Every Christian's Journey

"When he was at the table with them,

 he took bread, blessed and broke it,

 and gave it to them.

Then their eyes were opened, 

and they recognized him."

Luke 24:31,32a

To me there there all kinds of road trips. They all have similarities such as destinations and travel experiences.

Years ago Elaine and I took a camping trip out West. We drove Utah's Route 12 between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks. This part of the road trip meant enjoying God's beautiful creation. One of the experiences we still laugh about was the constant daily lunch menu of PB&J sandwiches.

Luke's major theme is traveling the Way. In the gospel, Jesus travel TO Jerusalem. In Luke's Acts, the disciples travel FROM Jerusalem proclaiming the Word Empowered by the Spirit.

On the Emmaus road trip from Jerusalem, two disciples, probably Cleopas and his wife, experience a stranger's presence. The stranger reveals himself as Jesus by explaining what was said about him in the Scriptures. He accepts their invitation, stays with them, and at a meal takes bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and gives it to them. They immediately recognize him.

It’s Jesus' blessing, breaking, and sharing with friends at a meal where we catch a glimpse of Jesus’ transformative kingdom. It's the unfolding awareness that transformed their despair over Christ's death to faith in his resurrection. 

For me the Emmaus Road story with the sharing of bread and cup, deepens, transforms and sustains my Christian journey.

If that is true for me, I am certain it is true for you. 

As you read the Emmaus Road story (Luke 24:13-35) ask yourself what insights and you have that might guide your Christian journey and be helpful to someone else.