Luke 24:25 – 26 How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?

These were the words of Jesus to two of his followers as he joined their conversation on the way to Emmaus on the third day after his crucifixion. These two followers were in a state of grief and confusion. They were surprised when Jesus asked them what had happened to make them so discouraged. In turn they asked him if he was a newcomer in town. That seemed to be the only explanation for him not to have heard about this Jesus of Nazareth. Read Luke 24:13 – 35.

Jesus listened patiently. They had a lot of facts but they did not understand what it all meant. They even made the point that it was the third day, which means they had expectations for the third day because Jesus had predicted that he would rise from the dead on the third day. But what did that mean if they couldn’t find him? Just like us they wanted more evidence.

Sweet Savior, loving, patient and kind, he connected the dots for them. “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Still wondering why you need to spend time reading the Bible for yourself from cover to cover?).

Then, as it was getting dark, these two men urged Jesus to stay with them. “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.” In the breaking of bread, they came face to face with the risen Lord!

All Scripture is given to us that we may believe. God has had this ongoing relationship with mankind from the very beginning. He wants us to know him and Jesus Christ whom he sent. Jesus has asked us to celebrate the breaking of bread (Holy Communion) as an ongoing remembrance of him until he comes again. It was in that act of breaking bread that his followers connected with him the most and their confusion was replaced with joy.