Open Our Eyes

Usually right after Easter we read the account in the Bible where two of Jesus’ followers were walking down the road and he decides to pay them a surprise visit. It doesn’t sound like he appeared out of nowhere; it’s more like he just joined them along the way. However Jesus made it happen, he also made it so they did not recognize Him.

The disciples had been talking about Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion, death and resurrection. When Jesus asked them about it, they replied, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” They explained in detail what had happened to Jesus and their bewilderment about what to expect next. Jesus took the time to explain, from God’s point of view, what had happened, why it happened, and the implications for their lives.

Eventually the two stopped for the evening and invited Jesus to dine with them. He agreed. He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them (sound familiar?). At that point their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. At first, they couldn’t believe what had just happened. Later, they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” Their questioning quickly turned to joy! They immediately left to go tell the other disciples the good news: “The Lord has risen indeed!”

Let’s re-examine the events. First the two were chatting not sure what to make of the current events or how it impacted them. Then a “stranger” inquired about it, and it gave them the opportunity to simply convey the facts of the events but not necessarily the meaning. As Jesus recreated the events of the Thursday prior (Maundy Thursday) and spoke those words, “Take and eat, this is my body” their eyes could see and they recognized Jesus! What was the difference? Why were the two disciples finally able to see?

I think it was because they personally encountered the risen Jesus. They had most of the facts and details correct, they just didn’t quite understand the significance of it all. At that last supper, when He said, “do this in remembrance of Me”, He meant it!

We fill our days with facts, details, responsibilities, and even churchy things. In the midst of all this, even though it can all be good, positive and responsible behavior, we need to slow down long enough to remember Jesus and what He has done for us. (You can read the entire account of the encounter on the road in Luke 24:13-35).

Sometimes it can be hard to understand the workings of God. We won’t understand it all. The Bible proclaims, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counsellor (Romans 11:33,34)?" Fortunately for us, He has sent us His Holy Spirit to teach us, empower us, and send us out to share the good news with others!