The 7 Next Words of Christ: What Are You So Concerned About?

Luke 24:13-35 (New Revised Standard Version)

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 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?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.”

Unfortunately, and far too often, while trying to make sense of the happenings in the world, we unknowingly cross paths with Jesus, but are unable to celebrate that moment of God with us.

When we hear about tragedies, all our thoughts and emotions tend to be centered around what is missing rather than what is already there.

This creates incredible sadness and sorrow in our hearts and causes us to begin to question the validity of preparation, and our faith.

Our thoughts go into trying to figure out why evil is present as opposed to looking for the presence of God.

Jesus pointed out the fact that they were not using their full minds to gain understanding.

They weren’t putting together all the pieces of the puzzle, even though the pattern was right in front of them.

Foolish, Slow of Heart– Means, “without comprehension.”

Jesus looked at them as he looks on all of us today and says simply: “Please, just take the risk of entrusting your life on my established credibility.”

In spite of our misgivings and concerns, God is always present and truly cares for each of us.

God’s grace and goodness is so bountiful that it outlasts and outshines all the evil this world could ever throw at us.

We may not know exactly where the journey will lead, but we can be sure of who travels with us.