Slices
Prepare
When did you last share your faith with a non-Christian?
Bible passage
On the road to Emmaus
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognising him.
17 He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 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?’
19 ‘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. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 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. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.’
25 He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going further. 29 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.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 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?’
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognised by them when he broke the bread.
Explore
How easy do you find it to talk to others about Jesus? Does the word ‘evangelism’ strike fear into your heart? Or do you jump at the chance to share your faith with your friends?
As Luke starts to conclude his account of the life and ministry of Jesus, he offers us Jesus’ way of talking to others about faith. We see Jesus walking with two despondent disciples, asking them questions and listening. It seems Jesus wants to give these men space to speak and share their hearts. When the time comes, however, Jesus moves the conversation on, and ‘beginning with Moses and all the Prophets’ (v 27) he explains how the story of the Bible leads up to him and the amazing events of the previous days. Food and prayer play their part too as the two men are drawn into a fresh understanding of the identity of Jesus over a meal.
What a great example for us as we think about sharing our faith with others. Following Jesus’ example, God calls us to walk closely with those around us, being willing to ask relevant questions and listen carefully. We can share life around meal tables and not be afraid to pray for people as needs arise. Then at the appropriate time, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can explain how Jesus fits into the big story of life.
Respond
Who can you walk with and share the story of Jesus with this week?
Deeper Bible study
‘And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together … but encouraging one another’. 1
For an extended period during the Covid-19 pandemic, the church could not gather physically to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. As an Anglican priest, I could not hold up the bread, break it and say, ‘We break this bread to share in the body of Christ’. Finally, when we were able to gather physically, it was an emotional moment for me to celebrate Holy Communion in the presence of God’s people. It was a strong reminder that the Lord is with his people during our difficult moments as we faced the worst pandemic of our lifetimes.
Two disciples on the road to Emmaus tried to process the events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus. They were downcast as Jesus appeared to them and walked along with them. Even though Jesus explained from the Scriptures about what had been fulfilled in him as the Messiah, they still could not comprehend it. It was not until Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to them that their eyes were opened and they recognised him (v 31).
Our reading today emphasises that, in the reading of Scripture and at the breaking of bread, the risen Lord continues to be present with his people. As we come to the Lord’s table, may we experience our hearts burning within us (v 32), as we are assured of the presence of the Lord with us in the difficult and doubtful moments in our journey of faith.
O living God, renew us with the living bread from heaven that strengthens our faith, increases our hope and deepens our love for you.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Judges 1,2; Romans 16
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray for all the young people whose lives were touched by the Derbyshire mission. Pray particularly for those who responded to the invitation to follow Jesus and for their faith to grow and flourish. (This week's prayers relate to this story.)
