Road to Emmaus

Robert M. Terhune lives in Oregon. Over 55 years ago a friend gave Robert and his wife a picture that portrays Jesus walking with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. No matter where they live, this picture hangs in a prominent place, and Robert sees it every day. One day he saw it in a new way and realized that parts of his own spiritual journey are much like the disciples' experience on the road to Emmaus.

The disciples had learned to trust and rely on Jesus as they listened to his teaching, committed themselves to follow him, and witnessed his miraculous power to transform lives. With Jesus' death, that trust was broken, replaced by doubt and fear. But Jesus joined them of the road, encouraged them through the words of scripture, and performed an act he knew would cause them to recognize him - demonstrating that he would always be with them.

When Robert has experienced confusion and despair, Jesus has revealed himself to Robert and assured him of his continual presence. Just as Jesus was with those early disciples on their walk to Emmaus, he comes and meets us along our way and helps us understand the meaning of God's word within our own circumstances, assuring us that we are never alone.

Prayer: Eternal God, we give thanks that no matter what happens, we can rely on your presence to guide and strengthen us. Restore our hope as we continue on this journey, in Jesus' name. Amen.

As they sat down to eat, he asked God's blessing on the food and then took a small loaf of bread and broke it and was passing it over to them, when suddenly - it was as though their eyes were opened - and they recognized him! And at that moment he disappeared! Luke 24:3031 (TLB)