Dave’s Monday Blast – May 15, 2023
Three weeks ago Pastor Phil shared the account of the resurrected Christ unexpectedly joining two of His disciples on the Road to Emmaus. They were on their way home after spending the weekend in Jerusalem where they had celebrated Passover and attended Sabbath. It is an interesting account found only in Luke 24:13 – 35. They were discussing the unexpected events of the weekend when a stranger (Jesus) joined them for their seven mile journey. They were amazed that Jesus claimed not to know all of what had transpired (Luke 24:18).
The May 1, 2023 Featured Article from InTouch Ministries summarizes their interaction with this phrase: Experiencing loss isn’t easy. But God walks with us. The author(s) of this article comment: “The crucifixion and then that empty tomb caused the disciples extreme pain and confusion. These were very hard losses”. You and I experience very hard losses. It begs the question: How does Christ handle our sorrows? In answer to this question the author(s) comment: “More deftly than the best surgeon. More carefully than the wisest teacher. And with greater forethought than any other leader. Jesus well knew that though He had returned from the grave, He’d soon depart again which would cause them additional confusion, sense of loss and pain. But, He’d already handled this, too.”
Cleopas and his companion (Phil called him Bob) left Jerusalem, perhaps feeling there was no longer a good reason to stay the course He had set them upon (vs. 13 & 18). Their state of mind was obvious as they were discussing the events of the weekend (vs.14 – 15). It is comforting to ponder with other believers the things that trouble us, especially when experiences are shared. In that sense, the Emmaus road story, which reveals relationships centered on Jesus even before He appears, presents a timeless and reassuring picture of the church.
As the account unfolds, Jesus and the companions traveled together till they reached the disciples’ destination. The men strongly urged Jesus to stay with them (v. 29). The Greek verb for urged means to constrain, to be powerfully persuasive, or even to force. The passage suggests that Jesus sometimes allows Himself to be prevailed upon (I love that idea). The disciples’ insistence led to an extraordinary experience with Christ. The author(s) suggest you reflect upon the following: What can you conclude about the role of urgency in spiritual life? Add their passionate plea (v. 29) to have Jesus stay with them: abide with us, or their comments to one another after He departed from them: Were our hearts not burning within us? in v. 32 to your conclusions. The author(s) ask this question: What does it show us about the power of Christ’s presence in times of pain?
Upon His ascension, marking the end of His physical presence on earth, He provided Someone to comfort us just as He comforted the disciples on that dusty road in Israel. INTENTIONAL men of God know this Someone to be the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49). I encourage you to read John 14:16 – 26 today to discover what our Savior says about this Someone who is tasked with handling our sorrows.
