Easter Week Reflections – Emmaus

That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened.  As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. Luke 24:13-15

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This story involves two very ordinary disciples. They hadn’t been in the inner circle of Christ’s followers or been included for special events such as the transfiguration, the last supper or even the changing of water into wine. In fact, in some ways these two guys were just like us! They didn’t get why Jesus had to suffer and die. That day they had heard some odd news about His resurrection. This was just beyond their understanding. What was it all about?

Jesus knows when we’ve been talking about Him! I am sure you have heard someone say, “Remember God is listening!” but how often have we taken that literally? These men were exactly like that. Jesus was listening, but God kept them from recognizing Him. Sometimes Jesus showed Himself openly but this day He concealed His identity. The good news is that whether we are aware of Him or not, He knows right where we are! Jesus is eager and willing to walk along side of us and listen to our questions. Their conversation with Jesus which had started out with sorrow turned to hope. The news of Easter morning is that Jesus knows where we are, He has come to meet us on our own road to Emmaus!

Riding on a Donkey

Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.  John 12:14-15

The fact that Jesus chose the most humble animal to ride as He entered Jerusalem gives me hope. Like the donkey most of us are not powerful, wealthy or amazingly smart. We are just ordinary people in ordinary neighborhoods with everyday problems. Why would God, the universe creator, the King of Glory, the glorious and holy ruler of all life be interested in us? How could we dare even think that we could bring our need for daily bread and forgiveness for our sins to him?

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We can hope because our king is coming, not to conquer us or arrest us but to help us. He is coming humbly to take His throne and righteously rule over the life of anyone who will welcome Him. He knows we are afraid. He understands the feelings of our weaknesses. He has faced every temptation we have, yet without sin. He has tasted death for everyone who has ever lived. He is coming, to be our king, seated on a donkey, so we will not be afraid. Today is the day to greet Him with palm branches along the path. He is coming to us and He has chosen to give His life for us again today!

Our True Hope

 

As a man was wading in the waves close to the beach he was suddenly caught by an undertow and dragged 100 yards out. As he came to the surface sputtering he shouted, “Help! I can’t swim! Somebody help!”  A local business man walking by heard his cries and immediately threw 50 yards of rope out towards the drowning man and shouted, “That’s all I can afford….you better swim for it!”  Going down for the second time the man yelled louder, “I can’t swim! Please help!”

A politician who happened to be at the beach that day angrily pushed the businessman aside. “That’s the problem today! Nobody cares about folks like him!” he growled. With a mighty heave the politician then threw out 200 yards of line to the man. “There now grab hold of that.” he shouted proudly. The man grabbed for the line but in dismay saw the politician drop the rope and begin walking away muttering, “Someone really needs to help that guy!” Now totally exhausted and in despair the drowning man began to sink for the third time. Just before the waves covered his head he looked up and saw Jesus walking to him on the waves. The Lord took him by the hand and with a smile whispered, “It is I, don’t be afraid!”

Where is your hope today? Is it in your past success? Is your hope in what others think about you or what money you have in the bank? The Bible tells us that our only true hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ. He hears our cries. He has paid the price to save us. He is coming out on the waves for you today!

But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:30-31