Friday, April 6

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Luke 24:33-35

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.

Have you ever been around a group of athletes after a big game? Or perhaps you have been part of a play or drama team after a performance. In both cases the members of the team or cast gather in a boisterous celebration and tend to rehearse the details of the game or production. They will recall moments of extraordinary performance; they will laugh over humorous foibles; and they will relish the sense of community that comes with sharing such an experience together.

Can you imagine what this gathering was like as Cleopas and his friend joined with the Eleven remaining disciples late Sunday night? Their day had begun in utter despair, confusion and fear. Their day was ending with telling and re-telling of walking with, listening to, and eventually recognizing the risen Jesus in the breaking of the bread.

Can you imagine them taking turns sharing their respective experiences?

Cleopas would say, “It was when I saw the scars on his hands…”

His traveling companion would say, “It was the way he gave thanks … when he said, “Abba, Father…”

Mary would say, “It was when he said my name…’Mary’”

Simon Peter would say, “It was when he looked at me …”

Can you imagine their joy?

It occurs to me that this is one of the earliest accounts of Christian believers sharing what we tend to call “faith-stories.” They are gathered in a relatively small group, most likely somewhere between 13 and 20 people, and they are sharing their personal encounters with the risen Christ. It’s what we still do today when we gather as his followers to share with one another what we are learning through his word, or what his Spirit is teaching us in our hearts. It’s what we do when we share the stories of how we each came to know him as Lord and Savior – each and every story unique, like a fingerprint, and every story the same, because they are all about the same risen and living Lord Jesus.

Do you have such a story to share? Have you walked with Jesus on your own personal “road to Emmaus” – a road marked by loneliness and pain? Has your heart burned within you as he has spoken to you of his grace, truth and salvation? Have you met him in the breaking of the bread?

I hope you do! And I hope you find ways to share that story with others – because Jesus is alive! He is risen!

Pastor Brian Coffey