach the village; and as the preacher makes to go farther down the
road, they ask him to abide with them there. He consents, and the meal is
prepared. Strangely, though, the guest becomes the host. It is he who takes the
bread, blesses and breaks it, gives it to them...and vanishes.
It wasn't just a man. It was the Man. Jesus has walked them home and
convinced them of His resurrection. So much for staying home at night:
Cleopas and his friend hoof it back to Jerusalem to tell the others as fast as they
can.
As you meditate upon this story, consider this: risen from the dead, how does
Jesus deal with people? We had the example of the disciples yesterday; there,
Jesus came to be present with them. He spoke His Word to declare forgiveness
and peace. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus invites Himself into the conversation
of two distraught followers. He speaks His Law to rebuke them for their doubt,
and He preaches His Gospel to strengthen their faith. Not only that, but He
gathers them to a meal where He Himself is the Host. The language of that
dinner is very reminiscent of Holy Communion: He takes bread, blesses, breaks
and gives it. Whether or not He is celebrating the Sacrament or not, I'll leave to
the many journal articles on the subject. What is clear is this: the Lord Jesus is
present (body , blood and all!) with His people there, forgiving their sins,
strengthening faith and giving hope.
Where is He today? The same Lord, still risen from the dead, still deals with
His people as He did with those in Emmaus: He visits them, fully present with
them, speaking His Word and hosting His Supper. True, He has ascended into
heaven (we'll discuss that tomorrow); but even as the Lord in heaven led His
people out of Egypt in a cloud, He comes to them today. ¶ 3/14/2007 09:00:00 AM 0 Comments
