Our Road to Emmaus

After the most insane weekend ever, Cleopas and another disciple begin to walk the six or so miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. As they walked, they talked about the incredible things that happened: Jesus atoned in Gethsemane. He stood accused before the Jews, Pilot, and Herod. The Romans scourged and crucified Him. The Earth quaked at His death.

 

Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb with guards and a stone securing its entrance… and exit. Yet, astonishingly, that morning the tomb was empty!

 

Women said they’d seen angels and that Jesus was alive! But their story sounded unbelievable! How was it possible that He was risen from the dead?

 

They thought Jesus was the Messiah!! But He died… And was now missing.

 

Jesus joined their discussion, though they didn’t realize it was Him, as “their eyes were holden that they should not know him.” They explained the circumstances. Jesus reproved them for being “slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”

 

New Perspective Laid a Foundation for True Understanding

 

As they walked to Emmaus, Jesus taught them, as He undoubtedly had before. But now they had a different perspective. Now there were ministering angels and an empty tomb.

 

Now their minds were capable of understanding what prophets testified for centuries. Now, finally, they could comprehend.

 

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

 

And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

 

But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

 

And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

 

And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

 

Even though He’d taught them the truth about Himself multiple times, when these disciples were ready, He came to them again and taught them. And they knew Him.

 

They knew him. The scripture doesn’t say they just recognized Him. They knew Him!!
 

Our Road to Emmaus

 

Where are we on our personal roads to Emmaus?

 

Am I even aware of Jesus Christ’s life and mission?

 

If so, do I understand His life and mission?

 

Has His life and mission changed me?

 

Do I know Him?

 

To Know Christ

 

The Savior stands with open arms.

 

Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

The steps He’s provided for us include being completely obedient. We learn of Him and hearken to the words of prophets and scriptures. We pray intentionally with faith and listen for answers.

 

Various life experiences like grief, joy, abandonment, knowledge, and family can provide the foundation for a new perspective.

 

He gave us ordinances and covenants to sanctify us so that we can stand with confidence in His presence. He promised the Holy Ghost to teach us all things and bring all things to our remembrance. Receiving the Holy Ghost baptizes us with fire and we become holy.

 

Do we know Christ or do we just know about Him? Where is our unbelief? What are we slow to understand? Are we willing to confront those issues in our life?

 

As we walk to Emmaus, we can choose to ignore, discuss, or ultimately recognize. Jesus went to them to help their understanding. He walked with them during their confusion and perplexity. He taught them using scriptures they knew. Truth permeated their minds and burned in their hearts. He manifested Himself to them and they knew Him.

 

Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am.