Reflection

Bible Reading: Luke 24:13-35
Theme: Inviting Jesus Into Our Home

Shalom, good morning & happy Easter! May we all be blessed and enjoy the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus.

Dr. Luke recounts the event of Jesus appearing to two individuals on the road to Emmaus. On that day, Cleopas and his companion were walking to Emmaus, located about 7 miles from Jerusalem. During their journey, they engaged in a serious discussion about the missing body of Jesus from the tomb. As they conversed, a stranger approached them, but something prevented them from recognizing Him.

Jesus asked them, "What are you discussing as you walk along?"
Cleopas and his companion stopped with sad faces and replied, "Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
Jesus asked, "What things?"
They answered, "About Jesus of Nazareth, He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed Him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified Him. But we had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel."

Jesus replied, "How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?"

The discussion continued, and as Jesus seemed to be going further, the two invited Him to stay with them because the day was nearly over. Jesus agreed to stay, and that evening, they gave Him bread. As Jesus broke the bread, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. Immediately, He disappeared from their sight. The next day, Cleopas and his companion went to Jerusalem and told the disciples that Jesus had appeared to them.

Beloved brothers and sisters,
From this account of Jesus' appearance on the road to Emmaus, there are two key points for reflection:

  1. Verses 14-15: Talking and Discussing
    This passage shows that Cleopas and his companion were deeply engaged in serious discussion about the missing body of Jesus. They spent their entire 7-mile journey focused on talking about Jesus. They chose a quiet path to keep their conversation focused and uninterrupted. Their discussion was serious, and they focused on the resurrection of Jesus.

  2. Verse 29: Urging
    Cleopas and his companion urged Jesus to stay with them, showing their curiosity and desire to continue the conversation. They were not concerned about the stranger’s identity but wanted Him to stay so that their discussion could continue. They were determined to have Jesus stay in their home.

Beloved brothers and sisters,
Dr. Luke reminds us that anyone who seriously talks about Jesus and continues to speak about God's Word day and night, then urgently invites Jesus to enter their home, will not be rejected. Jesus will visit our homes and bless us.

This story parallels Abraham’s encounter in the middle of the day, sitting under the oak tree in Mamre when three strangers approached his tent. Abraham invited them in, offering them water and rest. In return, the three strangers promised Abraham a son the following year.

Beloved brothers and sisters,
Whoever holds onto and speaks God's Word, and then urgently invites Jesus, He will not reject our invitation. Jesus will visit our homes and bless us with all His blessings.