Rhonda Ward

Luke 24:13-18, 28-32 (ESV)

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?”

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?”

Reflection:

Cleopas… trying to place where you’ve seen his name? Cleopas – he gets a single mention in the Bible. On the day of the Resurrection, Cleopas and an unnamed companion were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, about seven miles, despondent after learning that Jesus of Nazareth had been crucified. Their long-anticipated Messiah was gone and they didn’t know what was next. But this Stranger joins them on the road to Emmaus and rebukes them for their unbelief, offering an interpretation of scriptural prophecies concerning the Messiah.

It was only after Jesus left their physical presence that Cleopas and his companion realized who he was. Jesus had been right there, trudging step for step over those several sorrowful miles, and they didn’t even know it until he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.

How often does Jesus walk alongside us and we are oblivious to his presence, ignore his tender voice in our ear, and deny his insistent desire to live in our hearts? 

The relationship that Jesus had with Cleopas and his friend, though short-term in earthly fashion, resulted in an eternal relationship. Jesus explained in direct terms, to their clear understanding, that he hadn’t vanished from their spiritual lives. He would be with them for eternity.

This passage in Luke has had a significant influence on my life. It’s the reason I am at St. Luke’s, teaching a Bible study on Thursday mornings, attending worship, and participating in a small group. How so?

This Scripture inspired what is known as the Walk to Emmaus, an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation. While on the Walk in 2016 I met several women whose home church is St. Luke’s. After the Walk, I was invited by one of those  St. Luke’s women to join her for a worship service, then to a Bible study, then to make sandwiches with her Sunday School class. One small step led to another. Through the following years, I’ve found myself creating Bible study lessons and leading classes, playing football catch with kids at Gethsemane during Meet the Neighbors Saturdays, and writing for the Daily Habit. My discipleship continues to transform, thanks to the opportunities St. Luke’s offers. 

Cleopas, God bless him. His story becomes our story, it’s my story, meeting Jesus in a new way. Sharing a grace-filled life with others. Would you be interested in that kind of life? To feel your spirit renewed by hearing the message of God’s active grace in the world? St. Luke’s has an active Emmaus community, if you’re curious, let a pastor know.   

Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me grow in awareness and confidence of the calling you have for my life, and that I have the courage to follow that path. To be that disciple you have called me to be. Amen.