Spend time in prayer and silence with God, asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus Himself came near and began to walk along with them. But they were prevented from recognizing Him. The He asked them, “What is the dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and look discouraged. The one named Cleopas answered Him, “Are you only a visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?” “What things?” He asked them. So, they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and elders handed Him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified Him. But we were hoping that He was the One who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third say since these things happened. Moreover some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, and when they didn’t find His body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see Him.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into His glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted for them the things concerning Himself in all the scriptures.
– Luke 24:13-27
Devotion
These two disciples encountered Jesus on Sunday afternoon as they walked from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus. He appeared and began walking with them, asking them what they were discussing. At first, they did not know it was Jesus. They explained what had happened to Jesus, and how their hopes had been dashed by His death; but they were perplexed because of the report of the women who claimed He was alive. Jesus then takes the time to explain the necessity of His death. Later, their eyes would be opened, and they would realize that He was Jesus.
The Big Question
Why do you think Luke chose to focus on Jesus’ appearance to two otherwise unknown disciples on the road to Emmaus? How did these two disciples refer to Jesus? (Verse 19) Jesus took the time to explain the nature of His first coming and showed from scripture how these passages referred to Himself. What is your major take-away from this passage of scripture?
Conclude your time in prayer and silence, reflecting on what God revealed to you today.