“Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)
It is Sunday and no wonder Cleopas and his friend, who were making their way to Emmaus, felt almost disorientated with hopelessness, disappointment and despair. The recent events of Friday that had brought betrayal, denial and ultimately crucifixion for Jesus had also shattered their hopes of one who would redeem Israel - the one they described as “a prophet, powerful in word and deed” (Luke 24:19).
Rumours of resurrection
As they leave behind rumours of resurrection, they carry only vivid images of death and desolation. So when Jesus draws alongside them, at first unnoticed, something changes! He comes to meet them in their hour of need, bringing strength, comfort and support.
As they talk, He prompts their thinking with questions. As they reason with Him, He reminds them of what has to happen: “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter glory?” (Luke: 25-26). While Jesus brings scripture to life again, He gently rekindles the fire that has almost gone out.
When Jesus is welcomed to their humble table as a guest, He becomes host and as He blessed and broke bread, at once they saw the Saviour! As Christ spoke the travellers’ hearts were set on fire, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us?” (Luke: 24:32).
Strength to move on from sadness
They were changed and transformed through a mere glimpse of the resurrected Christ. They gained strength to move on from sadness, to go on living and believing and to go back to Jerusalem to share the wonderful hope to those who so desperately needed it.
Ken Gire writes, “The road to Emmaus is often the road we take after we have been to Golgotha. It’s the road we take when the others we’ve taken turn out to be dead ends.” Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him…”
Thank God today for the hope that comes from Christ alone. Through the finished work of Calvary we can walk with Christ every day, looking forward to the time when we will see Him face-to-face. The next time you sing the following words, I pray that your heart will glow with assurance of a risen Saviour.
There is a hope that stands the test of time
That lifts my eyes beyond the beckoning grave
To see the matchless beauty of a day divine
When I behold His face
When sufferings cease and sorrows die
And every longing satisfied
Then joy unspeakable will flood my soul
For I am truly home.
Marianne Trueman is a Senior Administrative Assistant in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s Mission Department.
As we remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross this Easter, and what it means to each of us personally, you are more than welcome to celebrate Christ’s resurrection with us this Easter Sunday. For a church near you, use our Find a Church search feature here.
You can also find out where many of our Dawn Services are taking place on Easter Sunday here.
Each year the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland issues an Easter Message. This year, in Easter: Celebrating victory, Rt. Rev. Dr. Noble McNeely reminds us that the heart of the Christian message is that death is not the end for everyday disciples of Jesus. Dr. McNeely writes that there will always be more to come, because of what Christ did for us nearly 2,000 years ago, for at Easter ‘we celebrate a victory’. You can read it here.