July 27, 2021 Devotion

posted by Kristen Schrickel | Jul 27, 2021

Tuesday, July 27

Read

As they [2 Jesus-followers walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus following Jesus’ death] talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days. “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago. Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.” Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! 

Luke 24:15-31

 

Reflect

There’s always something miraculous in the breaking of bread with another. It’s rooted in our practice of Holy Communion and Jesus setting a table for all of us to encounter Him and grow to look more like Him, but it also happens when we dine with others.  The conversation, sharing of resources (food), hospitality of hosting another (and the trust of another to accept the invitation) - it's a vulnerable business to engage with others (family, friends, and strangers) in this way, but it’s Kingdom work.  It’s an opportunity to know and be known, to love and be loved.  This text is also interesting because the conversation exposed the disciples’ lack of knowledge about what was happening.  It was an opportunity for them to learn as Jesus filled them in on the full story.  We too grow in knowledge and discipleship at the table.  At the breaking of bread, Jesus’ identity was revealed.  Our identities are revealed as we feast, and we are forever changed by this beautiful experience!  

 

Reflect on the details of some of your most beautiful dining experiences - the people, the conversation, the experience.

How does being known and loved make you feel?

Who can you invite to a meal and help them feel seen and loved?

 

Pray

God, who do I need to invite to a meal? As I extend the invitation, be present with me and them leading up to the meal, and bless our time together. Continue to be with them after the meal in the ways revealed in our conversations.