Journal Luke 24 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: (background: Emmaus Road) “And (Jesus) said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?”
And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them (named Cleopas) answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And (Jesus) said, “What things? And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people…But we had hoped he was the one to redeem Israel.
Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they have even seen a vision of angels (who said he was alive). Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.
And (Jesus) said to them, “O foolish ones, slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” (Luke 24:17-25)
Observation: These stories, post-crucifixion, are valuable. It presents the conversations between man and the Risen Savior and the normal questions that are present. Maybe these conversations don’t have the “do this/don’t do that” instruction that the later Epistles have, but they are instructive in their own way…
Analysis: Two guys are walking along the road. A stranger appears and strikes up a conversation.
Sounds like a bad opening line to a novel.
The two guys stop in their tracks, emotional. “Are you the only one who doesn’t know what is going on?”, and the guys proceed to empty their souls.
More than just the news (“Just the facts, ma’am”), they also provide commentary: “It was bad what happened, he didn’t deserve it, and more than that, we thought, hoped, he was to physically redeem Israel.” This was a persistent thought with the Followers, even though Jesus was clear about His purpose. Query: Does this occur today in any form—misunderstanding of Jesus’ purposes in the world today?
Kudos!!” “Some of the women with us are flat amazing! Faithfully they went to anoint the body for burial (none of the guys went? The “not my job” syndrome was alive and well back then.)
The point that means a lot to me was Jesus’ response: “…slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.” It comes to this for me: Without instruction of the past by the written Word, both historical and the principles (doctrine), I can tend toward unbelief.
That’s not quite factual. I can tend toward believing something that isn’t what is found in Scriptures, the Principles and Doctrine of the Gospel of God. Look at the two guys: “We were sure that Jesus was to redeem Israel (physical redemption, overthrow the Romans).” Boy, were those guys mistaken. The Trinity had their eyes on Creation, not some silly government.
This is just an example. It could be any subject. Point is that I need to pursue learning the Gospel all my days; study the Scriptures; seek God through His Word (His self-revelation).
Prayer: O Holy God, there are times where I must change gears and realize that You are God, immense in Your grandeur and Presence. You are Father, nothing changes that because You do not want it changed, but You are Creator God as well. I don’t get that unless I THINK about it.
I find myself today scraping the bottom of the barrel, Lord. Help me to remember and cherish your goodness this day. AMEN