Walking with the King
Opening Prayer
Lord, help me to recognize You as I encounter You through the course of my days.
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 the only one visiting Jerusalem who does 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 they did not see Jesus.” [25] He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! [26] Did not the Messiah 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 continued on 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 THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What brings revelation to the disciples?The two disciples in this passage begin to understand and eventually recognize Jesus through Scripture and a meal. Jesus explains his identity to them using the Old Testament. The exact passages discussed are not listed. They don’t need to be: listing them would miss the point. Verse 27 says that Jesus used all the Scripture to explain the sufferings and glory of the Messiah. He shows how the whole Old Testament anticipates his life, death, resurrection and enthronement as the ascended King.This revelation makes the disciples’ hearts burn with excitement, but they still do not recognize their companion until they share their meal with him. Notice in verse 30 that Jesus’ actions at this meal echo his actions at the Last Supper in Luke 22:19. Fellowship with the Lord of the covenant opens their eyes, and the Lord’s Supper reveals who Jesus is. Like these two disciples, we may come to know Jesus better through the study of Scripture and through fellowship. The walk to Emmaus involved a three-person Bible study. Sharing a meal assumes more than one person. Walking with the King means walking in fellowship with him and with his people.
Apply
Re-read a passage of Scripture that pointed you to Jesus and give thanks to God for speaking to you through it.
Closing prayer
God of Revelation, open my eyes so that I may see You and my ears that I might hear You.
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