Christ’s Presence Along the Way

This Sunday we continue our reflection on the resurrection of our Lord. On the road to Emmaus (Luke 24.13-35) Jesus appeared to two disciples, but they were prevented from recognising him until he broke bread with them. As they broke bread the two move from disorientation to new orientation, from despair to hope. While for us today, a new physical appearance of the Risen Lord must wait until he returns, yet he still does come to his people, spiritually, in the word & the breaking of bread. And he touches, warms, our hearts by his Spirit as we perceive him clothed in the promises of Scripture.

Reflection Questions

1. Read Luke 24.13-35. When did this appearance of the Lord occur?

2. What evidence can you see in the account that naturally suggests Jesus appeared in a physical body rather than as a mere ghost, spirit, or vision?

3. What is the difference between a resurrection and a mere resuscitation (for the latter see the restoration of the widow of Nain’s son in Luke 7.11-17).

4. How is Christ’s presence felt by the two disciples (Luke 24.30-32)?

5. It may be concluded from this account that the Risen Lord gifts the church equipment for our journey, our pilgrimage to God and a transformed creation, when Christ returns physically to earth. That equipment for the journey is: (i) his Spirit rekindling faith in our hearts as we open the Scriptures; (ii) teaching ministry that gives us the key to the Scriptures that being the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; (iii) the ministry of hospitality, breaking bread, in which we encounter the Lord’s spiritual presence; (iv) the rite of communion in which we also encounter the Lord spiritually.
Which of these gifts do you naturally value and practice?
Which of these gifts do you sometimes overlook or neglect to use?