The Vine: April 15, 2024
“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”
This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)
“Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?”
They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.”
Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”
That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. ”
In March of 2020 many people adopted a new hobby – walking. Due to the pandemic and being isolated at home, there was not much to do so many decided to start walking in neighborhoods. I was one of those individuals. One of the things I enjoyed the most was meeting so many people who were walking in the neighborhood for the first time. It was great to see families and friends outside enjoying time together. Some people walked casually in groups. Others walked by themselves listening to podcasts, etc. Some walked with a clear purpose of exercise at a fast pace.
As I read our text for today, I imagined the two followers of Christ walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They were not simply walking for the sake of walking. They were traveling from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus, and as they walked, they were talking and processing what they had just experienced – the crucifixion of the one they believed was the Messiah. I picture them walking slowly in a slumped, discouraged posture as they considered what life would be like without Jesus. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, a stranger joined them for the journey.
In our story today Jesus decided it was best to appear incognito at first, only to reveal his identity later in the story. The climax of the story occurs, not on the road as they were walking, but at the dinner table. Echoing language from the Last Supper, as well as the feeding of the multitudes, Jesus “took the bread, blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them.” It was at that moment their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus. One would think Jesus would have at least stuck around for dessert, but instead, he vanished just as suddenly as he appeared.
The purpose of Jesus’ appearing to them was not to stay with them physically the rest of their lives, but to assure them that he was alive and well and that there was work to be done with the help of the Holy Spirit. Apparently, they received the message loud and clear. While they were undoubtedly physically and emotionally tired, they got up immediately and began the seven mile walk back to Jerusalem to share the good news of the risen Christ with the disciples. Upon reflection of his presence along the road, as well as in the breaking of the bread, it was more than enough to prepare them to respond with a resounding, “Yes!”, not just with their lips, but more importantly with their feet.
It reminds me of Isaiah 52:7, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’”
In the multitude of ways the risen Christ appears to us, may we have willing feet to go and share the good news of God’s grace and salvation in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
Jesus interpreted the scriptures for Cleopas and the other disciple as they walked to Emmaus. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” The Bible is a living book that speaks to us in mysterious ways. How has the Holy Spirit reached you through the reading and discussion of the Bible?
After realizing they had encountered the risen Christ at the table, they immediately went back to Jerusalem to share the good news. What can we learn from their response about witnessing and sharing our experiences of Jesus in our lives?
The disciples found it important to return to their community to share their experience. How does this highlight the importance of community in our spiritual lives? In what ways has being a part of a Christian community helped you in your journey?
Jesus appeared to the disciples in an ordinary meal after a day of travel. How open and receptive are you to experiencing Christ in the everyday things and places of life?
Prayer:
Prayer: Almighty and all loving God, we thank you that you have given us the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us along the path in our discipleship. Just as we have received your grace unconditionally and fully, may we also share the good news of your love for all of humanity in the unique ways you have gifted us. Thank you for the gift of one another. Thank you for the gift of today and all that it brings. Amen.
In Christ,
Brad
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