Seeing the Risen Christ
Luke 24:13-32
There’s a legend about a king who set aside a special day to honor the greatest person in his kingdom. When the day arrived, a large crowd gathered in the palace courtyard. Four finalists were brought forward, and from these four, the king would select the winner.
The first person was a wealthy philanthropist. The people said this man was deserving of the honor because of his humanitarian efforts. He had given much of his wealth to the poor.
The second person was a very successful physician. The king was told that this doctor was highly deserving of the honor because he had rendered faithful and dedicated service to the sick for so many years.
The third person was a distinguished judge. The people said this man was worthy because he was noted for his wisdom, his fairness, and his brilliant judicial decisions.
The fourth person introduced was an elderly woman. Most of the people were quite surprised to see her there. Her manner was very humble, and she was dressed very simply. She hardly looked like someone who would be honored as the greatest person in the kingdom.
What chance she could possibly have when compared to the other three, who had accomplished so much? But there was something different about her. She had a look of love in her face, understanding in her eyes, and a quiet confidence about her.
The king was also intrigued and somewhat puzzled by her presence. When he asked her who she was, she said: “you see the philanthropist, the doctor, and the judge? I was their teacher!” This woman had no wealth, no fortune, and no title, but she had unselfishly given her life to produce great people. There is nothing more powerful or Christ-like than sacrificial love.
The king couldn’t see the value in this humble lady. He missed the significance of the teacher. Often, we too miss the value of those around us, just as Cleopas and his companion missed the significance of the stranger on the road to Emmaus.
Today, we turn to Luke 24:13 to 32 to review the journey of these two men on the road to Emmaus and to think about our own journey in “Seeing the Risen Christ.” So, listen carefully as I read the text, Luke 24:13 to 32.
As we reflect on this account of the Emmaus Road conversation, we observe several STEPS that can help us on our journey of “Seeing the Risen Christ.”
The First STEP is,
Admit a Lack of Comprehension
Our account begins with two of Jesus’ followers, Cleopas, and another unnamed disciple, walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Some think this unnamed disciple was actually Luke, the writer of this Gospel. While scholars aren’t exactly sure where the ancient town of Emmaus is, it has been suggested that it was a village most likely later called Emmaus-Nicopolis. It fits the meaning of the name Emmaus (hot springs), and also the distances described in the text. Archeology also supports this conclusion.
Emmaus was probably the home of the two travelers. After observing Passover, they would’ve been prevented from traveling home until the first day of the week because it was more than a Sabbath Day’s journey. Whether or not they were present with the other disciples when the women returned early Sunday morning from the empty tomb, we can’t be sure. But regardless of that detail, like the rest of the disciples they were disappointed and confused by the turn of events that were so different from what they expected.
Think about some past event or experience you’ve had that ended so differently than what you expected. Did you relive the events of it? Did you turn things over and over in your mind? Did you a...
