May 2, 2014 3 min read

Scripture reading: Luke 24:13-31. “While they (the two disciples going to Emmaus) were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. And He said to them, ‘What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?'” Luke 24:15-17.

What a blessing it is that the risen Lord walks with us as an invisible but audible companion.

The message is first for those who proclaim the good news.

He hears the people’s everyday problems. When Jesus gloriously resurrected, he did not appear to the priests or scribes. He was not eager to reprimand Pontius Pilate, refute Caiaphas, retaliate against Herod, rebuke the Pharisees or repay the Roman soldiers for their cruelties. He was interested in people’s problems and wanted to help them. But, first of all, he wanted to help them spiritually.

He went to the people with explanations and help. Jesus joined the confused disciples and did not wait to be found by them. His resurrection was not a sudden aggrandizement. He remained the humble, helpful, healing servant-king whom he had been before.

He hid his identity. The Savior did not start the conversation in this way, “Look at me, I am alive, are not you happy about it?” Jesus teaches us to converse with people in such a manner that the message is the focus, and we, as sharers of the good news, are not.

The message for those who hear or wish to hear the good news.

Jesus’ words were directed to vital issues. The disciples were afraid because the danger was not over yet. So He gave a reassuring explanation that His death had to happen to fulfill the plan of salvation: 26th verse. Even today a well-presented message centered in Christ’s resurrection is uplifting, reassuring and fear-destroying.

The divine power sometimes works in an unnoticeable way. The Master went with the disciples until the end of their journey. He talked to them, helped, encouraged and corrected them, yet they realized his identity only when they entered the house and sat down to eat (29-31 verses).

This power works in such a manner that it strengthens the faithful and the divine calling. The faith of the doubting Thomas becomes strong, John 20:26-29. Peter, who denied the Master three times, is commissioned, John 21:15-18. The Scripture became clear to the confused disciples who were going to Emmaus, Luke 24:32-34. Saul, the church persecutor, became Apostle Paul, Acts of Apostles 9:1-8.

“… He (Jesus) appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, ‘Stay with us . . .'” 28-29 verses. No doubt what Jesus had done for the disciples was a miracle, a surprise and a gift and did not require any effort on the part of the disciples. Let our growing faith open our eyes to the presence, love and might of the resurrected Lord.

The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Ligonier.