Who walked? With whom did they walk? Where from and where to they walked? What happened during the Walk?
Most of us know the answer .... WALK ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS. Cleopas and another of the disciples of Jesus were going from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They were not part of the apostolic band but belonged to the larger group of disciples of Jesus. Probably they were much afraid and confused, by the crucifixion of Jesus and were trying to get out of the city to escape further disappointment and danger! Whatever be the reason for their journey, they had a wonderful transformation and the unique privilege of being encouraged by the Risen Saviour Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!
It was a personal Bible study that taught me certain truths which I have shared with a youth group sometime back. We were all edified spiritually and I was led to present it in this blog post. I invite the readers to take a spiritual walk with Christ Jesus as these two disciples did, and experience their lives getting enriched and transformed!!
We read in the gospel according to St.Luke chapter 24 : 13-35, the episode of two disciples of Jesus walking the road to Emmaus, from Jerusalem. Bible scholars opine that the one not named may be Luke himself. Some differ and say the other person may be the wife of Cleopas, called Mary. Early traditions say that Cleopas was the brother of Joseph, Mother Mary's husband. We leave these details here and take a closer look at the spiritual insights which emerge from that journey, to inspire us, Christ's disciples of this century.
The two were conversing sadly about the crucifixion and death of Jesus, their master. There was a melancholic note in their talk. At that precise moment, the same Lord Jesus started 'walking along with them.' There he appeared as a 'stranger' to Jerusalem and to them both!! During and soon after the 'walk', the duo got transformed from 'mourning into dancing' and sharing the 'good news' of Jesus' resurrection with the other disciples! They returned back immediately to the same city from which they were walking away. The one labelled by them as 'stranger' was revealed as the 'Risen Saviour' to them.
The transformation took place in stages. They were talking about Jesus, had his presence accompanying them in their sadness , were taught the Scriptures by the 'Teacher' himself, Lord Jesus, learned and understood these.They longed for his fellowship, invited him into their residence, communed with him, remembered his parting words and from the manner in which Christ broke the bread, blessed it and had their spiritual eyes opened to 'see' the glorified Master! They took in the word and witnessed for the Word, Lord Jesus Christ and his resurrection.Mourners got transformed to Missionaries!!
Unless the Holy Spirit of Christ would teach us now the Scripture and reveals the 'truth' to us, we will still remain in our sins, sickness ans sadness. We who should be Christ's witnesses for the resurrection power, will ourselves be in the dark!! Shall we take the instruction from the 'walk to Emmaus'? May the Lord help us all, to sit at his feet and learn of him. His 'yoke is easy and his burden is light.'
'His yoke is easy, his burden light,
I found it so, I found it so;
He leadeth me by day and by night,
Where quiet waters flow.'
The chorus that I learned as a teen , oh the joy it gives, as I sing it even today!!
STAGE I The Unlearning / Emptying Process (v.13-24)
Jesus himself started the conversation. He was walking with them. Jesus breaks the ice.
" What are you discussing with each other while you walk along? Why are you sad?" (Lk 24: 17 paraphrased).They labelled him firstly as the only STRANGER in Jerusalem.They were honest and poured out all they had buried in their hearts. It is interesting to analyse the level of their disappointment and despondency.
They told Jesus, that they were talking about,
i) Jesus of Nazareth ii) Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and the people iii) He was crucified by the injustice of their religious and political leaders iv) He was to be the redeemer of Israel v) Women disciples had angelic visions vi) Men disciples went to the tomb and did NOT find Jesus there.
According to them, all hope is gone. It looked as if Jesus has forsaken them and caused their hope to crumble!! However they had obeyed in their replying, what Jesus taught them earlier, as recorded in
Matthew 5:37, " Let your word be 'Yes, yes' or 'No,no;'Once they emptied their hearts to Jesus, He started offering them the rest He promised to all who come to Him with their burdens. Jesus never chided them for how they were feeling, but rebuked them only for their 'spiritual dullness.' This is detailed in the other two stages, which follow in our discussion.
" Come unto me, all ye that are weary and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matt 11:28). " He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick, until he brings justice to victory." (Matt 12:20).
We reach such low levels in our faith walk sometimes, and our challenges seem bigger than the indwelling presence of Jesus in us. When the Spirit of Christ, counsels us, we need to be as honest as these two disciples, and confess our feelings and unbelief to Him, so that He will wash us clean and start refilling us with power and strength.
'The LORD desires truth in the inward parts", says the Psalmist.
Jesus said, " Him that comes to me, I will in no wise cast out." (Jn 6:37).May we run to Jesus when met with such situation in our lives! He is the sure help in times of trials and troubles.
