Recognizing an Old Friend
Scripture Reading — Luke 24:13-35
Their eyes were opened and they recognized him.
Luke 24:31
I once heard of a brilliant college professor who walked home at the end of every day. Sometimes, as he approached his house, he would be so deep in thought that he'd walk right past his door. His mind must have taken him to lots of interesting places!
Something like that happened to two travelers from Emmaus. Jesus filled their minds with the teachings of Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, and others. He tied all those words and prophecies together under one compelling theme: the coming of the Messiah. And he showed them how all those Scriptures pointed to Jesus of Nazareth.
The two travelers were fascinated, but they were kept from recognizing that their teacher was Jesus himself.
They didn't walk past their front door, but Jesus acted as if he was going to. Then they invited him in, and when he broke bread and gave thanks, they finally recognized him. What a beautiful surprise they had!
It's the kind of surprise that often happens to believers yet today. You have to read the gospel stories slowly, as if you're walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. You are blessed if good teachers, faithful writers, and biblical preachers can also help along the way. Inspired by the Spirit, those old stories will bring beautiful surprises. They'll take you to Jesus himself!
Lord, thank you for revealing your Son to us through gospel writers like Luke. Thank you for showing us Jesus and drawing us close through him. In his name we pray. Amen.
About the author — David Den Haan
Pastor Dave Den Haan has served at Fairway Christian Reformed Church in Jenison, Michigan, since 1999. Previously he served a church in Minnesota. Dave and his wife, Connie, have three children.
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