Luke 24:13–34 (NLT)
The Walk to Emmaus
13 That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”
They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. 18 Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”
19 “What things?” Jesus asked.
“The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. 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. This all happened three days ago.
22 “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. 23 They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! 24 Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.”
25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. 26 Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” 27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, 29 but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. 30 As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. 31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!
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?” 33 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, 34 who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.”
Luke 24:35-49 (NLT)
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. 36 And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!
38 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he ate it as they watched.
44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations,[a] beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.
49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
I expect life to go smoothly, predictably and comfortably.
But there is One who gives peace that exceeds what makes sense.
I expect to feel amazing, capable, and confident.
But there is One who makes weaknesses and limitations invaluable.
I expect others to always treat me respectfully and fairly.
But there is One who treats me better than I can ever deserve.
I expect a life with no pain, hardship or suffering.
But there is One who fashions good out of the worst of tragedies.
I expect to be perfect and above reproach.
But there is One who heals and makes me joyfully whole.
I expect people to be who I think they should be.
But there is One who is shaping them into things even better.
I expect earthly treasures and financial security.
But there is One who drowns avarice with loving provision.
I expect people to want, enjoy, and invite me.
But there is One who longs for the most repulsive I can be.
I expect to be seen, acknowledged, and understood by people.
But there is One who knows the number of hairs on my head.
I expect unlimited rest, relaxation, and vacation.
But there is One who quiets and refreshes as I work.
I expect life to go my way – people to do what I want.
But there is One who surprises with superior approaches.
I expect to believe in “me,” be self-assured, and self-confident.
But there is One who includes me in what transcends myself.
I expect success, achievement, and great accomplishment.
But there is One who empowers me for more beautiful purposes.
I expect new circumstances to renew and revive.
But there is One who liberates from dependence on circumstance.
I expect God to answer prayers in ways I believe best.
But He satisfies in ways my ideas cannot.
“’My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.’” Isaiah 55:8 (NLT)
Luke 24 describes a moment when two of Jesus’ followers found themselves deeply confused and discouraged. Their hearts had been set on specific victories He was to achieve so their circumstances could be better. But their Hero had just been humiliatingly executed instead. As they headed home from Jerusalem to leave behind unsettling events, their disappointment ran deep.
What they didn’t know was that even though they had given up on Jesus, He had not given up on them. Their recently crucified Leader was close by and about to surprise them with a bigger, better, and greater story than they had been hoping for.
As Jesus walked alongside them, He used Scripture to raise their expectations from earthly imaginings to His divine plans.
In 1922, Helen Howarth Lemmel wrote a hymn in which she offered hope-giving advice to fellow followers of Jesus who, like the two in Luke 24, also found themselves confused and discouraged by unmet expectations...
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”