Many people were very sad when Jesus was crucified. His followers had their hopes dashed. Some were hoping that He was going to lead them in throwing off Roman rule. When He died, that dream died with Him.
Two of those who loved Him were trudging their way home to Emmaus. They were talking about all the things that had happened and their hearts were very heavy. We read in Luke 24:15 “While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them.” (ESV)
Sorrow can blind us to the closeness of God. They did not recognize it was Jesus. They heard that maybe He was alive but hadn’t seen Him so doubted it was Him. Jesus questioned them about the things they were talking about. They were surprised that He hadn’t heard about all that had happened. So, they told him about Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet, who was mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death and crucified Him. (Luke 24:18-20)
Jesus chided them a bit. “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets had 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.” Luke 24:25-27 ESV)
By now, they were near their village and home and it was late, so they invited Jesus to stay with them, so He did. We read, beginning with verse 30, “When He was at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.”
Something amazing happened. We read “And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him. And He vanished from their sight. Then 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?’” (31-32)
They were no longer tired. They were excited and they headed right back to Jerusalem to find the eleven and share the good news with them.
Talk about a transformation!
Their sadness was changed to gladness.
Their depression was changed to delight.
Their gladness was based on the certainty that He was truly alive. They had seen Him. Talked to Him — walked with Him – and, had a very short meal with Him.
· So, they had glad hearts because they knew personally that He was alive.
· They had glad hearts also because of the fellowship they had with the others who learned He was alive.
· The Scriptures took on a new significance to them.
· Their spiritual eyes saw more clearly the big picture of the gospel.
· They were glad because they invited Him into their home.
· They were in awe of the direct way Jesus revealed Himself to them.
Folks, Jesus is alive! Have you met Him? Have you invited Him into your life? Do you have a glad heart? Are you experiencing the glad transformation in your heart because Jesus lives?
In Him,
Pastor Leonard
