Read: Luke 24:13–35
While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing Him….When He was at table with them, He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened…; and He vanished from their sight. Luke 24:15–16 & 30–31
It is an audacious claim: a country preacher, who died in the big city, appeared after His death on a lonely road that led to the town of Emmaus. What makes the story all the more remarkable—or questionable—is that the two disciples did not recognize Jesus at first. When they finally saw Jesus for who He was, He vanished from their sight.
This would be an easy story to refute, if it were not for the fact that many people have caught glimpses of Jesus over the centuries. Most of the time we don’t recognize Him because He comes in a form that is unexpected. A nurse speaking tenderly to a patient, a teacher offering encouragement to a struggling student, a friend consoling another friend after a loss. Jesus is just as real and just as alive as the care and connection we share with others.
Where have you seen Jesus at work?
Dear Lord, I want to see You at work in the world. But sometimes the image of who I think You should be obscures my view of who You really are and where You are. Open my eyes that I can see You, and open my heart so that I can serve You in those I meet on the road. In Your name, I pray. AMEN.