“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20
In the past week, I have read and heard several different devotions and sermons that focused on the Road to Emmaus account found in Luke 24:13-35. I have learned to pay attention when the same scripture crosses my path within a short period of time because God often uses His Word to communicate with us. So, when my hubby casually mentioned that the same scripture was the topic in his men’s prayer group, I knew I needed to sit down and prayerfully read the account again.
There’s so much to learn in those twenty-two verses.
I think it’s noteworthy that when two followers are discussing Jesus, He joins them. They weren’t in a place of worship. There was nothing formal. They were simply discussing Jesus, the crucifixion and the accounts of the resurrection.
Of course, Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
We can always trust Jesus to keep His promises.
I also love that when Jesus was going to depart and they asked Him to stay, He stayed. These men were in shock and disbelief over what they had seen and what they had heard, yet they were wholeheartedly seeking Jesus. When we humbly seek Jesus with open hearts, He will always be there.
Even when we can’t see Him, He is there.
But, I suppose what spoke to me most, was what happened in the breaking of the bread.
The text says, “Jesus took bread, gave thanks and began to give it to them.” Luke 24:32
When we sit down at a table to fill our physical need, but intentionally remember to give thanks to the One who ultimately provided it, we are openly acknowledging that we are both physical and spiritual beings. When we ask God to bless what we are about to eat, we take it a step further.
We live in an ongoing tension on this side of eternity. It’s easy to recognize the physical. It’s right in front of us. But, acknowledging our spiritual needs takes effort and discipline.
Jesus didn’t have to give thanks for that bread; He is part of the Trinity, but He chose to give thanks, probably so those two men would always remember to do the same.
Verse 31 tells us that when He gave them the bread, their eyes were opened and they recognized Him.
Even though Jesus left them right after they realized who He was, those two men returned at once to tell the other disciples that they too, had seen the risen Christ. Keep in mind, it was a seven mile trip, so that was 14 miles for them in a single day. They couldn’t wait to share what they had learned.
Maybe we need to be reminded of the importance of breaking bread with other believers. Community is so important.
Scripture has a way of meeting us where we are. Sometimes I need reminding. Perhaps you do too.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 😊