…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. Luke 24:21
Please take time to read today’s passages in their entirety. As you do, notice the first persons to hear the message of the angels at the tomb and those who first encountered the risen Jesus. Also note how the testimonies of their encounters were received by others.
Sometimes it’s easy to discount the testimony of those who seem too excitable about their faith – especially if you’ve had a history of misplaced faith and hope in another’s experience that later proved to be inaccurate or exaggerated. No one likes to be gullible and appear foolish.
Now let’s focus on Jesus’ initial response to the distressed disciples as they walked along:
And then He said to them, “You foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to come into His glory?” Then beginning with Moses and with all the Prophets, He explained to them the things written about Himself in all the Scriptures. Luke 24:25-27
Does Jesus’ admonition to his two disappointed followers seem a little judgmental? It’s more likely Jesus was encouraging them to take a deeper look into his ultimate mission. Let’s review the disillusionment these disciples were experiencing: But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Luke 24:21.
So where had they misplaced their hope? Had they trusted in a particular political or religious outcome? Why were they so slow to embrace the good news of the initial eyewitnesses to Jesus’ resurrection?
Think about times you have struggled with the disappointment of unfulfilled hope. Could Jesus’ guidance in Luke 24:25 – 27 ignite fresh hope and a new approach to what seems lost opportunity? As you meditate, put yourself in the place of one of the disciples as you view this drawing of “The Road to Emmaus” by Rembrandt. Be prepared to go to our fellowship of hope for further encouragement.
By Kathleen Petersen
