Knowing God's Word

And Jesus said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

- Luke 24:25-35

Two disciples encountered Jesus on the day of resurrection as they traveled to Emmaus. Their perception was limited even though they had seen the power of God in him. They had hoped he would be the promised Messiah, but it was three days after his death. Disappointed in their understanding, Jesus rebukes them as foolish. The cause of their problem was lack of knowledge of the Scriptures. They were not well versed in God’s word and did not understanding that the Christ must suffer. To help them, Jesus began a systematic Bible study of the Old Testament, connecting all the dots. They had wrong ideas as people do today that needed correction by bringing out the truth and reliability of Scripture. The cross had not defeated Jesus. In fact, God triumphed through his sufferings.

Having been impressed with his teaching, these two invited him to dinner. Taking and blessing and breaking the bread was normally what a host did. Instead, Jesus acted as host, and in this activity these disciples understood they were with Jesus. These men had not been at the Last Supper and would likely not have made an association with it, assuming they were part of the first Communion service. God helped them recognize Jesus. And then he vanished. Immediately they return to tell the others in Jerusalem.

Prayer

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scripture to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.