Daily Worship

SatNav to Emmaus

James Cathcart April 22, 2017 0 0

Luke 24:13-35

On the Road to Emmaus

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

19 “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him,and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

The disciples on the road to Emmaus, blinded by grief and disappointment, going over and over what had just happened, the loss of Jesus but unable to see the bigger picture, or put together the pieces, or even recognising him when he is right in in front of them. Imagine if while they were trudging along they fired up a SatNav (it’s strapped to a donkey okay?).

 

Please enter your destination.

You have selected ‘Emmaus’. You are 7 miles from your destination.

Would you like to go the fastest route?

Or would you prefer a detour where the resurrected Jesus explains the significance of recent events in the light of scripture?

You selected ‘Fastest route.’

You will reach Emmaus in approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.

At the next junction turn left.

At the next junction turn left.

At the next junction turn left.

At the next junction realise you are going in circles.

You are 7 miles from your destination.

You will reach Emmaus in approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.

You are definitely not lost.

Would you like to go the fastest route or would you prefer an enlightening detour?

You selected ‘Fastest route.’

Would you like to comment on this route so other users can learn about ‘Emmaus’? 

Confirm you would like to post the comment ‘Feeling a bit lost TBH’. 

Comment posted.

Jesus ‘Likes’ your comment.

Yes, it must be a different Jesus.

No you don’t see that many Jesuses.

Would you like to ‘Travel Together’ or would you like to go the fastest route?

You selected ‘Travel Together.’

Go straight ahead.

Would you like to ‘Check in’ at ‘Wine and Bread’?

Jesus Likes this.

Yes he does look a bit like the other Jesus.

Yes I think you’re right.

You have reached your destination.

 

Dear God

Bear with us 

as we bear left and bear right

and find ourselves going in circles

and getting unbearably lost.

Bear with us.

Amen.