Open Eyes, Open Minds

The women had returned excitedly from the empty tomb – sharing all that had happened and filled with joy. Instead of meeting acceptance and belief, verse 11 of Luke 24 tells us, “But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.” They must have been sure these women, overcome by grief, had let their imagination run wild. They had seen Jesus die, they knew He was buried in the borrowed tomb, and the facts of what they had humanly seen were overriding the faith to believe what these women were telling them.

Life had to go on. Two of them needed to make a journey to a village called Emmaus. It would take awhile, for it was about seven miles away, and their transportation system for the day was their own two legs! Just like any two friends who had gone through what they had the last few days, their conversation turned to the events at hand. They weren’t joyous happenings to discuss.

As they walked along, Jesus came up and began to walk along with them, “but they were kept from recognizing him” (Luke 24:16.) Patiently He began to deal with them at the point of their need. He began with a direct question – what was it they had been discussing together as they walked along? That question stopped them in their tracks! “They stood sill, their faces downcast” (Luke 24:17b) How could there be anyone who didn’t know the events of the last few days? Within moments, it all spilled out. Words, tumbling out of their tangled out emotions, giving acknowledgement to their dashed hopes, seemingly confusion added to mystery by the claims of the women earlier that day.

Reprimanding them for their lack of faith, Jesus began right where they would understand. They knew Moses and the Prophets for they were devout Jews. He took them through the Scriptures, explaining to them all of these things about Himself – and still, they did not recognize Him. Not until He was within their place, until He sat down at the table with them and broke the bread did they know that it was Jesus.

His glorious Presence gave these men strength to literally go quickly back the seven miles – in the same night – to tell the disciples Who had been with them! What joy they shared as they took the journey this time. No more sadness and gloom – He had come OUT of the tomb! They were forever changed – they had been with the Master.

He is ready to meet us – right where we are. He is the Bread for our hungry spirits – the Water for our thirsty souls. No more sadness and gloom! He is RISEN!

O, Lord – open our minds, our hearts to know You more – and may we represent You well – causing others to desire You!

By: Janene Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You
“Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45