Along The Way

Along the Way

Reading the Word

That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”

They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. 18 Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”

19 “What things?” Jesus asked.

“The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. 20 But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago. . . .”

27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself (Luke 24:13-21, 27).

Setting the Scene

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus were depressed and hopeless. Despite others’ testimony that Jesus was alive, these two still didn’t believe or even grasp this fact. But when the risen Jesus met them along the way, he called them “foolish” people (v. 25) because they were having difficulty believing the Scriptures. They had already forgotten what Jesus had told them several times before.

Getting Personal

Sometimes our inability to enjoy the presence of Christ stems from our own disbelief of the Scriptures We worry about life’s problems despite God’s promises to provide for our needs. Or we read the Bible, attend church, and even serve as Christian workers only to wonder if God is at work in the world.

Where are you on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus? Open your eyes to Jesus. Remember this truth you have learned: Jesus has defeated sin and death, and he is alive today! He is with you through the Holy Spirit. Enjoy his presence.

Talking to God

Thank you, Jesus, for finding me on my journey away from “Jerusalem” and for opening the Scriptures to me. I want to be your fully-devoted disciple.

Adapted from The One Year through the Bible Devotional by David Veerman (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2000, 2007), used by permission.