Word@Work Luke357 - Luke 24:28-29
Published: Mon, 05/16/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
WANTING JESUS TO STAY
Luke 24:28-29 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going further. But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. (NIV)
Some cultures consider hospitality to be essential; in other places people only invite those they know and like. Jesus lived in a 'hospitality culture', but did people really want Him? There is a big difference between inviting somebody to stay, and wanting them to be a part of your home. The first comes from duty and the second from desire.
The seven mile journey was almost over. Jesus had joined two disciples (not part of the twelve apostles) walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus on His resurrection day. But they were confused because they had not understood the Scriptures. So He showed them how their Bible (our Old Testament) accurately predicted the life and death of the Messiah, and described His identity as the Son of God and Saviour of the world. Something about that conversation had gripped their hearts. Here was somebody who knew the truth and wanted to relate with them. It was compelling stuff.
When Jesus said goodbye to them near to their house, they invited Him to stay. Yes, it was partly the expected social duty, and the road was not safe from bandits after dark. But that was not all. They really wanted Him to stay. His words met the desire of their hearts; His explanations about Jesus from the Scriptures were satisfying to them and came with such authority that they accepted His rebuke (Luke 24:25-27) and were willing to learn from Him.
Jesus does not force Himself on anyone, but He longs to be invited out of a heart of real desire. It starts by being willing to listen to what Jesus says about Himself, accepting it and wanting to obey Him. When we truly desire Him as Saviour and Lord, a new start is possible. Jesus said, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." (John 14:23). Incredible as it may seem, not only does God come near to us and teach us, but He makes His home in us. The simplicity of this message is a huge relief to those who struggle and fail to achieve religious goals. Let us encourage them with the words of Jesus in Revelation 3:19-20, "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." If you have welcomed Jesus, live as though He is your honoured guest: if you have not yet personally welcomed Him, click on www.crosscheck.org.uk and find out how to invite Him into your heart.
Prayer: Oh God of patience, truth and love. Thank You for wanting to stir me to love You and welcome You to my heart and home. Forgive me when I have wrongly assumed that You are not interested in me, or when I have not wanted to obey Your will for my life. Thank You for coming to every soul who repents and receives the gospel. Help me to realise the massive privilege of having the 'God of all eternity' in my heart; and help me to live a life of joy in His power, willing to explain my faith to others and to open the Scriptures to them. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Some cultures consider hospitality to be essential; in other places people only invite those they know and like. Jesus lived in a 'hospitality culture', but did people really want Him? There is a big difference between inviting somebody to stay, and wanting them to be a part of your home. The first comes from duty and the second from desire.
The seven mile journey was almost over. Jesus had joined two disciples (not part of the twelve apostles) walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus on His resurrection day. But they were confused because they had not understood the Scriptures. So He showed them how their Bible (our Old Testament) accurately predicted the life and death of the Messiah, and described His identity as the Son of God and Saviour of the world. Something about that conversation had gripped their hearts. Here was somebody who knew the truth and wanted to relate with them. It was compelling stuff.
When Jesus said goodbye to them near to their house, they invited Him to stay. Yes, it was partly the expected social duty, and the road was not safe from bandits after dark. But that was not all. They really wanted Him to stay. His words met the desire of their hearts; His explanations about Jesus from the Scriptures were satisfying to them and came with such authority that they accepted His rebuke (Luke 24:25-27) and were willing to learn from Him.
Jesus does not force Himself on anyone, but He longs to be invited out of a heart of real desire. It starts by being willing to listen to what Jesus says about Himself, accepting it and wanting to obey Him. When we truly desire Him as Saviour and Lord, a new start is possible. Jesus said, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." (John 14:23). Incredible as it may seem, not only does God come near to us and teach us, but He makes His home in us. The simplicity of this message is a huge relief to those who struggle and fail to achieve religious goals. Let us encourage them with the words of Jesus in Revelation 3:19-20, "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." If you have welcomed Jesus, live as though He is your honoured guest: if you have not yet personally welcomed Him, click on www.crosscheck.org.uk and find out how to invite Him into your heart.
Prayer: Oh God of patience, truth and love. Thank You for wanting to stir me to love You and welcome You to my heart and home. Forgive me when I have wrongly assumed that You are not interested in me, or when I have not wanted to obey Your will for my life. Thank You for coming to every soul who repents and receives the gospel. Help me to realise the massive privilege of having the 'God of all eternity' in my heart; and help me to live a life of joy in His power, willing to explain my faith to others and to open the Scriptures to them. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
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