
“That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.”
“He is risen!” “He is risen indeed!” Our normal Easter morning proclamation would lead us to believe that the first Easter Sunday two thousand years ago was filled with jubilation and confident joy. But the Bible reminds us that Jesus comes near to those who find it hard to see His resurrection life for today.
In this encounter with the risen Jesus, a disciple named Cleopas and an unnamed male companion meet Jesus on the road but they don’t recognize him at first. Luke says this is the “same day” which implies that this is the afternoon of Easter Sunday.
In verse 15 it says that, “Jesus himself drew near and went with them”. The language of verse 15 is that Jesus “overcame them”. Luke gives us the picture of Jesus actually hurrying up to match their stride as he catches up to walk beside them. I find it interesting that of all the important things Jesus had on his agenda after resurrecting from the dead, walking with two of his downcast followers was near the top. In verse 21 the disciples say, “we had hoped”. Their tone indicates that no hope is left. Luke records that they “stood still”. This gives a picture of paralysis and immobilized by their circumstances. These disciples were completely discouraged, deeply broken and full of fear.
The women at the tomb where in Mark 16 describes their paralysis as “afraid and saying nothing." The disciples in John 20:19 are not out in the streets proclaiming a risen Lord but behind “locked doors” fearing for their lives. Fear and paralysis pervades Christ’s disciples immediately after the resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Jesus is intentional about coming to people, especially to people in pain and living in fear. Jesus purposely sought out these two disciples because he longs to reveal Himself to those living in fear, doubt and hopelessness. Perhaps as part of your ongoing Easter celebration you can, too, come near to those who are hurting and show that you care. Even if a majority of people you know don’t go to church or consider Jesus as someone to follow, they will respond to those who will walk with them in their trials and who show that they care.
Living Out God's Word
Have you ever considered that even after Jesus revealed himself as alive, that fear, doubt and confusion still permeated his followers? Can you think of ways you can appropriately come near to those you know to show that you care with this Easter hope? Perhaps you can challenge yourself to send someone today’s Easter message and invite them to join us online for worship next Sunday.
Prayer
Lord, Jesus, thank you for coming near those that are hurting especially on Easter Sunday. Help me to encourage others in this season of dire need. Use me to create an environment where people feel safe to share their hurts, doubts and fears. I invite your wisdom as I seek to simply reveal the reality of your resurrection life. We know because of You we can walk with others in their time of need, Your love spilling over into their lives as we journey with those looking for hope. Amen.
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