That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was.
He asked, “What’s this you’re discussing so intently as you walk along?”
They just stood there, long-faced, like they had lost their best friend. Then one of them, his name was Cleopas, said, “Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard what’s happened during the last few days?”
He said, “What has happened?”
Luke 24: 13-19 The Message
One of the more curious post resurrection appearances by our Lord takes place on the road. Two of His followers were traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus, a small village a few miles from the city. As they were walking along, they were joined by a stranger. We know the stranger is Jesus, but these travelers were still in such a state of shock and grief, that they couldn’t even imagine the truth: this new person who had joined them on their voyage was actually Jesus!
Jesus doesn’t begin his interaction with these two disciples by revealing His true identity. Nor does he tell them to be quiet, so he can speak to them, or preach to them. Instead, He attempts to enter into their conversation. He asks them what they are discussing. Then, He listens…
In some ways, this is remarkable, given who Jesus is. Did He already know what they were discussing? Yes. Throughout His ministry, Jesus showed that he could understand not only the words, but even the thoughts of those around Him. So it was not because of His ignorance that Jesus asked them about what was on their minds.
Jesus seemed to know that these two followers just needed to talk. They had been through so much in the space of a few days. In fact, all of Jerusalem had! One of the ways people process intense experiences is by talking about those life-altering experiences with others. The two travelers were talking intently with one another, even before Jesus showed up.
Yet when He joined them, Jesus didn’t shut down the conversation, or dominate it. He entered into it.
What does this tell us about Jesus? Namely, that He cared about the two followers enough to want to hear directly from them. He already knew the topic they were discussing (Him!) backwards and forwards, but He still wanted to hear their thoughts, opinions, and feelings.
Never forget this amazing truth: the Lord of the universe wants to engage in conversation with us. Jesus wants to hear from us! Therefore, even when you have no one else physically around you to talk to, you are not alone. Do not forget that the Lord of all is always there to offer you a listening ear. When you talk to a friend, you can say the same things to the Lord. Jesus is the friend to whom you can tell anything. Go ahead: tell Him what’s on your heart.
We sometimes hesitate to tell the Lord what is really going through our minds. Yet a quick glance at the Psalms reveals every human emotion, positive and negative, expressed there. So… especially when you are stressed, worried, and overwhelmed, remember there is always someone to talk to: Jesus. Share your words with the One who has been called “The Word”. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, you will be blessed because you did!
Prayer
Listening Lord,
Often, we are filled with great stress, strong emotions, and overwhelming concerns. Sometimes, we imagine that you are too busy running the universe to care about our little concerns. Yet You are always there for us, lending us your ear. Remind us to share our hearts and our feelings with You, as well as with our friends. We pray this prayer in Your holy name. Amen.
