Encountering the Risen Christ on the Road to Emmaus

The literal bodily resurrection of Christ is the non-negotiable foundation upon which true Christianity is built. [Consequently] we can expect the Risen Lord to meet us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit on our road in life just as he did those two sorrowing disciples on the road to Emmaus some 2,000 years ago (Luke:24:13-35 [13] And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. [14] And they talked together of all these things which had happened. [15] And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. [16] But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. [17] And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? [18] And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? [19] And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: [20] And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. [21] But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. [22] Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; [23] And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. [24] And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. [25] Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: [26] Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? [27] And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. [28] And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. [29] But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. [30] And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. [31] And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. [32] And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? [33] And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, [34] Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. [35] And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
See All...). This passage of Scripture is rich with insights that can turn our sorrows and disappointments into joy—joy that must be shared!

These two disciples were in the pit of depression. Their hopes were dashed. Just days earlier Jesus had ridden into Jerusalem amid the acclaim of hundreds; excitement had run high. But now as the shadows lengthened along the dusty road their spirits were dark indeed. Jesus had been betrayed, tried, mocked, flogged, and crucified. They were confused by reports that some of the women had claimed to have seen a vision of angels and an empty tomb. Their whole lives were so entwined with His that the horror of these events shook them to the very core of their being. Unrecognized, Jesus joins these sorrowing, confused and discouraged disciples and began walking with them.

The fact that we sometimes feel alone and helpless does not mean that God is not at our side. It may frequently be the case that at the time we feel most alone, is the very time God is close at our side. We live by faith not by sight, and must rest on the naked promise: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you,” Jn:14:18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
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He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “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. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.”

Here is another discovery that will help us come to a place where we recognize God in our lives. Many believe Jesus was a good man, an ethical teacher with good values. Some even believe he is Michael the archangel. But in fact, Christ is the God/man who died for all sin, rose from the dead for our justification, and who is without beginning or end, Almighty God in human flesh. We must receive Him as He actually is, Savior, Lord, and God, truly trusting Him alone to save us from our sin. Otherwise, we, too, will be foolish and slow of heart, and will not enjoy true fellowship with God.

“Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, our lack of insight may be because we have neglected to study the Scriptures for ourselves.

Bible study serves a much greater purpose than just building a theological structure—as important as good theology is. In its purest form, Bible study is to lead us to the living Christ. Even the Risen Christ directed the minds of these disciples to the Scriptures for needed insight.

These have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. [See: John:20:31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
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Perhaps some of us have trusted our lives to Christ for salvation and somehow through the years that close fellowship has grown lukewarm or cold. Take courage, it was to the lukewarm church of the Laodiceans that Jesus gave this invitation. Invite Him in.

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” Jn:1:12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
See All.... “He who believes has eternal life” Jn:6:47Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
See All.... “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God” 1 Jn:4:15Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
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https://blog.lifeassuranceministries.org/2024/11/21/encountering-the-risen-christ-on-the-road-to-emmaus/