”That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.” “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago. “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.” Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.”“
Luke 24:13-34 NLT
Jesus reveals Himself to those who are willing to walk with Him. Two disciples were walking (together as He taught them to do) and talking about what happened. They were asking the right questions, and Christ Himself appeared with them. He began by asking questions, which allowed them to share their story (which is His story). Christ opened their eyes to see what had been written in Scripture. His teaching formed the basis for their first preaching, as we see in the rest of the New Testament. Their hearts burned with spiritual fire when they were with Christ. As they broke bread with Jesus, their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus as the One who had been walking with them all along.
Christ is still revealing Himself today. He does this through His people (our testimonies, serving, and care for others). He does this through worship, which is why we invite others to church services. He does this through His Word, which is why we can study the Bible even with non-Christians. Christ reveals Himself through communion, helping people realize they are forgiven, and He has been with them even in the hard times. And He reveals Himself directly in people’s lives; many people have had spiritual moments with God, but they don’t know how to respond. Christians can help them take their next steps closer to the One who invites the world to walk with Him.
When is the last time you felt a burning in your heart from Jesus? What does this story teach you about how Christ reveals Himself to people? What is your part to play helping others encounter the risen Christ?
