Insight: Luke 24:13-27

Here is that passage of the Bible, which occurred right after Jesus rose on the third day:

    Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.
    He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
    They stood still, their faces downcast. 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?”
    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. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 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. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
    He said to them, “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 his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

[Credit: Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2024&version=NIV]

What I love about this passage it how it notes that the disciples were kept from recognizing Jesus and, instead of just giving them answers right away, Jesus asks them questions that point them to find the truth on their own and do an assessment of their situation. 

I think this is an example of how, when we feel like God isn’t answering prayers and isn't giving us answers, He’s actually helping us figure some things out on our own first. 

This active process of searching for answers teaches us to use the gifts He always gave us, gifts of Scripture (where we find Truth and the history of His faithfulness since the beginning of time), gifts of godly relationships (where we find advice and other perspectives and accounts of God’s grace), and the gift of the Holy Spirit (which teaches us to have more patience as we listen for God’s guidance). 

As we use these gifts, we grow closer to God and better understand Him. 

In addition, I like how, even after the disciples analyzed their situation but still didn’t fully understand,  Jesus didn’t leave them hanging. In grace, He then filled in the gaps of their knowledge and helped them arrive at the full truth. 

Now, maybe it sticks out to you (as it did for me too) that Jesus seems a bit irritated with them due to the fact that they didn't understand (“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 his glory?”). 

Now, this may seem harsh, especially when you consider that these men are going through a traumatic time, but it makes sense that Jesus is irritated. He gave them all the tools/gifts they needed to figure out the situation (scripture, community with the disciples, experience from His time with them) and yet they didn't put the pieces of the puzzle together. 

Instead, as I think we all do sometimes, these men let their doubts and fears and anxieties control their minds and actions. Sometimes it's easier to let these things take control rather than to fight for the truth. Yet that's exactly what God calls us to do - fight for the truth and don't give the devil a foothold. Don't allow the devil to creep into your thoughts and emotions by dwelling in the pain, sadness, anxiety, and fear. Actively fight these things by filling your mind and heart with God's truth. 

These men could have done that, and would have realized Who Jesus was, but they didn't - and that is why (I believe that) Jesus was irritated with them. 

Yet, don't fail to realize - even though Jesus was irritated, He still exhibited profound love and faithfulness by explaining everything to them. That's what God does. Even though we mess up time and time again, He still cares for us and guides us. 💛

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