When I stop to think about it, I’m amazed that Jesus – the One who existed before the world began, the Highest Name above all names – also chooses to be the One who walks alongside me. But He does!
There’s a beautiful example of this in Luke 24:13-35. Two disciples were walking to Emmaus on the day of Jesus’ resurrection. They didn’t witness the resurrection themselves, though they were told about it by the women who went to the empty tomb that morning, so they were doubtful. They were saddened and hopeless after the death of the one prophet they thought was going to save their people. Jesus appears and walks with them (although they were kept from recognizing Him at first). His interaction with them reveals so many things about God’s character, things that bring comfort, truth, hope and perspective on the darkest days.
JESUS IS EMMANUEL, GOD WITH US
Jesus himself drew near. v. 15
The passage tells us the disciples were sad as they went over Jesus’ torture and crucifixion. That’s when Jesus chose to appear. Today He is still the One who comes alongside us, turns up when we need Him, and walks the difficult road of loss, grief, confusion, doubt and sadness with us.
JESUS IS THE WONDERFUL COUNSELOR
Jesus pretended He did not know what had happened that weekend. Why did He do that? He was there, after all. He knew what had happened! I think it was so these disciples would open up their hearts to Him. Jesus knew they needed truth, revelation and encouragement in the face of their loss, but first of all, He gave them a chance to share their hopelessness and doubt with Him.
“We had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” v. 21
JESUS IS THE MESSIAH, THE SAVIOUR
Jesus breaks in with truth at this point. He unpacks the Old Testament for them to prove that He had to suffer, He was the fulfillment of all the prophecies in the Old Testament, and He was the Messiah, the PROMISED DELIVERER.
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. v. 27
JESUS IS THE BREAD OF LIFE
By this stage, the disciples are desperate to spend more time with this stranger who has so much knowledge.
He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us …” v. 28
Again, Jesus shows He’s the One willing to stay with us. He went in to sit and eat with them. The moment they realized who He was was when Jesus broke bread, blessed it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. v. 31
Maybe they recognized something in His manner; maybe the words of His prayer were reminiscent of other meals with Him. I can only imagine how He must have communicated His Godly authority too. Jesus sits down to eat with us too. He provides and even chooses to serve us. And the ‘food’ He gives is so much better than anything we can imagine because it is the ultimate ‘bread’ – His actual presence. The life force. It reminds me of the revelation Jesus gave to the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:
“Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14
LET’S LOOK FOR JESUS
As soon as the disciples realized who Jesus was, He disappeared. It seemed a little sudden and harsh, but they had what they needed. They needed His presence, His comfort and His revelation. It’s at that point they said,
“Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” v. 32
They had an inkling that there was something special about this stranger – I’m sure that’s partly why they invited Him in – but they didn’t pay attention to it. Now we have the Holy Spirit in us, revealing Jesus to us. So, when we have a prompting, a nudge, a conviction, a burning in our spirit, let’s pay attention. It may well be Jesus speaking to us.
This passage comforts my heart because it lifts my eyes from my path of loss, sadness and hopelessness. It helps me see Jesus for all He is, that it’s all about Him. Everything in the Old Testament points to Him. The whole narrative is about a Redeemer coming to win His people back to Him, paying the price Himself, so that His people can walk with Him in eternity.
And then this Jesus – this perfect, Mighty One – is the same One who decides to step in and walk with us in our confusion, doubt, and hopelessness. To listen to us and remind us that He is our salvation. And unlike this particular story, He won’t disappear!
“…I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20(ESV).
Will you pray with me?
Jesus,
Help me begin to grasp how incredible you are. When I am walking a road of doubt, confusion, sadness, hopelessness, and grief, help me notice that you are walking with me. That you are bringing comfort, truth, assurance and encouragement. That you are the fulfillment of all the promises in the Bible and that I can depend on you to always be there. Thank you, Amen.
