Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this week is Luke 24:13-35.

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. 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.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Luke 24:13-35

This passage is found only in the Gospel of Luke, and teaches us several important things. First and foremost, Jesus Christ is risen, He then appeared to those who knew Him in the flesh, and His interaction with them encouraged them to share the event with others. Each of these things are important to our continuing of His ministry.

We have received the basis for our faith from those who went before us, as the Good News has been shared for generations. His followers saw Him raised, accepted the call He placed on their lives, and went out as He had to share God’s love everywhere. As He taught them, they planted the seed of faith for those who had never known Him through their own profession of faith.

During this time, we may not be able to interact as we want, due to the health issues we face. The apostle Paul and others of their time knew this frustration, and being unable to contact those they wished to share Christ with in person, wrote letters to be shared as a temporary connection, awaiting the time when they could meet personally. While we are temporarily constrained from gathering and sharing in person, God has provided other means for us to stay connected to Him and each other. Let us do what is necessary to protect the health of those around us, but not neglect the ministry of Christ we are each called to provide.

Loving Lord, bless us to be a blessing in Your world. Show us the way to reach others in Your name, even when we are in difficult times. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 24:13-35.

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. Luke 24:33-35

Even though they had stopped for the night and started the evening meal, Cleopas and his friend return to Jerusalem to share the news. Their excitement at seeing the risen Christ could not be contained. Once there, they find that Jesus has also appeared to Simon Peter and all are discussing the miracle.

As we have heard over the last two weeks of study, they should not have been surprised. Jesus told them many times He would be killed and rise again (Matthew 16, Mark 8, Luke 9) but they did not understand. They had seen Him perform miracles, including raising people from the dead, but it was difficult for them to think that this would be the case with their teacher and leader.

We have the testimony of all the Christians who have come before us that this is the truth and we must believe in Him in order to be saved. Like Cleopas and his friend, may we be energized to go and do what the Lord has asked of us. We are His disciples in the world today, and He is counting on us to share His love with all the world.

Gracious God, help us to be the bold and effective bearers of Your light and love to the people who still have not heard or seen. Let our sharing show everyone the joy of our relationship with You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 24:13-35.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:30-32

Cleopas and his friend are now aware that it was indeed Jesus Himself who walked with them, taught them about the Messiah, and broke bread with them. As He taught the others with their last meal together, now these two have learned the meaning of the breaking and sharing of the bread in His memory. Jesus gave us a way to celebrate His life and His love for us every time we eat and drink together.

This story tells us that Jesus was there for everyone, not just those closest to Him. He appeared on the road to two of His followers we had not heard of before this passage. They were not likely rich, powerful or important in their society, but they were definitely important to Jesus.

We are all important to Him, as dear brothers and sisters in the faith, and as those who will be carrying on His work in our world. Jesus calls us to be part of what He is doing. He sends us to share His love with everyone.

Loving Lord, we are grateful to be called in Your name to the ministry of sharing the Good News. Help us to be strong when there is opposition, but kind in our words and works. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 24:13-35.

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
Luke 24:25-29

Jesus seems disappointed in their reaction, that after all His teachings about what He came for and what He must do, they still don’t understand and believe. Perhaps we shouldn’t judge them too harshly, at this point even those closest to Him were still not fully convinced of the resurrection. He begins the lesson by reminding them of the scriptures about the Messiah, and connecting them to what had happened.

Jesus had taught them that this was what must happen. He had said before “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Luke 9:22). Each time He said this, the disciples either disagreed or simply didn’t understand. Cleopas and his friend are so interested in this lesson, they invite Him to stay the night and eat with them, even though they still do not recognize Jesus.

We have the wonderful opportunity to learn from their experience, to know the joy of the risen Christ. We too can share His love with a world that desperately needs to understand His teaching. This is what Jesus has called us for, and He wants us to be ready for the challenge.

Gracious God, in Your love and mercy You sent Jesus to be our teacher, our model, our brother. Help us to see the reality of His resurrection and the blessing of salvation that it brings. Amen.