STAGE II The Relearning / Filling Process ( vv. 25-27, 32)
The Psalmist says, "My cup runs over." (Ps 23:6). Jesus told Simon Peter, ".. when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." (Lk 22:32). In some translations, it relates to 'being healed.'
It is imperative that one needs to be filled with God's Word and His Spirit before ministering to others. The one who ventures in Christian witness and ministry should be healed first and filled soon after: 'Physician heal thyself.' 'Blind cannot lead a blind.' These sayings are quoted by Lord Jesus himself . Jesus declared in the Temple, during the feast of Tabernacles,
" He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." (Jn 7:38).
Once the two disciples confessed their sorrow and disappointment , Jesus rebuked them for their 'unbelief' in the Scriptures that predict Messianic sufferings. As they listened to Jesus and absorbed all he said, their 'spiritual eyes' were opened, their hearts were on fire once again. They themselves express this to each other, as they both walked back the road to Jerusalem that same night. They have relearnt the Scriptures now. First step was in the right direction of unlearning, wherein they were honest with Jesus. Misconceptions about their faith had to be uprooted and replanted. The fire is ready for passing on to the other disciples!
" O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!" (Lk 24:25). And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets ,He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. (Lk. 24:27). 'And they said to one another, "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?" (v.32).
I am reminded of the parable of a fig tree, planted in a vineyard, told by our Lord Jesus, as recorded by St. Luke. The owner came looking for fruits, for three years and was disappointed to see 'none' in that fig tree. He told the gardener to cut it down.
The gardener replied saying," Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around and it and put manure on it" ( Lk 13:8)
Same way, Jesus was patiently teaching the two disillusioned disciples, the Scriptures again and kindled their faith in the Word. He was digging around their hearts and putting the manure of his teaching, which resulted in the fruit expected, the rekindling of the faith and obedience to the heavenly calling, to live as witnesses to Jesus' life and resurrection.
In these days,we have the 'Spirit of Christ indwelling us, to teach us and guide us into all truths.' Before the church witnesses for Christ, or a believer starts witnessing, the emptying and filling have to happen. Only then our witness will be true and effective in leading hurting people to Jesus. Mary of Bethany, sat at Jesus' feet and listened to His words. We cannot afford to be mourning anymore. Shall we decide, like Mary, to sit at the Lord's feet each day and learn of Him, to advance His kingdom on the earth?
Jesus told her sister Martha, " But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." (Lk 10:42).
STAGE III The Sharing / Overflowing Process (v. 28-35)
The two disciples had been listening and absorbing all the words of Jesus, as He expounded the Scriptures to them. They wanted more of His Presence, and they constrained Him, saying,
" Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." And He went in to stay with them. From this verse springs the hymn, 'Abide with me...'. (Lk 24:29). Jesus did agree to their invitation and went to their house to have supper with them. We read that, "their eyes were restrained and they did not know Him.(v.16). He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. (Lk 24: 30,31).
Their fellowship with Christ was reassuring, strengthening and revitalising. He was revealed to them during the breaking of bread. His love became evident to them and they would have remembered His instructions to the disciples during the last days of His earthly life. The moment Jesus was hid from their sight, they returned immediately, at that night hour to the same city from where they walked away, and shared their experience with the Risen Lord Jesus Christ, with the apostles and others gathered with them. Their hearts were filled with power and awe, that they could not contain it. Instantly they were emboldened to witness for the resurrection of Jesus.
And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread. (Lk 24: 35)
Much the same way, we encounter Christ at the Eucharist table, at church or elsewhere when we gather together in Jesus' name and celebrate Holy Communion. He reveals Himself to us in new and refreshing ways. He talks to our situations and ministers to each of us according to our needs. He opens the eyes of our hearts and fills us with Himself. Do we enjoy such closeness with Christ and the other believers when we partake in the Holy Communion?
Not only the physical act of Eucharist, but also every day we need to commune with Christ, spiritually and read the Word, the spiritual Manna, in order for us to be strong in the spirit to 'stand against the wiles of the devil.' ( Eph 6:11).
We are exhorted to " Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Rom 12:2). How would this happen? Only by having the spiritual food from the Father's hand and being " Led by the Holy Spirit of God" every step of our way. (Rom 8: 14). " Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." (Rev 3:20).
Believers in Christ need to take hold of this promise and invite Him to be the Lord and Saviour of our lives all through. His presence only can energise us to be able to witness boldly to the world, that we serve an awesome God, who delivers those who believe on Him, from every bondage, in spirit, soul and body. He is not bound by the world's circumstances and is still on the throne reigning supreme, though Satan has his sway for sometime that is left for him. Christ Jesus is all powerful, transforms people's lives and sheds the fragrance of His power of resurrection into the hearts of His children.
May His kingdom expand and His will be transacted through His servants! Let our vessels be filled to overflowing and reach out to many hurting souls. Amen!
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