Day 119

Judges 9:22–10:18; Luke 24:13-53; Psalm 100:1-5; Proverbs 14:11-12

TODAY, WE CONCLUDED the Gospel of Luke with stories of the immediate aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. After Jesus’ tomb was found empty, a hopeful confusion settled over those who had followed Him. Some believed the stories the women had told of an angelic visitation at the tomb, while others were not convinced. Two such followers departed Jerusalem for the seven-mile walk to the village of Emmaus. Jesus came alongside them on the road and began walking with them, but they didn’t recognize Him. They told Jesus of the horrible tragedy of the crucifixion, and the stories they’d heard about Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus was almost playful as He feigned ignorance (Luke 24:17-19) before walking them through the prophetic story found in Scripture about what had taken place in Jerusalem.

When they arrived at Emmaus, Jesus acted as if He needed to continue His journey, but they insisted He spend the night with them. At dinner, Jesus broke the bread, and they immediately knew who He was —but He disappeared!

“Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” they asked as they prepared to walk back to Jerusalem and report the news (Luke 24:32).

Back in Jerusalem, they were midway through the story when Jesus appeared again. His followers were terrified and wouldn’t fully believe they weren’t seeing a ghost until they watched Jesus eat something.

“Why are you frightened?” Jesus asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt?” (Luke 24:38). Of course, this was something Jesus had asked them on several other occasions.

How many times have we been oblivious to God’s presence in our lives? How many times have we finally put our full trust in the Lord, only to recognize that He had been there all along? Jesus was teaching His disciples what He continues to teach us today: His presence is not based on His physicality. Jesus is within us and will never leave (Matthew 28:20; Psalm 139:7-12). May we not only find this to be an encouragement today but also take Him at His word and live into it as reality and fact.

WORSHIP:

Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.