Eureka Moments
Opening Prayer
Gracious Lord, speak to me from Your Word today and give me grace to listen and obey what I hear.
Read LUKE 24:13-35
[13] 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. [17] He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. [18] One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?” [19] “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. [22] In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning [23] but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. [24] Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” [25] He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! [26] Did not the Christ 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. [28] As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. [29] But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. [30] 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?” [33] They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together [34] and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” [35] Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How did these disciples react when they recognized Jesus?Have you ever had a “eureka” moment when you realized something great? Two disciples experienced theirs when they realized the identity of the man who joined them on the Emmaus road. During the seven-mile walk, the disheartened disciples told their new companion about the crucifixion of Jesus and the empty tomb (19-24). Perhaps confused by recent events, they were unable to identify the man who unpacked Scripture and explained the journey from suffering to glory that Jesus had to endure (25-27).
Only later, when he broke bread and gave thanks, did they actually recognize Jesus. Then he disappeared, and they recalled how their hearts were warmed while listening to him. Weren’t they ashamed at their blindness? This speaks volumes about the friendship of Jesus, and how he joins us on our journey and longs for conversation. We may not even recognize him working through the words and actions of others, but let’s not be so caught up in the events of our life that we fail to see Jesus walking with us.
Apply
Reflect on how friendship with Jesus feels and on what you would learn by having your eyes open to his presence.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see You walking with me. May I listen as You speak and follow as You lead.
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