Tuesday Thought -- August 30, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“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 only a visitor to Jerusalem and do 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 him they did not see.’ He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ 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.” (Luke 24:15-27)

For their whole lives the Jews had been studying the scriptures. They knew what the prophets said about the coming of the Messiah. Those who were devout were hoping for the Messiah, praying for the Messiah and waiting faithfully for the Messiah.

These two disciples of Jesus on the road to Emmaus had even greater advantage than the usual devout Jew. They had heard Jesus teach. They had walked with Jesus through Galilee and Judea as He talked with the crowds, explained the scriptures and worked miracles. They had placed their faith in Him. They believed that He was the Messiah.

Yet, here they are, after Jesus’ death. It’s also after Jesus’ resurrection and even after the report of the resurrection from the women and from a couple of the disciples who had gone to the tomb to see for themselves. Yet still they did not believe. Still they did not understand.

They had heard the word of the prophets and studied the word of the prophets – but they didn’t believe the word of the prophets. They couldn’t fathom that the Messiah would be killed and that the having been killed, He would come to life again. That was too much for them to embrace without having witnessed it.

And Jesus said to them, “How foolish are you, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!”

We are surprised by the hesitancy and unbelief of the disciples. And yet, we, too, have heard the word of the prophets and studied the word of the prophets and met Jesus and embraced faith in Him, yet, we are also slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Slow to believe that Jesus really has conquered death. Slow to believe that heaven really does await. Slow to believe that Jesus really is coming again.

All that the prophets have spoken will come to pass – the resurrection proves it.

His, by Grace,

Steve