Luke 24:13–27 - 13 And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. 16 But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. 17 And He said to them, “What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, “Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?” 19 And He said to them, “What things?” And they said to Him, “The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the sentence of death, and crucified Him. 21 “But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. 22 “But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. 24 “Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see.” 25 And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 “Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. What does today’s passage say? In today's passage, two of Jesus' followers were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus discussing the recent events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion (vv. 13-14). As they were conversing, Jesus Himself approached and began walking with them, but they were kept from recognizing Him (vv. 15-16). Jesus asked them what they were talking about so intensely. They explained their hope that Jesus would be the promised redeemer of Israel, but the chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to be crucified (vv. 17-21). They further described reports from the women who discovered Jesus' empty tomb and a vision of angels declaring Him alive, yet Jesus' body was not found (vv. 22-24). Jesus then gently rebuked them for failing to believe the prophets foretelling that the Christ would suffer before entering His glory (vv. 25-26). Beginning with Moses and the prophets, Jesus interpreted for them all the Scripture passages referencing Himself (v. 27). How can I apply Luke 24:13-27 to my life? Life often veers in unexpected directions. Dreams slip through our fingers. Disillusionment dims hopeful optimism when prayers yield unanswered silence. Just as crushing disappointment clouded the outlook of Jesus’ followers walking the Emmaus road, we too can relate. Yet even in the midst of confusion and heartache, the Lord never withdraws His faithful presence. He continues extending invitations to draw near despite our wavering faith. How gracious that Christ bears with believers still struggling to grasp His purposes, even accusing Him of failing to meet expectations! May this account open our eyes in awe at the amazing mercy that Christ compassionately makes known to us in our weakness. Jesus meets us tenderly right where we are, then patiently builds our understanding through Scripture’s life-giving words. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
Know that Jesus is Always with You Even in the Unexpected Moments of Life (vv. 13-16): Jesus met two followers on the road to Emmaus when sadness and confusion clouded their journey. Even in ordinary moments, the Lord walks with us. Seek Him in routine activities, not just scheduled spiritual disciplines. Ask Him to open your eyes each day to perceive His comforting presence. Then you can pour out disappointments and questions freely, trusting He'll listen. Remembering that Christ accompanies you every step will give you perseverance when obstacles arise. Take heart in promises that nothing can separate you from His love and power if you've put faith in Him. God specializes in redeeming detours, delays, and struggles for His glory when we let Him shape the journey. Even when Monday feels mundane or you face a long recovery, remember Jesus' companionship makes the way purposeful. Talk with Him about your difficulties and hurts. Allow His Spirit to realign perspective with kingdom priorities when earthly plans unravel. As you walk through unfamiliar territory, anxieties can echo inside if you lose sight of the Savior beside you. Intentionally invite Him into each moment of your life. Lean into Him as struggles continue rather than trying to rush through on your own strength. Let Jesus transform mundane minutes into sacred spaces filled with eternal hope and perspective (Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:9, Psalm 23:4, Romans 8:35-39).
Food for Thought: Do you limit time with Jesus to church activities alone? How might you cultivate daily awareness of His presence in all areas of life?
Always Be Prepared to Tell Others About Jesus (vv. 17-24): When Jesus asked about the Emmaus disciples' conversation, they shared grief over His death. Instantly they relayed crucial Gospel facts to a stranger: Jesus' ministry, unjust execution, empty tomb, and angels proclaiming His resurrection. But they missed the most important detail - this very stranger was their risen Savior! We too must stay ready to communicate salvation essentials clearly at any moment, whether we know the listener's identity or not. As witnesses for Christ, speak grace-filled truth about sin, the Cross, and Christ's atoning sacrifice for all who repent and believe. Be prepared to explain new life through His conquest of death. You never know when the Holy Spirit has specially orchestrated an open door to convey the hope we have in Jesus. Stay freshly steeped in the Word so you can sprinkle it into everyday encounters. Pray for laid-open chances to scatter the seed of His redeeming love. If someone asks why you're peaceful despite problems, be ready with compassionate courage to point them towards the Source of joy that never fades. We may only have one opportunity with key individuals God strategically places in our path at the right moment. So, hide Scripture richly within so it overflows freely when divine openings occur (Isaiah 50:4, Colossians 4:5-6, 1 Peter 3:15).
Food for Thought: How can you grow more attentive to divine opportunities for witness in daily activities? What verses about salvation would you include?
Open Your Heart to the Whole Counsel of Scripture for Understanding (vv. 25-27): Jesus didn't just inform the Emmaus disciples - He guided them on an in-depth Bible study tour! Starting with Moses, the Lord interpreted all the Scriptures about Himself. Similarly, we benefit by welcoming Scripture's full scope. Don't shy away from the Old Testament, complex passages, or obscure details. Lean in wholeheartedly! Pray for the Spirit’s enlightenment to connect dots between prophecy and fulfillment. God embedded treasure troves just for you scattered throughout its pages. Ask for His heart, then carve out unhurried time to explore. Marvel at how themes interweave into one glorious story of redemption. Savor sweeter intimacy with the Author as you delve deeper into His library filled with love letters specifically addressed to you. The Lord delights to reveal Himself to diligent study. He will illuminate your purpose when you search the Bible eagerly seeking His wisdom and longing to encounter Him. Immerse yourself in His Word until His truth seeps deeply into your spirit. Determined exploration will always unearth more gems. Return continually to these treasured mines, for their value far surpasses any riches found on earth (Psalm 119:18, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12).
Food for Thought: Do you limit Bible reading only to favorite sections? What’s one new genre, book, or literary style you hope to study this year? What wonders the Lord works even in quiet obscurity like an overlooked village road far from Jerusalem's bustle. Yet this modest pathway transforms into holy ground as Jesus Himself draws near with kindness and wisdom to overwhelm ordinary sorrows with extraordinary hope. May this scene inspire fresh devotion to Christ's Word and readiness to witness for Him. For though the Emmaus disciples initially missed the Messiah right beside them, once Jesus opened their eyes, they raced to spread news of a risen Savior defying death's bonds. Ask God to illuminate Scripture until your heart burns within, unveiling layer upon layer of truth. Plead for grace to perceive His messages of hope. Then compel others onto paths of true eternal life by boldly proclaiming Christ's sacrifice and triumph. Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that You would set my heart ablaze with greater hunger for Your Word. Illumine its truth to transform my perceptions, priorities and purpose. Empower me to feast eagerly upon Scripture’s treasures until understanding overflows into passionate testimony about Your redemption plan made possible through Christ. Let resurrection power seep into my weakness. Make my faltering witness bold and courageous for the glory of Jesus’ name. I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Luke 24:27 - Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. With His Blessings, Pastor Corby
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