Jesus walked a while with two friends, but his identity was hidden. In some special way, they didn’t know it was him.
They walked. They talked. Jesus reminded them what the Bible says about him—that he is the promised Savior for all people. Then they sat down for dinner. The men still didn’t know it was Jesus.
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us’” (Luke 24:30-32)?
God hides in the strangest places. Here, the Son of God hides right in plain sight.
Then their eyes were opened
The Bible doesn’t say that Jesus took off a disguise. He was there the whole time, they just didn’t see him, their eyes were closed to him and open to their own foolish opinions.
Jesus promises that he is always with you, always active, always listening to your prayers and speaking his truth and walking by your side. When you are convinced that he’s forgotten you, that he doesn’t care, that he’s not acting for your good, these are your foolish opinions and they blind you to Jesus. The problem isn’t Jesus but your blind vision.
They recognized him
They don’t just see Jesus like looking at strangers in line at the grocery store. They recognize him. They know him and their hearts jump—totally unexpected!
We who close off Jesus from our sight don’t expect to suddenly see him, but he is there. Our companion. Our forgiver and friend. The God who hides to make himself known.
He disappeared
Poof! Jesus vanishes into thin air like only God can do, but look at this. They don’t scream, “No! Don’t leave us! Why would you leave us?!” Because Jesus has filled their hunger and they’re no longer searching for spiritual food. His nourishment remains and they are satisfied in him.
Like nutritious food can fuel your body with energy long after you eat, Jesus fuels your soul even if you can’t see him.
Were not our hearts burning within us?
When? When did their hearts burn? When Jesus finally appeared? When they could touch him and share bread with him at the table? No. Their hearts burned on the road, before they fully saw and understood!
For those of us who get confused about Jesus or some times aren’t sure about our path in this life, we don’t need to be afraid. We may not always recognize him, but Jesus still comes to us, walks with us, and guides us on new paths.
Open the Scriptures, and when you do, Jesus will open your eyes and your heart.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, when I’m scared or confused, when I’m not sure about my path in life, comes to me, walk with me, and guide my ways. Even when I don’t recognize you, I believe you are faithfully by my side. My forgiving Savior and present Friend. Amen.
Further Meditation
Read Luke 24:13-35. Put yourself in the story. How you are like these Emmaus disciples?
