There are times in our lives when it seems that our hopes and dreams have faded. I’m reminded of the the two disciples who were on the road to Emmaus three days after the crucifixion. As they were walking along and discussing the events that had taken place, an individual approached them and began traveling with them. They were so preoccupied with their sadness that they did not recognize the identity of their traveling companion. The two disciples began to tell their new friend about Jesus the Nazarene, a prophet who was mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people,  They were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel.

Do you recognize Jesus’ presence in your life? We can become so preoccupied with our problems that we forget about the God who can solve those problems. We often fail to recognize what we do not expect to see. They had heard about the resurrection but it had not made a difference in their lives. Let’s not be too hard on those disciples. How many of us have heard of the resurrection but still live our lives filled with sadness and despair? Their traveling companion confronted their perspective,

And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. (Luke 24:25-27)

The word “foolish” literally means without understanding. This is not someone who is deficient in mental ability but one who doesn’t understand – there’s too much yardage between the goal posts. Their minds did not understand the teachings of the Old Testament and their hearts were slow to believe the testimony of the women who had seen Jesus. Can you imagine the incredible teaching those disciples received as Jesus personally taught them about Himself from the Old Testament?

They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)

When they realized that their new friend was Jesus it transformed their lives. Even though the day was almost over, they walked the seven miles back to Jerusalem. They were willing to sacrifice and make the return trip because of their excitement.

And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, saying, “The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon.” They began to relate their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread. (Luke 24:33-36)

When you realize the significance of Christ’s resurrection it can transform your life! It can turn your sadness and despair into great joy. If you have seen the movie,  “A Wonderful Life”, you know that George Bailey had dreams of travel and adventure but life circumstances did not allow him to achieve those dreams. The breaking point came when the threat of scandal turned his frustration into despair. As he is contemplating suicide because of his seemingly insignificant life, an angel reveals to him that his life was not a waste but he had an incredible impact. If he had not been born, his mother would have been embittered, his uncle insane, his wife a timid old maid, the druggist a ruined man, and his brother, who became a naval hero and had saved hundreds of men, would not have survived childhood. When George realized his life not only had meaning, but an incredible impact to those who knew him, his despair was turned into great joy.

Do you understand the implications of the resurrection? The cross was the victory – the resurrection is the celebration!

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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