The Road to Emmaus

It is the third day since Jesus died on an old, rugged cross.

The happy crowds who pass me on the road cannot see into my heavy heart. My friend and I are headed for the town of Emmaus, and the only thing heavier than our steps is our hearts. As we walk, we discuss the events of the weekend, trying to make sense of them, trying to understand. Trying to see. Having heard all these random things, not knowing what to make of it all, not seeing the bigger picture, not seeing beyond this confusing moment. Trying to figure it out.

“So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them, but their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.”

Luke 24:15-16

And just then, in that very moment, that’s when Jesus, His promises all fulfilled, shows up. Right here. Right beside me. And yet, “their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.” I’m so blind. I can’t see anything right now – and yet somehow, right now is when it’s happening. My heart is burning, but I still can’t see anything yet.

And so, Jesus starts with the simplest things: open your heart to Me. Just tell Me about it. I don’t understand why Jesus would ask me that, when there’s this other problem that’s so very big. It seems too simple, but I pour out my poor, hurting, confused heart to Him anyway.

At that point, the disciples were doubting almost everything. “He was a prophet,” they allow. “And we had hoped that He was going to redeem Israel… and it’s been three days. And there’s odd rumors, and we don’t know what to think.” I tell Him my story, confused and sorrowing as it is.

He replies, “But don’t you understand? That’s exactly how it was supposed to happen.” And then He tells me His story. And as we walk and talk, I am blown away at His story – there’s so much I never saw before! My burning heart says that something’s happening right now – and I’m not about to let this moment pass. So the disciples invite Jesus home with them for the evening.

As He blesses the food, their eyes are opened. This is the One who is risen, victorious over death! This is the One who had redeemed their heart and soul! And this is the One they had been walking with, talking with, all along.

“And they said to one another, ‘Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?’”

Luke 24:32

I wonder, why didn’t Jesus just reveal Himself to them at first? They could have savored that moment so much more, couldn’t they have? Ah, but Jesus had to restore their faith first, before He could show them all that they’d been blind to.

Dear one, on your road to Emmaus, Jesus walks beside you. And though you’re blind to it at the moment, all Jesus’ promises are being fulfilled right now. But – He wants to restore your faith, your heart, your soul to Him first, before you can see everything else. After all, isn’t your faith in Him the most important part anyway?