| Read Luke 24:25-36 Two of Jesus’ followers (one named Cleopas) are walking to Emmaus, lamenting Jesus’ death and seemingly having lost faith in him. Jesus (in hidden form) starts walking with them but they don’t recognise him (#). After they explain why they are so downcast, Jesus (in hidden form) rebukes them and takes them on a roller coaster ride through the Old Testament scriptures pointing out all the passages that point to the Messiah (himself)(*). They then convince Jesus (in hidden form) to have a meal with them (Who wouldn’t? He is amazing!). They sit down and let him break the bread and give thanks for the meal. At this point their eyes are opened and they recognise that Jesus is with them. The same Jesus who they had hoped might be the Messiah. The same Jesus who they thought was dead. The same Jesus who they thought had possibly been taken from the tomb (no, he’d been risen to everlasting life by God the Father!). Suddenly, Jesus disappears from their presence…but they don’t suddenly say he must have been a ghost or spirit. No, they looked at each other and talked about the inexpressible joy they felt burn within them as they had heard Jesus teach them from the Old Testament. Jesus had really walked with them, talked to them, taught them and shared food with them. He is real and he is risen. What an amazing and immensely joyous moment that must have been!! They head straight out of the house and back to Jerusalem. This would have been the easiest 7 Miles (11 km) they had ever travelled, I think. They look for the disciples and Jesus’ followers and share with them the amazing news – Jesus the Messiah is risen! Oh Glorious Day!! By Ian Coutts (Gospel Community Vision Coordinator) |
Reflection Questions
- Why does Jesus say they are foolish? Can you relate to them struggling to believe?
- What is verse 26 about, and particularly what does Messiah mean?
- Verse 27 says – “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” What do you think he might have revealed about himself from the Old Testament? (*)
- After Jesus broke bread and gave it to them, they suddenly recognised Jesus. How? What does this mean? (see also verse 16).
- Why do you think their hearts ‘burned inside of them’ when Jesus opened the scriptures to them? (vs 32). Has your heart burnt inside of you as you been taught from God’s word about Jesus? If you can, share your testimony about Jesus with another.
Family Around the Table
If you had been there, do you think you would have recognised Jesus? Which verse helps you work out that answer? Discuss what it means to truly see and know Jesus. (#)
Extra reading:
(#) https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/thabiti-anyabwile/would-you-recognize-jesus/
(*) https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/epic-bible-study-time/
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