Our scripture this week is Luke 24:13-35.
He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
Luke 24:17-24
Cleopas and his friend relate their story to Jesus, who remains unknown to them. They seem surprised that He doesn’t know what happened that week in Jerusalem. This is a point that we need to be aware of in our world today.
Jesus is teaching them (and us) that not everyone has heard His story. Even with the 2000 years that have passed, all the books, the internet, all the followers who have shared the Gospel, there always remain some who have never heard. The call to testify about Jesus is ongoing.
The other part of this is the need for a personal testimony, sharing your faith with others face to face. People can read and watch videos, but hearing from someone directly is always best. In Acts 8:35 we hear “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus” and the chariot driver accepted Christ and was baptized. We are called to tell others His story that they too may be saved and know the joy of a relationship with Jesus.
Loving Lord, we are often slow to share Your story and Your love with those around us, thinking they’ve already heard. Help us to be ready and willing to pass on the Gospel to everyone we meet. Amen.