The Gospel of Luke contains an account of two men who encounter Jesus on the road to Emmaus. I’ve always found this account fascinating in that it relates the story of two otherwise ordinary friends taking a walk together. I’m stunned by the familiarity of what’s taking place and what’s currently going on in my life. These guys were talking about “all these things that had happened.” Specifically, they were reflecting on what took place with Jesus just a few days earlier. Interestingly, it’s in those rather ordinary and regular moments of life that God shows up and talks with us, changes us, and spends time with us (I find the phrasing in this passage rather odd. Most days I seek to spend time with God and here we see God spending time with people.).
How many times have you and I planned, prepared, and developed a strategy to meet with Jesus only to find that our (un)rigid schedules and plans have been met with obstacles, distractions, and missed expectations?
Something almost magical takes place when people get together, share their lives, and reflect on the Gospel…Jesus shows up and begins to teach and talk to them. Have you ever experienced that? An unplanned meeting with people and Jesus. It’s quite refreshing and at the same time frustrating because it’s so hard to manufacture. Should we not follow the example of these men and spend time walking with each other and talking of the things of God? I think so. Consider taking some time today and talking about what God has been doing in your life.
Think through your life and consider where God has been at work. Now find someone and share. Ordinary as all this may be, it’s intriguing to see the organic development of these men. They started walking together. Jesus drew near to them. His presence set their hearts ablaze. They couldn’t help but tell others about their encounter on the road of Emmaus.
No need for methodological development from this passage. Simply, live life with other people and talk about Jesus. That’s not oversimplification, that’s doable.
Your Emmaus Road experience awaits you. I can’t wait to hear your story.
Luke 24:35 “Then they told what had happened on the road…”
