October 15, 2019 (Tuesday)
When Jesus died on the cross, in our place, to save us from sin, his body was taken down and buried in a donated tomb.
Women who were followers of Jesus came to the tomb of Jesus to annoint his body, wondering how they could get past the stone which blocked the door. Not to worry, when they arrived, the stone had been rolled aside. Angels within announced his resurrection: “He is not here; he is risen!” The good news spread and soon most people knew about it.
That afternoon, two of Jesus disciples were walking toward Emmaus, about 7 miles from Jerusalem, discussing between themselves the events of the day. Suddenly Jesus was walking with them, but they did not know it was Jesus. They thought he was just a curious stranger, asking them to share what they had been discussing with each other.
They told him all they knew, that Jesus had been crucified and buried but his tomb was found empty this morning. Jesus then quoted Scripture after Scripture to them, showing how the Old Testament had predicted the coming of the Messiah, including his death and resurrection.
When they came to an inn, they invited Jesus to join them for a meal. When Jesus broke the bread, they recognized him and asked him to tell them more. 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.
Some lessons for us from this experience.
There are times in our lives when Jesus is near and we do not recognize him. Jesus promised us reward if we recognize him in the guize of needy people. You may never have talked with Jesus on a highway somewhere, but have you talked with him as he appears as a homeless person, a sick person, or an imprisoned person?
We need divine guidance in the study of the Bible. We can find the Savior there if we open our hearts and minds and be willing to see for ourselves what the Bible says about the Lord Jesus Christ.
There are times in our lives when we are overwhelmed by what we know about the Lord and we want to share what we know with others.
What a wonderful experience can be ours when we fully recognize Jesus and become aware of his presence. We will want to do what they did: run to others and share the good news.
Soon all of Jesus’ disciples and others saw the resurrected Christ and shared the good news of John 3:16 (God loved the world so much that he gave his only son, and whoever believes in him shall not perish, but will have eternal life). That’s where you and I fit into this story. Jesus lives and saves those who believe in him.
At the close of each Tuesday blog I will write about the presidents, in the order of their service.