John 5:46-47: “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?”
There must have been times in Jesus ministry when he wondered what it would take to get through to his disciples. What would it take for them to understand who he really was, and what he was sent to earth to do? Why wouldn’t they listen? Why did they want a Messianic King to usher in a new world order, when he came to them as a Suffering Servant?
They had Moses. They had the prophets. They had Jesus’ own teaching, his miracles, and his healing. Yet they kept asking, “Who is this?” When would they finally understand?
Maybe, just maybe, if he spent time with them after he was crucified and resurrected. Maybe then they would understand.
Jesus did just that in Luke 24 on his post-resurrection appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. During his time with them he asked them five questions; five transformative, personal, and empowering questions on their journey to Emmaus.
Each day this week we’ll be spending time with one of those five questions.
In order to do that, put yourself in the place of the two disciples. One of them is named: Cleopas. The other is not named. These two disciples were not a part of the Twelve disciples, rather, they were followers of Jesus. They weren’t the designated disciples who are named, whom Jesus called and appointed as the special inner group. They were just ordinary disciples who had followed Jesus.
They were just like us.
And after Jesus was crucified, they felt like failures. They felt betrayed and let down. Their hearts hurt that their Lord and friend, Jesus, had been crucified. It must have felt like his death on the cross was simply they end of the story. They were deflated disciples; they were frustrated followers.
But what happened in their encounter with the Risen Lord rocked their world. Though they didn’t recognize him at first, they looked back and realized that their hearts burned within them as they walked and talked with Jesus.
And on that road to Emmaus Jesus gave them a vision and a direction for their lives. He put new meaning and purpose in their minds. Just like on the Day of Pentecost, Jesus set their hearts on fire with the power of the Holy Spirit to lead responsive lives because of the verifiable fact that he had been risen from the dead.
Now that’s something you can believe!
Questions to Ponder:
- · Do you ever feel like the two disciples, meandering through life without a clear sense of vision and purpose? What would it take for you to really “be on fire” for your faith?
- · “It’s more important for you to be a witness to your faith than to argue with people about their faith.” Do you agree with that statement? Why or why not? What would it look like for you to simply be a witness to your faith?
Prayer for Today: Dear Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross and came back to life for me. Guide me on my journey through life with the power of your Holy Spirit, and help me to follow you all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Questions, following, struggles, loving anyway....it's here in the song.
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