Their steps were heavy and their souls were hungry. Two of Jesus’ followers were walking home, a few days after Jesus had been crucified.
Jesus himself appeared to them, but they didn’t recognize him. Somehow. Some way. They just didn’t realize it was the risen, living Jesus.
He seemed to be a stranger. He asked them what they were talking about. They replied, “Jesus of Nazareth. He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:19-21).
They know Jesus is the Son of God and Savior of the world. They know his promises to rise from the dead on the third day. But their souls are still starving. Why?
First, consider this. These days fast food is served not only at restaurants, but at airports, college campuses, gas stations, high school concession stands, hospital cafeterias, Wal-Marts, and, yes, even churches. Additionally, we consume everyday fast foods from our cupboards and refrigerators poisoned with deadly chemicals and unhealthy ingredients. We know these things aren’t healthy. So why do we poison ourselves with unhealthy eating?
We have the information, but we don’t believe it, we dismiss it, we’ll get to it later. It doesn’t impact us personally.
These disciples had all the spiritual food and health they needed, but were still hungry and hurting.
So Jesus gently begins to fill their hungry hearts, “He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (Luke 24:25-27).
We can be foolish and slow to believe. That’s a problem. The solution is not better behavior or more information. The solution is a person.
A real, alive, powerful and compassionate person named Jesus who is more than a person, he is true God. He is prophesied from ancient times and the Bible says so. Jesus put into practice everything prophesied about him.
For those of us who fail too often to practice what we preach, Jesus comes to us having perfectly practiced all that was prophesied about him and all of the Father’s instructions. And he gives that perfect practice record to anyone who believes in him! Yes, through faith in Jesus, you are seen by God as perfect.
For those of us who have walked the wrong path or aren’t sure about our path in this life, Jesus comes to us, walks with us, and guides us on new paths. He doesn’t wait for us to find our way, but he finds us. He doesn’t give us instructions and say, “Follow these first, then if you’re good enough, I’ll help you.”
All of your hopes for today center on Jesus. A real person who is the real Son of God and Savior. He truly satisfies!
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, when I lose heart or get too upset, thank you for coming to me, finding me and walking with me. Lead me today in faith so that I can find others who need you too. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: These two disciples did eventually recognize Jesus. When? And what was the result? Check out my Sunday message and I’ll tell you. http://crosslifepf.org/messages/jesus-satisfies/