How you doin? The
last chapter (24) in Luke today. The resurrection of Jesus. What a
powerful chapter. I love the 3rd day. This day is no doubt the best day
in all of time. The walk to Emmaus stood out the most to me today.
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. (Luke 24:13-16)
I can't help but to wonder what was keeping them from recognizing Jesus. They were believers.Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. (Luke 24:13-16)
He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. (Luke 24:17)
Hope is eager anticipation of something great. Here they are on the 3rd day with their faces downcast. They weren't looking for Him.
“What things?” he asked.“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. (Luke 24:19-21)
They hoped natural hope. They were wishing.
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. (Luke 24:25-27)
Jesus was testing them and they didn't do so good. This reminds me of the "mountain top" experience or Spiritual highs. When we are aware of His Presence, everything is clear and test are easy. When we are not seeking His Presence or we have our "faces downcast", we lack understanding and fail test. We are "slow to believe".
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:30-32)
AWESOME!!!!!!! Jesus stayed with the men and did something in remembrance of Him. We call it communion. "Their eyes were opened and they recognized him". COME ON!!!!!!! Praise Jesus for loving us. Praise Him for His patients with us.
Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. (Luke 24:35) DIG IT!!!!!!! I love testimony.
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:44-49)
I love this part as well. Jesus proves to the disciples that He's Jesus and then grants them understanding. Verse 48 & 49 must grab you. We are witnesses. I confess that I'm having a "Sonny" moment. "But stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high". COME ON!!!!!!! That's so RAD!!!!!!! We know what happens in Acts. I'm not sure why some people can't recognize Jesus. Or why I can't recognize Him 100% of the time. I'm guessing it's demonic influence or attack. Whatever it is, it's not welcome here. I love the understanding that Jesus has granted me and look forward to receiving more. Do something in remembrance of Him today... recognize Him today.
PS I'm sorry this is so short. Luke 24 is deep as all get out. I hope you have time to read it today. You'll see what I left out. SO DEEP!!!!!!!
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