Read: Luke 24 verses 13 – 35

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Dear Friends,

The story of the Emmaus Road disciples is perhaps one of the most well -known when it comes to the post- resurrection appearances of Jesus. But like many another well-known story, it can speak to us in a fresh way whenever we read it anew. The story begins with two men who are travelling home after the Passover Festival downcast and desolate.
When a man (whom they take for a stranger, but is in fact Jesus) comes alongside them and engages them in conversation, the two men inadvertently or otherwise proclaim the gospel to him. They tell of a man named Jesus who did wonderful things among the people – healing the sick and lame, restoring sight to the blind. They tell of their belief that he was sent from God and that he was to be the Messiah. They tell of how he was crucified. They tell of how this was now the third day since this happened, and how some of the women among them went to the tomb that morning and astounded them with a story about the tomb being empty! They even talk of the angels who
delivered the message that Christ was alive!
It seemed as though they were on the verge of joining all of the dots, but something was stopping them from realizing and accepting the truth of what had happened. And so, Jesus spends time with these two men, explaining the scriptures to them, and just as he is about to leave them, they invite him into their homes. And when he breaks bread in their presence, they recognize him for who he is, and then he is gone. The two disciples then turn around and hurry to tell others that Jesus is alive!
This whole story is a wonderful picture of people coming to faith in Jesus. Like the two Emmaus Road disciples, many today have heard of him, know his story, but perhaps believe that story ends with the cross of Good Friday. Sometimes it takes you or I to get alongside those people and explain from the scriptures that the story does not end there – but through the cross and subsequent  resurrection, Jesus offers everyone the chance of a new beginning and a renewed relationship with God.

Sometimes people’s eyes are opened when we break bread together – at other times it is through a word of scripture, a loving response or via our hospitality that people recognize for themselves that Christ is risen. As the Emmaus Road disciples show us, meeting Jesus always results in a change of direction. They could not wait to hare this Good News with others.

This Eastertide, what prevents you and I from doing the same?

Blessings,

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Rev Peter Barnett