In every good story there is a building of tension through conflict that needs to be resolved. A good story teller knows how to build that tension to the point that it almost hurts. Like the top of the tallest part of a roller coaster, where you’ve been climbing and climbing, then you get to the top of it and there is that moment where everything slows down and the anticipation for what happens next comes. A good story will bring you to the point that you just have to know what happens next, but are also afraid to know. God is the ultimate storyteller. Whenever I read today’s passage I get that feeling of anticipation. I wonder if at that moment, the whole of creation was holding its breath in anticipation. Jesus, the one who was supposed to save and redeem Israel was dead. To everyone He had died and was therefore defeated. But then they find an empty tomb. What could it mean?

Today’s passage starts with two followers walking from Jerusalem to a nearby village. As they walk they discuss everything that happens, when Jesus appears to them. He is risen. Yet, he doesn’t reveal Himself as so. He tells the two men everything in Scripture about Himself. No more parables. The two men invite him to have supper with them and He agrees. When He breaks the bread, He becomes revealed to them, then suddenly vanishes. But here creation can let out that breath. The anticipation is over. He is risen. The two men immediately return to Jerusalem to spread the good news.

[Luke 24.13-35]

13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What do the men mean when they say Jesus was supposed to redeem Israel?

+ What is the significance of Jesus being revealed at the breaking of bread?

+ Is there a part of scripture that you are “slow of heart” to believe in?

+ Is there a part of scripture that makes your “heart burn within you” when you read it?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Where do I have unbelief?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who do I need to go to spread the good news?

+ Where do I need to go?