After reflecting on Good Friday and praising God for all what He has done for all of us on the cross, we find ourselves here, on this Easter Sunday morning. What better time to revisit the account recorded in Luke 24 of what happened to two of Jesus’ disciples and to see what we can learn from their amazing Resurrection Sunday experience.

Let me paraphrase the story:

Later that same day, two of Jesus’ disciples were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, a journey of about seventeen miles. They were in the midst of a discussion about all the events of the last few days, when suddenly Jesus walked up to them and went along with them on their journey. Now, they were unaware that it was actually Jesus walking alongside them, for God prevented them from recognising him. Jesus said to them, ‘You seem to be in a deep discussion about something. What are you talking about, so sad and downcast?’ They stopped, and one of them called Cleopas asked him, ‘Haven’t you heard? Are you the only one in Jerusalem unaware of the things that have happened over the last few days?’

Jesus asked, ‘What things?’ ‘The things about Jesus, the man from Nazareth,’ they both replied. ‘He was a mighty prophet of God who performed miracles, signs and wonders. His words were powerful and he had great favour with God and the people. But three days ago, the high priest and the rulers of the people sentenced him to death and had him crucified. We had hoped that he was the one who would redeem and rescue Israel. But not only that, early this morning, some of the women informed us of something amazing. They said they went to the tomb and found it empty. They claimed that two angels appeared and told them that Jesus is now alive. Some of us even went to see for ourselves and found the tomb exactly as the women had said – empty. But you know what? No-one has seen him. We are confused, which is why we are sad and disheartened’ (see Luke 24:13-24 NIV).

So many today, on this Easter Sunday, will be sad and disheartened and broken by their own circumstances, not realising that Easter is much more than a religious event in the calendar – it is a message of hope to all mankind.  

Let’s get back to our story and find out what the disciples discovered. As they approached the village, Jesus walked on ahead, telling them he was going on to a different place. They urged him to remain there with them and pleaded, ‘Stay with us. It will be dark soon.’ So, Jesus went with them into the village. Joining them at the table for supper, he took bread and blessed it and broke it, then gave it to them. And suddenly their eyes were opened and they realised that he was Jesus!

Why did Jesus wait until he was at the table to reveal Himself? There is something relaxing about the fellowship of the table and I believe it’s a place of intimacy and friendship, a place where relationships are strengthened. Also, in breaking bread and drinking the wine He revealed to them that He had given Himself as their substitute and that He was now very much alive so that all may receive eternal life. That is how Jesus wants to make himself known to all those who don’t know Him and are in desperate need. Yes, He wants all to know that not only did He give himself and pay a price that we could not pay by dying in a very cruel way on a rugged cross, but to know that the grave could not hold Him. He truly rose on the third day as prophesied through His Word. So, at this Easter Sunday lunch table, stop and ask Jesus for a fresh revelation of the power that His resurrection can and will bring to anyone who believes and calls upon Him, that they will receive not only life but eternal life to the full.

Today, are you on the Emmaus Road? Are you sad, disappointed, feeling at a loss, asking about why your journey seems to be a never-ending one? Are you full of questions but have no answers? Well, just as these disciples experienced Jesus in that moment when he drew near to them, so can you. Jesus wants to draw near to you in your own situation. Don’t do what these two disciples did – don’t mistake Him as a stranger, but accept Him as your friend who wants to ask you this question; ‘WHY ARE YOU SAD?’ His question is really an invitation for you to discover Him and experience your heart burning with the flames of holy passion while He journeys with you and opens your eyes to the profound revelation of His resurrection.

So, this Easter, let the Emmaus Road story be more than a historical event – let it be a living experience for you now. Let it provide a pathway for you or anyone who wishes to move from disappointment to hope. May this journey of fresh revelation of the power of His resurrection renew your mind and instil a willingness to let go of your sadness and disappointment so you can go rejoicing, telling others of the true meaning of Easter that JESUS IS RISEN INDEED!!