Christian Reflection and Prayer

Easter Monday

Scripture:

Read Luke 24:13-35.
TEXT: (Jesus said) "What is this conversation that you
are holding with each other as you walk?"
(see Luke 24:17).

On this day of Jesus' resurrection, two of His followers
are walking to a nearby village called Emmaus. Jesus
begins walking with them, but they are kept from
recognizing Him. When the stranger asks them what
they are discussing, they stop dead in their tracks,
stunned that anyone coming from Jerusalem could be
unaware of the things that have happened there.

They talk about the powerful prophet Jesus, whom
they had believed to be the Messiah, about the horrible
end He met, about the chief priests who delivered Him
up to be crucified. They add the bitter disappointment
of hoping He was the One who would ransom Israel,
and the women's confusing report about angels at the
tomb.

After letting them unload their grief and sorrow, Jesus
begins to solve their mystery. They had been quick to
believe the glorious things about the Messiah, but they
stubbornly resisted the passion He predicted and of
which the prophets had spoken. The Christ first had to
pay the ransom price for sins; only then could He enter
the glory the Jews had focused on for so long.

When they reached Emmaus Jesus sat down with them
at the table. He blessed and broke the bread, and while
He was giving it to them their eyes were opened to
recognize Him. Then He vanished from their sight. They
discuss the way their hearts warmed with new faith,
assurance and joy, when they finally understood the
Messiah's work.

They then return to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples.
They are greeted with shouts: "The Lord truly arose! And
He appeared to Simon." Then the two tell their story.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, thank You for taking the time to teach Your
disciples and us about the ransom You paid to free us from
our sins. Receive our joyful thanksgiving. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)