The Church's Perception is Shifting
MP3 Teaching Download
By Jeremy Lopez
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This past week, I’ve been thinking quite a bit about the two followers of Jesus who were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus after Jesus’s death. Discouraged, disillusioned, and despairing would best describe them. Their hopes had been dashed and their dreams shattered. The story is found in Luke 24:13–34.
As the two were walking and talking about all that had happened over the past few days, Jesus Himself came up and walked beside them—but they didn’t recognize Him. I find that fascinating. Jesus had been brutally crucified on the cross, yet when He appeared to these two, the scars must not have been evident. He was in His resurrected body. Yet later, when Thomas saw Him, the scars were visible on Jesus’s hands (John 20:24–29). Whatever the reason, the two did not recognize that Jesus Himself was with them.
I love how Jesus simply asked them what they were discussing (v. 17). After listening to all their doubts and fears, Jesus explained to them from the Scriptures how all the prophets—from Moses onward—pointed to the fact that the Messiah would have to suffer.
Finally, when Jesus broke bread with them, their eyes were opened, and they realized who had been walking and talking with them all the way from Jerusalem—about seven miles.
What are the implications of this story for you and me?
Jesus is with us, even when we are grieving and confused. These two followers were so devastated that they missed His presence. When we are in a deep place of suffering, it’s easy to forget that Jesus is right there—closer than our next breath. In those moments, we need to speak to our souls and remind ourselves that Jesus is with us.
Jesus listens patiently and sympathetically. In our suffering, He is the patient, listening Savior. He allows us to process our grief, doubt, and fears. In the words of the writer of Hebrews, we have a “sympathetic high priest” who understands us (Hebrews 4:14–16). What a comfort this has been to me through the years. When I have been wrapped in deep sorrow and wondered where God was—or why it felt like He wasn’t moving—I’ve been reminded that He understands all of my feelings and is with me in the pit of suffering.
Jesus restores our hope. After the disciples’ eyes were opened and they realized that the living, resurrected Jesus had been with them the whole time, they were so filled with excitement that they walked seven miles back to Jerusalem to tell the others. They were energized by their encounter.
Let me ask you—do you need a fresh encounter with Jesus to restore your hope? Ask Him. He is the God who bends down to listen, and He loves to answer the cries of your heart. Be expectant. After you ask, stay alert to how He might reveal His love to you. It may come in the most unexpected way—but rest assured, He delights to make Himself known to you.
Friend, my encouragement to you is to open your Bible and spend a few minutes this week diving into the story of the road to Emmaus. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you. He delights to answer that prayer.
Becky Harling
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