An Encounter on the Road

                         “They asked each other: ‘Didn’t our hearts burn within us, while he talked with us

                          by the way and while he opened to us the scripture?” - Luke 24:32

   If you could go back in time to witness any event in biblical history, which event would you choose?

   Would it be:

     At creation, where the void was filled with light at God’s command?

     With Noah, as the animals were all safely gathered and the rains commenced?

     With Moses, as the sea parted and the entire nation of Israel fled on dry ground to the safety of the

     desert on the other side?

     Or, as a Christian, would you want to be in the presence of the Lord when he performed one of

     His miracles?

   I think I would choose the account of the gospel road - the road to Emmaus - as that encapsulates an awakening from darkness and doubt to belief in Jesus Christ. It is the gospel in action. In it, we see that belief and understanding come from God and the warming of the Holy Spirit.  In this we see the hope of faith and our lack of understanding being bridged by the love of God which teaches us and carries us.

  To set the stage, take a moment to really reflect on the confusion and uncertainty of the period from Jesus’ Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem through the dawning of Easter morning.  This is a classic example of going from the highest mountain top to the lowest valley.  We have the luxury of knowing the whole story, from start to finish, but we often fail to appreciate that we do. On Easter morning Jesus appeared to the women at the tomb, then later to the disciples, and then to over 500 witnesses. If we are not careful and discerning readers, we can assume that all was crystal clear.  When I was young, I had always thought that the event on the Road took place a few days later.  But the encounter in verse 13 reveals that it is still the same day, meaning it was late afternoon on the Day of the Resurrection! I wonder how many realize this fact?

  Think of the events and the confusion of about what had happened over those two days between Friday and Sunday.  Think of the rumors, the conversations and the intensity that must have gripped everyone. There was a great deal to discuss on the road to Emmaus. ‘What was the meaning of the events? What was to happen in the future? Can you picture someone saying; “I didn’t think it was supposed to happen like that!” Does this sound similar to how we discuss contemporary world events?

  The companions were sure that “they had seen this man before.”  Verse 18 infers that he had also just left Jerusalem. But despite this feeling, his identity remained a mystery. Scripture tells us their eyes were kept from recognizing Jesus, just like the encounter at the tomb, earlier that morning. It was obvious there was something different about this man. Asking what their conversation was about and being unfamiliar with the emotion and passion of the two travelers, this disconnect seemed to be odd. ‘Are you the only one in Jerusalem that is unaware of recent events?’ they ask. Verse 17 tells us the two were downcast and dispirited at the loss of their beloved teacher. Then they reveal their theological understanding of how he was the One predicted to come. “What things?” Jesus asks concerning this understanding of himself.

              “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet, mighty in deed and word before

                 God and all the people; and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be

                  condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem

                  Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things have happened.

                  Moreover, some of the women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb,

                  early in the morning and when they did not find the body, they cam back saying that they

                  had even seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of those who were with us

                  went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him, they did not see.”

  What do we make of these expectations? They were based on what was known of past prophets and past predictions. But why couldn’t they see Jesus? This gospel is biblical and hopeful, but it is an unfinished gospel. This Jesus was a real, flesh and blood man. Like the prophets of old, working mighty deeds and powerful miracles. This was the earthly ministry of Jesus. Then they discussed his tragic death at the hands of the religious establishment. This act was particularly gut wrenching as they expected Jesus to be a great deliverer; one who would bring redemption by delivering them politically, not by purchasing their salvation on a cross. This gospel is incomplete because it lacked an understanding of the meaning of the Resurrection. The news of the body’s disappearance was very puzzling, yet they offer no explanation from scripture.

  The lament of that long walk was that though they loved Jesus, his death ended the hope that he would be “THE ONE.” But in irony of ironies, instead of this stranger being the only person who didn’t know what was going on, this stranger was Jesus, the only one who did! Look at how he responds with the truth. Gospel means good news. Can you see how any account that doesn’t embrace and grow from the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as the truth is not the gospel? Now, we move to the gospel of Jesus Christ; the true gospel.

              “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it

                necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? And be-

                ginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures

                the things concerning himself.”

   Jesus’ teaching and preaching was thorough and biblically centered, covering the necessity of both crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus argued before these two people that it was absolutely necessary for Jesus to do his saving work the way scripture predicted. Earlier in Luke, it is recorded that unless you believe in Moses and the prophets, you will never believe in the resurrection (Luke 16:31). That is biblical Christianity. It was necessary for Christ to suffer for our salvation as described by the prophets. This is the ultimate Easter message to take beyond Easter Sunday. It is the Christian life and message.

  Think of the patience, the detailed teaching and the desire for Jesus to make himself known. And at the breaking of the bread, their eyes were opened….and Jesus was gone.  Jesus has that same patience, love and compassion for you. But you are not called to be passive, you are called to walk with him and know him. Let him fall into your life and let him teach you; let him be your Savior and your friend.

                                                              Yours in Christ,

                                                              Pastor Harry