Okay, Cleopas and his friend weren't ambushed. But, deep in grief over the death of Jesus (and possible theft of his body) as these two men walk home from Jerusalem to Emmaus they totally don't recognize the stranger that joins them. And, Jesus isn't volunteering any clarity about who he is. I guess he knows they'll figure it out when they're ready.
This is our Gospel Lesson for Sunday - Luke 24:13-35. It's kind of a famous story so you may know it. As another announcement in Tuesday's newsletter explained, we have a guest preacher for Sunday. I'll be as anxious as you are to hear what SWWA Synod Bishop's Associate Rebecca Shjerven has to say!
Here's what I find interesting about this story. First of all, Jesus totally reframes his death and resurrection for them - even backing up his ideas with Biblical proofs. Yet, they still don't recognize him. They seem unable to get from "words" to "recognition." (One might say Thomas was having the same problem last Sunday.)
Secondly, they do recognize Jesus in the 'breaking of the bread,' ie; Holy Communion. I like that. What your head can't do maybe your heart and taste buds can!
And finally, just as they recognize Jesus, he disappears. (Dang!) I have that experience a lot. But, they're energized and excited about life again.
Perhaps that's the point.
Pr. Dave Brauer-Rieke
FUN FACT: Verse 29 of our lesson finds these two wayward followers of the unrecognized Jesus saying, "Stay with us, for it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." In the old King James Bible that verse reads, "Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent."
"Abide with me, fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide."
Maria, we are singing that, right?!