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.

Our scripture this week is Luke 24:13-35.

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

Just as happened with Mary in the garden, the two disciples on the road to Emmaus do not recognize Jesus. The scripture tells us they were “kept from recognizing Him”, so apparently Jesus want to speak to them anonymously, at least at first. Why would this be necessary?

It’s not our task to guess what motive the Lord has for this incognito exchange, only to understand that it’s part of the lesson He has for these two as they walk and talk. We know that Jesus always acts out of love for us and wants only our good. Perhaps the disciples need to hear what He has to say before they are overcome by the realization that it is the risen Christ speaking.

Jesus leads them to share their testimony, a rehearsal of what they are being called to do in carrying on His ministry. He gently corrects them and adds scripture references that will support their retelling later. Throughout this visit, Jesus has more in mind than just a joyful reunion after His resurrection – He has plans for them just as He does for each of us.

Gracious God, we are thankful to be part of Your plan for bringing Your kingdom on earth. Help us to be aware of the needs You send us to fulfill, sharing Your love with everyone. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 24:13-35.

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. 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.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Luke 24:13-35

Jesus appeared to many of his followers, not just the twelve. In this passage we are introduced to Cleopas and his friend who are on their way to the village of Emmaus when they are joined by the risen Christ. They don’t recognize Him (like Mary at the tomb, we don’t know for what reason) and He engages them in conversation as they go.

This scripture reinforces the fact that Jesus came for all of us, not just the select few. We hear often of His interactions with the twelve, of visits with Mary and Martha, but in this reading we are made aware of His wider connection to others that may not be recorded in scripture. Again, it was important for those who knew Jesus in the flesh to see Him raised.

Those who were closest to Jesus needed to be able to testify faithfully after His Crucifixion that they had seen the Lord. If they were to be able to carry on His ministry, they had to be absolutely certain of His presence with them as they were sent out in His name. Jesus gave them this assurance as He assures us today and He is with us always.

Loving Lord, we rejoice in Your presence, aware of Your guiding spirit to sustain and strengthen us. Help us to be the witnesses needed to share Your love with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is John 20:19-31.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” Now Thomas (also known as Didymus ), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:19-31

Jesus appeared several times to His disciples according to the Gospel accounts. It was important they know the truth of the resurrection in order to faithfully share the Good News with the world. Now it was up to them to carry on the ministry Jesus had begun.

We remember their joy at seeing Him again, knowing that He had accomplished what He promised. He asked them all to make the same promise to Him and to each other, that the truth of God’s love would be shared with all the world. When they said “yes Lord” the promise was confirmed and their way was set.

Every Easter reminds us of His sacrifice for us, but also the faith He has in us to continue His work here on earth. His love and trust empower us to be disciples just as the first twelve that He called. We have the same charge He gave them – “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Jesus calls us each by name to go out in His name, proclaiming that the kingdom of God has come near.

Loving Lord, we are amazed at the gift You gave and humbled that You ask us to be part of Your plan. Make us brave enough to go where we are needed and kind enough to heal the wounds of Your people. Amen.

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:28-31

Thomas sees Jesus as He is, the risen Savior, and proclaims “My Lord and my God”. This is the response of every disciple and the beginning of our call to share our response to His resurrection with others. Jesus came to be our example and we are to live that example in our world.

Jesus said “blessed are those who have not yet seen and yet have believed” (v. 29). He speaks to all of us who did not live during His time on earth as a human, that we may know we are blessed as the disciples were. It is not seeing Him in the flesh that saves us but our faith that He came for us all.

Do you need reassurance from Jesus, especially during trying times? Do you long to be able to see Him face to face? Don’t ask for a sign, remember His words to those of us who did not have the chance to walk with Him while He walked the earth – blessed are those who have not yet seen and yet have believed!

God of mercy, we are often weak in our faith and find it hard to live out our call. Help us to remember the blessing we have all received through Christ and the responsibility to share that joy with the world. Amen.