Word@Work Luke354 - Luke 24:13-16
Published: Wed, 05/11/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
JESUS UNRECOGNISED
Luke 24:13-16 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 recognising him. (NIV)
Like all spectacular and controversial events, the crucifixion of Jesus was full of unanswered questions. Yet the two people walking home to Emmaus certainly had their opinions to discuss. The irregular arrest, the unfair trial, the religious hostility, the cruel flogging and the shameful death on a cross were probably all mixed up with the role of Judas Iscariot (the betrayer), the strange darkness and their lost hope. But none of it seemed to make any sense.
Just then, Jesus joined them. Of course the long garments of that time and the cooling head wear (similar to Arab dress today) provided a good disguise, especially as the last person they expected to meet was Jesus. Their minds were focussed on their sadness and a dead Messiah. Yet the text indicates that it was not just their preoccupation with grief and trying to make sense of what had happened which prevented them recognising the Saviour; it was as though God knew they could not fully understand without seeing the life and death of Jesus through the pages of the Old Testament Scriptures (Luke 24:32). It would be the Word of God which would enable them to recognise the living Messiah.
Many people attempt to 'find God', but cannot. They may be looking for clues in nature, the cosmos, human psychology or the thoughts of religious leaders; but unless they search the Scriptures they will not be able to recognise who Jesus is. For that reason, so much of what passes for 'sharing our faith' falls short if we do not help our friends to understand how Jesus is God's One and Only Saviour, from the Bible. Christian faith is not primarily about the benefit we feel from knowing Jesus, but it is about accepting that He is the only divinely appointed Saviour of the world. That is the focus of all the Bible's stories and teaching, so if we are to share our faith we must share the Scriptures. Otherwise people will not be able to recognise who Jesus is.
Prayer: Father God. Thank You that we can know Jesus by understanding what the Scriptures say about Him. I pray for my friends and colleagues who are mystified by my Christian faith despite my explanations. Help me to show them how Your Word enables us to see who He is, and how to have a real relationship with Him. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Like all spectacular and controversial events, the crucifixion of Jesus was full of unanswered questions. Yet the two people walking home to Emmaus certainly had their opinions to discuss. The irregular arrest, the unfair trial, the religious hostility, the cruel flogging and the shameful death on a cross were probably all mixed up with the role of Judas Iscariot (the betrayer), the strange darkness and their lost hope. But none of it seemed to make any sense.
Just then, Jesus joined them. Of course the long garments of that time and the cooling head wear (similar to Arab dress today) provided a good disguise, especially as the last person they expected to meet was Jesus. Their minds were focussed on their sadness and a dead Messiah. Yet the text indicates that it was not just their preoccupation with grief and trying to make sense of what had happened which prevented them recognising the Saviour; it was as though God knew they could not fully understand without seeing the life and death of Jesus through the pages of the Old Testament Scriptures (Luke 24:32). It would be the Word of God which would enable them to recognise the living Messiah.
Many people attempt to 'find God', but cannot. They may be looking for clues in nature, the cosmos, human psychology or the thoughts of religious leaders; but unless they search the Scriptures they will not be able to recognise who Jesus is. For that reason, so much of what passes for 'sharing our faith' falls short if we do not help our friends to understand how Jesus is God's One and Only Saviour, from the Bible. Christian faith is not primarily about the benefit we feel from knowing Jesus, but it is about accepting that He is the only divinely appointed Saviour of the world. That is the focus of all the Bible's stories and teaching, so if we are to share our faith we must share the Scriptures. Otherwise people will not be able to recognise who Jesus is.
Prayer: Father God. Thank You that we can know Jesus by understanding what the Scriptures say about Him. I pray for my friends and colleagues who are mystified by my Christian faith despite my explanations. Help me to show them how Your Word enables us to see who He is, and how to have a real relationship with Him. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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