When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. Luke 24:30-35
Have you ever had something you just had to tell someone? Maybe you got a promotion or maybe you found out you were going on a surprise vacation! Nowadays, we tend to get excited and share our news over social media; instantly telling our friends, followers, and acquaintances all of the good news in our lives.
These two disciples had a similar experience (and I bet they wish they had Twitter to immediately share their good news with everyone around). After Jesus journeyed with them to an inn, He sat down and shared a meal with them. As He broke the bread, the disciples’ eyes were opened and realized that it was Jesus who was dining with them. Without even finishing their dinner they got up and ran nearly seven miles to tell the other disciples about Jesus’ return.
When we encounter Jesus, something changes in our hearts. We are filled with this sense of joy and love that is so great and overflowing that we end up needing to tell people about it! This is the core basis of the Great Commission in Matthew 28: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” As we follow and experience Jesus, we are called to share those experiences and work to bring others into His love and grace. Today, look for an opportunity to share what Jesus is doing in your life with someone, whether it be a family member, coworker, or stranger in a coffee shop. Then ask how you can pray for that person and ask God to help them experience His love in their lives today.
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to us. Thank You for the death and resurrection that has freed us from our sins and brought us into Your everlasting love and redemption. Help us to share this love with others today in order to help bring them closer to You. In Your mighty name, Amen.
By John Egland
