Lilac Ministries

Bible Study Lessons

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Scripture: Luke 24:13-32

Topic: Easter at Emmaus


Today we considered the experiences of Cleopas and his unnamed companion, as Jesus walked with them on the road to Emmaus, on Easter Sunday, while “their eyes were prevented from recognizing” that it was Jesus who was befriending them - and then as Jesus broke bread with them, and “their eyes were opened.”

We found consolation in the fact that Jesus INVITED the two to speak and then listened to Cleopas as he lamented what the two had seen and heard regarding the events of what we know as Good Friday. And Jesus listened some more, while Cleopas mourned the seeming death of their dream that Jesus would redeem Israel. And Jesus continued listening, while Cleopas recounted their confusion regarding the empty grave and the women’s vision of angels and the testimony of “some of those who were with us.”

And Jesus spoke, explaining how the events and the hopes and the pain and the disappointment fit into scriptural history, a story that will not be thwarted, even when all seems lost. And Jesus broke bread with them. And as soon as Cleopas and his companion realized who Jesus was, they found themselves alone, but not without solace and not without astonishment.

Cleopas and his companion were not allowed the privilege of basking in the moment (or of building booths, as Peter had offered on the mountain). Theirs was not a peace like a pond, but rather a peace like a river that set them back on the road to Jerusalem, so that they could share what they had learned.

God walks with us during our Good Fridays and our Easters, knowing that we are often “slow of heart.” He invites us to retell our stories. He transforms even our laments into teachable moments. Is this the “Easter identity” of prayer, perhaps? An exchanging of invitations to walk together, to speak, to listen, to gain insights, to regain perspective, to be moved once again toward productive action and away from mourning and the temptation to give up?

Join us next week, as we follow Cleopas and his companion - and see how those in Jerusalem respond to their news!