This final chapter contains accounts of Jesus’ resurrection and empty tomb, ‘the stranger on the road to Emmaus’, and Jesus appearing to His disciples.
“…two of them were going to a village named Emmaus… While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him… And he said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself… When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.” (v13, 15-16, 25-27, 30-31 abr)
How often do we ‘see’ Jesus, without actually realizing who He is, and the work He is doing? People (especially non-believers) can receive all conceivable evidence of Jesus’ wisdom, teaching, miracles, love, divinity, and other characteristics, yet be blind to who He truly is. Many call Him a “a prophet mighty in deed and word before God” like these two followers did (v19), without actually believing / proclaiming He is the Son of God, God in the flesh.
Jesus is evident literally everywhere (He is omnipresent after all, and all people are made in the image and likeness of God). He is reflected through His church, creation, and scriptures. We need our eyes opened to who He truly is, so we can not only believe in Him, but also proclaim His gospel and kingdom to our neighbors, in the hope that the Holy Spirit will open their eyes as well.
Father God, our Sovereign Lord and Gracious Creator, You have greatly blessed us with every sign and confirmation needed for us to know and proclaim Jesus as Your Son, and our King. May we bow at His feet, worship Him alone, and serve His kingdom well with every belief and action. Holy Spirit please open / reopen our eyes, ministering in and through us, so that You may open our neighbors’ eyes to Jesus. May all this be done in accordance with Your will Father, so Your kingdom may come on earth as it is in heaven. In the name of Jesus we praise You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training