The story of the two disciples returning to Emmaus from Jerusalem in Luke 24:13-34 is a story of hope lost and regained. Their spiritual journey can help us in our spiritual journey today.
Jesus Helps the Disciples Regain Lost Hope
As our story begins, Cleopas and his companion, which may even have been his wife, are disappointed and discouraged. Jesus has joined them in their walk, but the two don’t recognize Jesus and feel free to explain. Luke 24: 20 But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel.[1]
As they walk, Jesus explains that all of Scripture shows how Messiah must suffer before His glorification. When they reach their destination, they invite Jesus in. Luke: 9 but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them.[2] They only recognized Jesus when He blessed the bread. Then Jesus disappeared.
At this unexpected, surprising turn of events, the two begin discussing what happened. Luke: 32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” [3] They now understood that the cross had been a necessary part of Jesus’ work. It would pay the price for their sins. But the cross wasn’t the end; no, Jesus rose from the dead. They now had their hope renewed.
We May Need to Regain Lost Hope
Our journey in life may be like the journey of the Emmaus disciples. In this sinful world, there is sorrow, and we may not understand why we suffer along the way. When we draw near to Jesus, there is a gradual dawning of the light. The Holy Spirit enables this. We begin to trust that God is in control and has a plan for us. He will come in surprising ways that we don’t expect. But Jesus will change our hearts and, thus, change how we act.
Steps to Regain Lost Hope
First, bring your sorrows and questions to God. You can be honest with Him; His shoulders are big enough to handle anything. Second, begin to search the Scriptures and ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Third, expect God to answer and assist you. Realize that this will probably come in a way you don’t expect. God loves to surprise His children. But God loves us and sent His Son to die for our sins to restore our relationship with Him.
God works uniquely with us, so don’t expect Him to work with you as He worked with a friend. Just like the Emmaus disciple had hope lost and regained, Jesus will do the same for you. To hear more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/foreshadowing-the-cross-resurrection
[1-3] Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.