And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?”
Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?” And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. . . Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Luke 24: 17-21, 44-48, NKJV.
Holy God, please open our eyes that we might see; open our ears that we might hear; and open our hearts that we might accept the things that You are revealing to us. In the precious name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
I have meditated on this Scripture on several occasions, and every time I do, there is something new to learn. Today I want to place more emphasis on our listening and looking, at the things that God is saying to, and showing, us.
At the beginning of this conversation Jesus is inquiring about their sadness. As far as the Savior is concerned, there is no need to be sad. Even though Jesus knows why they are sad, He wants them to realize the reason they are feeling sad; therefore, He enters into conversation with them. Cleopas volunteers himself as the spokesperson, and wants to know how comes Jesus does not know what has happened. Even visitors in Jerusalem know of the extraordinary things that have taken place over the weekend! Where have you been, stranger? What things?, is Jesus next question.
Jesus listens attentively to what they have to say. As we listen to what others have to say, we learn how to offer the best response. The disciples’ answer ends on a very interesting note: “today is the third day since these things happened.” The Savior uses that statement as the launching point for His response: ” ‘ “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” ‘ ” If you had been listening you would have heard that on the third day I would rise. If you were looking for the fulfillment of these things, you would have recognized today as the day that prophecy is being fulfilled!
Now they are ready to listen and see all that is written in the Scriptures! So He “opens their understanding.” They not only hear, but now they can see, the Savior standing before them in fulfillment of the things that were written “concerning [Him.]” The sadness that they experienced had served a positive purpose: They had asked questions and received answers that filled their souls with joy.
Now they were equipped to go out and fulfill the great commission, ” ‘ “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.” ‘ ” Go preach with power and conviction to the ends of the world, beginning at Jerusalem; for you have both seen and heard the Savior for yourself! And they did just that, “So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread” (33-35). Emphasis provided.
Learning to listen and see, beyond, our human limitation is very important. Much of the sadness we experience is the result of our poor spiritual eyesight and listening skills. We need to tarry longer in the Word; dig deeper in its precepts and counsels; and look above what the world and the Adversary would have us see. We need not fear to ask questions and listen for answers, because God is the answer to all our inquires. Then when we have heard, and seen what the Savior has done – we too, will be equipped to bear witness of the risen Lord!