On The Road With Jesus!

As we reach the last chapter of Luke, the gospel writer tells us the story of the two disciples who met the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus.  Luke's gospel is the only gospel who records this story in its entirety.  N.T. Wright reknowned New Testament scholar says this scene in Luke is, "One of best sketches of a biblical scene in the gospels."  

On the Road to Emmaus

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days? 19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

What strikes me the most from this story is how Jesus interacts with these two disciples. What can we learn about Jesus' approach that might help us in how we talk about the Good News with those who might be seeking answer as to who Jesus is.

1. Jesus was curious.  He asked questions.  Before telling he listened.  He sought more to understand than be understood.  

2. Jesus meets them where they are at.  Admittedly Jesus comes down pretty hard on them calling them "foolish", but this does not stop him for taking the time to go through the bible to explain why he fulfilled all the verses in the Old Testament regardingthe Messiah.  

3. Jesus doesn't force himself on them.  When they get to their homes, Jesus continues as if he would be moving on.  He doesn't try to manipulate or control the situation or them.  He allows the men to be moved by the Holy Spirit to want to know more about him.  

4. Jesus was revealed to them in the breaking of the bread.  Some think this is a reference to the sacrament.  Protestants believe that Jesus is truly present when we celebrate holy communion following the words of institution Jesus used at the Last Supper.  Though we don't know exactly how Jesus was revealed in this scene, the disciples recognized he was the Risen Lord. 

Like Jesus, we need to first listen and be curious about what people think and believe. We should ask questions first, rather than go right to the answers.  Second, we need to help people understand the story of Jesus as told in the bible.  The bible is a story and it is best told in story form.  When we tell someone to just read the bible, rarely do people understand it. We need to teach in ways to make the bible relevant for people in their everyday lives.

Finally, Jesus spent time in their homes with them.  He ate with them.  Evangelizing is not about telling people why they need to be a Christian. It is more about breaking bread, listening and sharing God's story in a way that is natural and believeable because you believe.  Then the rest is up to the Holy Spirit!