Finding Hope Again

In Luke 24:13-35, Two disciples walk the road to Emmaus, weighed down by grief and confusion after Jesus’ death. Their hearts are heavy, their spirits crushed, and they feel empty and hopeless, unable to make sense of the tragedy that has unfolded. As they journey together, a stranger joins them—someone who listens with compassion and begins to speak of the scriptures, gently revealing how the suffering and death of the Messiah were part of a greater plan foretold by the prophets. Though their eyes remain closed to his identity, something stirs within their hearts as he speaks. Later, as they sit down to share a meal, the traveler blesses and breaks the bread, and with that familiar act, their eyes are opened— they see Jesus. Alive. With them. 
 Instantly, the emptiness is gone, they find hope again. They have encountered the risen Christ. With renewed purpose and burning hearts, they rush back to Jerusalem to tell the others what they now know to be true: He is risen!