It was noted by the group that, once again, the women were not believed when they reported the resurrection. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus told Jesus, who they did not recognize at first, that the women reported that Jesus had been raised and that they investigated. They found the tomb empty, but they did not see Jesus. What is compelling about this account is that, like the other writers, Luke does not hide the fact that people struggled and doubted. The resurrection was not self-evident. People did not believe until they encountered the risen Lord. That is also true for us. The evidence is only an empty tomb. The gift of faith allows us to see something greater.
The story of Emmaus has the disciples leaving Jerusalem for a town that held importance in Jewish history. Emmaus was the site of a great Jewish victory against the Greeks. They were walking to a remembered triumph and Jesus has them see a very different kind of triumphant in the cross and empty tomb. With great joy and wonder, the disciples return to Jerusalem that very night. The image is more powerful when you recall that the disciples invited Jesus to stay with them because is was growing dark.
The meal the disciples shared with Jesus takes on added significance in the light of our understanding of communion. We say Christ meets us in the bread and wine. For the early church, communion was connected to what happened on the road to Emmaus. Originally, the focus was on Easter rather than the cross. Through the years, the focus would change.
At the close of the gospel, Jesus appears to the disciples. It seems like his appearances are all in one day and he returns to heaven. In Acts, Jesus is around for 40 days. This second appearance confirms that Jesus has truly risen. He is given fish to eat. The King James Bible includes honey, which was commonly given to newly baptized people in the early church.
The group was particularly taken with the idea of waiting to be clothed in power (the Holy Spirit). The point was made that we find is very difficult to wait on the Spirit. It is hard for us to be still and listen for the voice of God. We talked about a number of devotional practices that can help us grow quiet like reading the bible, prayer, labyrinth, long walks, etc. These practices do not come easily, but we are transformed in those moments. Luke wanted people to know that living out out faith begins with prayer, silence, and waiting.
This brings us to the end of Luke. Our time has been well spent. We will begin a new adventure starting Wednesday, April 17. We will be exploring the Gospel of John. Plan to join us in person or on the web.
Pastor Summer
