Easter Mattersনমুনা

Written by Jimmy Shepherd - Planting Pastor of City on a Hill Tweed

Nothing is better than getting good news when you expect bad news. We brace ourselves for the worst, like a loved one at death’s door only to be surprised by the doctor’s positive prognosis. As they begin to explain why, the more you know and understand, the more excited, hopeful, and joyful you become.

This is the scene of these two disciples as they listened to the stranger’s exposition of the scriptures about what happened in Jerusalem. Their grief turns to excitement, as they urge the stranger to “stay with us” (Luke 24:29, ESV) so they can learn more about the events of the past few days.

As they begin to share a meal, “their eyes were opened” (Luke 24:31, ESV), and they finally recognise who the stranger is. Jesus. And then, as if having fulfilled his purpose, he vanishes.

At this point they recognised why their hearts burned within them—the stranger was talking about himself. Just as a doctor has the authority to give a positive prognosis for a patient, it is the risen Lord Jesus who has the authority to interpret the scriptures and teach us why we should be filled with hope and joy, causing our hearts to burn with excitement.

The excitement and joy only compounds when soon arriving in Jerusalem to share the news with the apostles, they find out they too have seen the Lord, as he appeared to Simon (Peter). Jesus’ appearances on the road and in Jerusalem (and presumably to many more—see 1 Corinthians 15:6) strengthen their joy and hope that Jesus truly was alive, as the scriptures say.

What these two men experienced with Peter and the rest of the apostles, we also get to witness as we watch people encounter Jesus through reading God’s word, having their eyes opened to see him for themselves. Their joy increases ours, and their faith strengthens ours, and as we continue to read God’s word, we are reminded constantly that Jesus is with us, and God is continuing to graciously open eyes to see him and his glory.

Today ponder this:

What is the significance of this revelation taking place in a meal, and not through ‘understanding’ the scriptures?