This morning we looked at the questions involved in the conversation between two disciples and Jesus on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). For these two disciples (only one of whom is named, Cleopas), the events of the past week had been tumultuous and they were thoroughly bewildered about the turn of events which had seen Jesus go from being lauded on his entry to Jerusalem to being crucified. The rumours of resurrection were equally baffling; how could a dead man live again? It was as they walked and talked that Jesus came alongside them and asked them what they were discussing.
Conversation is one way of processing our feelings and emotions at turbulent times. Jesus knows this, and elicits not only facts but also feelings from the two people. Talking is a great therapy in itself, even if answers are not always possible. The Psalms encourage us to bring all our feelings to God; He cares about our daily lives, about the ordinary and extraordinary things that happen to us.
Jesus does not mollycoddle the disciples, though, calling them ‘foolish’ and ‘slow to believe.’ (Luke 24:25) He reminds them that all the answers they need could be found in the Old Testament and proceeds to open up the Scriptures to them. We may wonder how the Bible can be relevant to us today, but ultimately it provides the support, enlightenment and hope we need to persevere in faith, to endure opposition and persecution and to overcome. In Rev 2, Jesus brings words of admonition and encouragement to seven churches and promises rewards to the victorious; Paul reminds us that ‘in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.’ (Rom 8:37) Victory is possible not in an idealised world, but in the real world of struggles and strife, and as we walk with Jesus and delve deeper into His word, we can find the direction and help we need to navigate life.
