That same day two of Jesus' followers were going to a town named Emmaus. It is about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking about everything that had happened. While they were discussing these things, Jesus himself came near and walked with them. (But the two men were not allowed to recognize Jesus.) Then Jesus said, "What are these things you are talking about while you walk?" The two men stopped. Their faces looked very sad. The one named Cleopas answered, "You must be the only person in Jerusalem that does not know what has just happened there." Jesus said to them, "What are you talking about?" The men said to him, "It's about Jesus, the one from Nazareth. To God and to all the people he was a great prophet. He said and did many powerful things. But our leaders and the leading priests gave him away to be judged and killed. They nailed Jesus to a cross. We were hoping that Jesus would be the one to free Israel (the Jews). But then all this happened. And now something else: It has been three days since {Jesus was killed}, but today some of our women told us an amazing thing. Early this morning the women went to the tomb (grave) where the body of Jesus was laid. But they did not find his body there. They came and told us that they had seen some angels in a vision. The angels said that Jesus was alive! So some of our group went to the tomb, too. It was just like the women said—{the tomb was empty}. They saw the tomb, but they did not see him (Jesus)." Then Jesus said to the two men, "You are foolish and slow to realize what is true. You should believe everything the prophets said. The prophets said that the Christ must suffer these things before he enters his glory." Then Jesus began to explain everything that had been written about himself in the Scriptures. Jesus started with the books of Moses and then he talked about what the prophets had said about him.
—Luke 24:13-27 NLT
Key Thought
What do you do when hope is gone? This passage gives us a pretty good example to follow. Even though the disciples did not realize that they were doing it, they confessed to Jesus their disappointed hope. As a result, he helped them to understand the scriptures related to what they thought were their dashed hopes. We also need to take our problems to Jesus, and then go to the Scriptures and ask the Lord to teach us the truth about our disappointments. You see, the resurrection ensures that Jesus is the Messiah who saves us. Jesus' resurrection ensures that he teaches truth. This truth, however, is far more than a set of facts. This is truth we can trust in the face of our disappointments and disillusionments
Today's Prayer
Holy God, there are places of disappointment and discouragement in my heart. Please have Jesus open my heart as he draws near to me. I want to understand your truth and live faithfully in response to that truth, but I'm not sure that my faith is strong enough to stand with all I sometimes have to face. I believe, dear Father, but help my confusion and unbelief. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2019 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
—Luke 24:13-27 NLT
Key Thought
What do you do when hope is gone? This passage gives us a pretty good example to follow. Even though the disciples did not realize that they were doing it, they confessed to Jesus their disappointed hope. As a result, he helped them to understand the scriptures related to what they thought were their dashed hopes. We also need to take our problems to Jesus, and then go to the Scriptures and ask the Lord to teach us the truth about our disappointments. You see, the resurrection ensures that Jesus is the Messiah who saves us. Jesus' resurrection ensures that he teaches truth. This truth, however, is far more than a set of facts. This is truth we can trust in the face of our disappointments and disillusionments
Today's Prayer
Holy God, there are places of disappointment and discouragement in my heart. Please have Jesus open my heart as he draws near to me. I want to understand your truth and live faithfully in response to that truth, but I'm not sure that my faith is strong enough to stand with all I sometimes have to face. I believe, dear Father, but help my confusion and unbelief. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2019 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
