“Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about averting that had happened. As they talked and discussed the things with each other, Jesus Himself came up and walked with them.” (Luke 24:13-15 NIV)
Jesus centered conversations make way for Jesus in our midst.
Read that again and realize just how many opportunities we have to walk with others and potentially Jesus along the road of life. These two making their way toward Emmaus (which some believe to be man and wife) had lost themselves in deep discussion over the events of the past weekend. You know how it is, when you are driving down the road and the conversation gets really good.
If we read the entire conversation we’d see they were shocked, hurt and confused.
“He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.” (Luke 24:19 NIV)
They had been shocked by Jesus’ powerful preaching and healing ministry.
“but we had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” (Luke 24:21 NIV)
They had held out for His Messiahship and felt their hopes had been dashed.
“They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body.” (Luke 24:22-23 NIV)
They did not understand what had happened to their Teacher’s remains.
Remarkably, these two on the road to Emmaus were willing to discuss difficult things: things that hurt and confused them. And in the midst of their spiritual vulnerability, Jesus showed up.
His presence changes everything. He brought wisdom, clarity and peace to their ravaged souls. And as He walked with them: their hearts were set on fire with worship.
“They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32 NIV)
Jesus-centered conversations result in Jesus encounters. And when Jesus arrives, He changes everything. In His presence alone we can move from fear to faith, from confusion to conversion, from worry to worship.
Lord, please help us to begin these conversations. In this culture, sharing You feels like risk. Remind us today how much we need one another. Give us the courage to open our hearts, and as we do, be revealed in our midst. Amen.