Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. Luke 24:13-16
There are some streets that are so well known that all you have to do is to mention their name, and certain images come to mind. For instance, when you read the name Rodeo Drive, you immediately envision high-end boutiques where the rich and famous shop. Madison Avenue symbolizes the consumer-driven advertising industry. And Boardwalk represents one of the most coveted addresses on the Monopoly Board. From Wall Street and Michigan Avenue to Beale Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, these are streets that represent something significant in most people’s minds.
In the Bible there are certain roadways that are also known for their significance. Take, for example, the Damascus Road. It was on this stretch of road that the Apostle Paul was confronted by the risen Christ, and the whole trajectory of his life changed. Then there’s the road to Calvary that Jesus walked that’s sometimes called the Way of Suffering. Added to that is the famous story of the Good Samaritan that took place on the road to Jericho.
Each of these roads are significant for what happened upon them. Such is the case for another road – The Emmaus Road. It was on this road that two very discouraged followers of Christ met the risen Lord and in the process had their faith restored. In looking at this story there are many parallels to our own lives that we would do well to understand.
So for next few weeks we’re going to be looking at this road with the hope that our lives will be just as impacted as those who first walked on it so long ago. What then do we learn on the Emmaus Road?
Lesson 1: The Emmaus Road is a journey that all believers take.
The story begins rather abruptly. After describing Peter’s trip to the empty tomb of Jesus, Luke begins to tell the story of two men who were leaving Jerusalem on their way to Emmaus about seven miles away. Apparently, they had become followers of Jesus at some unknown time.
So it’s safe to say that like many of the early believers, they were quite excited about everything that they had seen and heard. Jesus’ message was unique and powerful. It came with a personal authority unlike that of the religious leaders. And then there were the mighty acts He performed. Blind people regained their sight. The lame walked. The possessed were delivered. It was pretty heady stuff.
But then things started falling apart. First, it was the confrontation with the religious leaders in the temple. Next came the news that one of the twelve had betrayed Him. And before long, they found themselves in disbelief as the crowds demanded Jesus’ execution. And then just three days ago, all their dreams vanished as they watched their teacher, their Lord brutally beaten and crucified.
In the space of one week, they went from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. It was a nightmare beyond comprehension. You can almost sense their thoughts. It wasn’t supposed to turn out this way. But it did. And now they were going to have to deal with it.
And so do we. For you see, there comes a point in every believer’s life when they find themselves walking the same road these early followers walked. We’re committed to Christ. We believe His message, and we have experienced His work in our lives at one level or the other. So in our minds, this is the way it’s going to be. We’re going to follow Jesus and along the way we’ll learn more exciting truths and experience more of His amazing power.
But then it happens. The bottom falls out. And like it was with these two guys, the change can seemingly happen overnight. The doctor tells us that we have a serious condition that has the potential of radically changing our lives. One of our children is caught selling illegal drugs and is facing possible jail time. Our spouse announces that he or she is leaving. And so it goes.
Don’t think for one moment that such things happen only to unchurched people. It happens to believers all the time – even serious believers. And when it does, it threatens their faith down to the very core of their being.
Perhaps you can relate with this. You believe in Christ, you really do. You find His teachings captivating, and you can remember times when your heart felt so full of His presence that you thought you would pop. But now it just doesn’t seem to be working like it once did. You read the Bible, but it doesn’t speak to you any more. You pray but it feels like you’re talking to dead air. And as far as feeling His presence, well, to be perfectly honest, there are days when you aren’t even sure He’s real.
If you’ve ever had those kinds of thoughts and feelings, you aren’t alone. It’s common even though most believers never talk about it. So you aren’t weird. And you aren’t failing as a Christian. You’re experiencing what the ancient mystic John of the Cross called “the dark night of the soul.” And every believer at one level or another experiences it. We all spend some time on the Emmaus Road.