November 15, 2021
Scripture: 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. Luke 24:27, 30-31 ESV
Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, Luke 24:44-45 ESV
Observation: In this closing remarks of Luke’s Gospel, he shares two unifying stories of Jesus’ encounters with two men (Cleopas and a traveling mate) on the road to the village of Emmaus (24:13-35) and later that night with his eleven disciples and the same two men from Emmaus (24:36-49). Each time, Jesus explained how the prophecies regarding the Messiah pointed to all aspects of his earthly life and works. And each time, eyes and minds perceived the truth.
Takeaway: These thirteen men had the distinct advantage of seeing and hearing Christ in the flesh. Later, after Pentecost, the Holy Spirit would open eyes and minds to hearing the truth of the Gospel to thousands—sight unseen. The catalyst remains the same today: the Holy Spirit reveals to us the veracity of the Gospel. And as we grow in grace, our mind’s eyes sense his presence in our midst. The joy of our salvation has replaced the sorrow of our sin-burdened hearts. In the words of John Wesley, our hearts have grown “strangely warm.”
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the gift of your Son, who has opened our eyes to behold his and your glory through the work of the Holy Spirit. As Christ’s ambassadors, would you please help us share his Gospel in word and deed to others, that they might behold our glorious Lord and Savior? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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