May 4, 2014

By Rick Maupin, Council of Twelve Apostles

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.

—Luke 24:13–16 NRSV

Sports analogies don’t draw my attention, typically. However, the first scene of today’s scripture, the two men walking down the road to Emmaus, always brings an analogy to my mind.

The team members practiced hard all season, working tirelessly to learn and complete all the plays well. They respected their coach and followed his guidance. This night they came into the game with a strong belief they would come home victorious. But the game was now over, and they were on the bus taking that long ride home.

It was an extra-long and miserable ride this night because of their defeat. The team could not understand what went wrong. Some may even have wondered if they should stay on the team or continue to play at all. However, after words of reassurance and support by the coach the next morning, the team began to turn its sights to the next game.

I wonder if these two walking on the road to Emmaus were feeling a little like those on the ride home after the game, hearts heavy with despair, feeling hopeless, defeated. And maybe their walk to Emmaus was an act of escaping. Going back to old ways, old habits, back to old comfort zones, back to the way it was “before Jesus.

Is that ever your reaction in difficult times? Do you retreat, pull back to the familiar and comfortable, or hide from the world? Many of us spend time on our own Emmaus road. Maybe the danger is not so much going down that road periodically, but rather when we start living out our life on our Emmaus roads.

One of the most important lessons of the resurrection is to realize there is a God who wants to fold us in love if we choose resurrection over the road to Emmaus. There is hope when we recognize the Living Christ in our journey, and we continue with the Christ to the place of breaking bread. The road to Emmaus may be part of our journey. But, because of the resurrection, it does not have to be our destination.

Prayer for Peace

God who journeys with us, confront us on the road of life with challenges that form our discipleship. Bring to our minds awareness that the one we follow is the one who is with us. May we feel a sense of peace as we travel with our holy companion.

Spiritual Practice: Develop Disciples to Serve

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to respond to people and their needs. The call to journey inward can restore us in times of physical or spiritual depletion. Listen prayerfully to your companions on the journey. How might you help them recognize and respond to Christ?

Peace Covenant

Today, God, I will see Christ before me as I break bread with my companions.