Lord help us during this Easter season to open our hearts and allow the risen Christ to minister to us.
Luke 24:28-35 - As the two Emmaus disciples walked along discussing the events of recent days, Jesus drew near to them (v. 15). At first they did not recognize Him, but Jesus revealed Himself to them as the risen Lord. It was a progressive revelation.
1. A stranger (16-18)
2. Their friend (19-24)
3. Their redeemer (21, 25, 26)
4. Their teacher (27)
5. Their Master (28-31)
How Jesus Ministered
Jesus did not come to these disciples just to prove a point. He came to minister to their need. When He joined them on the road to Emmaus they were despondent and defeated. When He left them they were victorious.
Jesus Ministers Healing
1. He began by asking questions (17-18). Cleopas was rude to Jesus. Hurting folk often act that way, externalizing their misery by being rude. They must become receptive for Jesus to help them.
2. Jesus explained the scriptures to them (v. 20). He showed them how the cross had been prophesied hundreds of years before. The principle here is that the most healing thing in the world to a troubled soul is to find that the heartbreak which produces feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and despair is dealt with in the Bible in such a way that it can be understood in terms of the Divine purpose for our lives.
3. Jesus set their hearts aglow with His presence (v. 32). The Lord loves to set our hearts on fire. These two disciples left immediately and went back to Jerusalem to testify about what the Lord had done for them.
During this Easter season, the Lord will reveal himself to you at the point of your need if you will open your heart to him as the Emmaus disciples did.
Prayer: Lord help us during this Easter season to open our hearts and allow the risen Christ to minister to us.