As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. Luke 24:15-16 

Devotion

I recently had the opportunity to officiate the wedding of a couple in our church who is very special to me. Leading up to the ceremony, we sat down at Cafe Evoke (one of my favorites) to talk through their vision, the details, what they wanted to be sure was said—all the logistics. 

As this couple would be blending families, one of the most important things they wanted was for all of their kids to know God is with them in every season, every circumstance, through every doubt. My friend and the bride-to-be began speaking of the story on the road to Emmaus, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. 

Found in Luke 24, the story of the two travelers on their journey from Jerusalem is a profound depiction of what life was like immediately following the events of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

The two travelers (who some believe may well have been husband and wife) were leaving the city in a somber and confused state. As they walked, they were discussing all that had taken place the past few days and how their expectations of the Messiah were not met. As they discussed, Jesus approached and joined the two on their journey, but they were unable to recognize him. They continued expressing their disappointment that Jesus was supposed to be the one to save Israel, but ended up being crucified. It was known he had been raised to life, but no one knew where he was. 

In their eyes, Jesus had not done what he said he would do. 

Jesus (still unknown by the couple) entered into a sincere and intentional dialogue, teaching and shifting their perspective. He began to peel back the layers of false teaching, small thinking, and unmet expectations. 

N.T. Wright’s commentary on this text says it so well: “They, like everybody else in Israel, had been reading the Bible through the wrong end of the telescope. They had been seeing it as the long story of how God would redeem Israel from suffering, but it was instead the story of how God would redeem Israel through suffering.” 

It was beginning to get late as they approached their destination, so the travelers invited Jesus to sit down for a meal. It wasn’t until then when Jesus broke some bread that they were finally able to see that it was Jesus walking beside them the entire time.

Ever since that moment at Evoke, I’ve been processing what the story on The Road To Emmaus is teaching me in this season.

I am reminded that God is with us, whether we see him or not. That everything we face in life is nothing new to him.

I am reminded that it is okay to bring our problems, our doubts, and our questions to Jesus, and to one another. That’s the beauty of the Church.

I am reminded that there will be loss, relationships will be hard, political turmoil will always exist; but, we can hold on to the hope that Jesus is walking with us no matter what.

As N.T. Wright beautifully said, “Jesus did not come to save us from our suffering, but to save us through his suffering.” In the moments we feel God has not done what we thought he would do, let’s be mindful that our version of reality here on earth is not Kingdom reality. We won’t know ultimate healing and freedom on this side of heaven. We were never promised easy, so let’s lean into the journey ahead with confidence, knowing that we are in the hands of a gracious and loving God, and he is walking alongside us the whole time.

PRAYER

Father, we thank you for walking among us in the midst of our doubts and wavering circumstances. Would you help us to posture ourselves in a spirit of surrender, knowing that you know all things and we can trust in you alone? Help us to keep our eyes open and fixed on you, not missing out on your powerful work within us. Amen.

Cole Grubbs

Edmond Worship Pastor 

Resources: 

• Bible reading: Luke 
• N.T. Wright - Luke For Everyone
• “Reign Above It All” - Crossings Venue Worship
• Road To Emmaus - Deidre Franklin