Elemental: S2 - Day 8

“…we had hoped He was the one…” Luke 24:21

Everybody’s theology is just one good crucifixion away from collapse.

We don’t know much about these two men except one of their names and the town where they lived. We do know that, somewhere along the line, their spirituality, likely dry and dutiful, came alive. They met Jesus.

Were they in earshot the day Jesus prayed a blessing over a basket of loaves and fish and then fed thousands of people on a crowded hillside? Did they notice a little boy’s pride as he donated his lunch to the miracle-working teacher? Had they left their jobs to follow town to town as Jesus healed every person in the city limits? Were they standing close enough to Lazarus’ tomb to feel concerned about the smells as Jesus commanded the stone to be rolled away? And how many of Jesus’ stories had they heard firsthand, maybe even receiving a private explanation once the crowds departed? Had they been with the other disciples the day Jesus tried to warn them that He would be betrayed, killed, and rise after three days? We don’t know much about them.

When we first meet Cleopas and his friend from Emmaus, it’s the weekend of Jesus’ crucifixion, and everything they have hoped for has been destroyed. You know the story. They can barely walk and talk simultaneously as they return from the religious festival of Passover weekend in Jerusalem. Their eyes are blinded with tears as a third party joins them for the 7-mile hike. Then the amazing happens. Amid their confusion and heartbreak, the stranger begins to share spiritual connections, scripture comes alive, and the two disciples emerge from the fog. How had they been so wrong, so off base? The conversation crackles with God-infused energy as their teacher demonstrates how the crucifixion of Jesus is the answer and fulfillment rather than the destruction of their hopes.

By the time the three stand outside Cleopas’ house, the two disciples are renewed, reborn. They realized their previously held assumptions needed to collapse to make room for all God intended them to understand. Later, after recognizing it had been Jesus journeying with them, they say, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:32)

So, what do we take away? These two from Emmaus knew they were wrong. But they were wrong about what they were wrong about (say that three times quickly). And the greatest reason for their new sense of peace? They had gotten to walk and talk with Jesus. He is always the most critical piece of the puzzle, the elemental minimum of our reconstruction plan.

Turns out, everybody’s theology is just one good resurrection away from revival.

1. Have you ever witnessed something miraculous? What was it?
2. When was the last time you were emotional to the point of tears?
3. Is there a disappointment you want Jesus to know about? What would need to happen to bring you peace?