Road to Emmaus: His Unrecognized Presence

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing Him. Luke 24:15-16

It’s interesting to me the many ways God shows up. The only thing that is consistent in my experience is that it is never as I expect. In fact, sometimes I don’t see His presence at work but only recognize Him in hindsight. The two disciples that left for Emmaus after the resurrection were focused on what had happened. As they walked along, Jesus in the flesh came right up and started walking with them yet they failed to recognize Him.

They were discouraged, sad and couldn’t understand what was happening. It seemed God had let them down, yet He was in fact right next to them! Jesus then began to teach them, instructing them through the scripture.

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself. Luke 24:27

I don’t know why Jesus hid his identity on the road, but I doubt His lesson would have gone the same way if they knew it was Him. He had their focus in a way that HE wanted for the moment. He had a purpose. But even if their eyes didn’t recognize Him, somehow their heart knew God was at work.

Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us? Luke 24:32

Sometimes I get focused on my situation, head down and not looking at the surroundings. I can be discouraged about a decades old habit or maybe someone I care about is struggling. Sometimes it seems I’m walking the road to my next destination alone. But even if I don’t see Him, even if I don’t recognize His handiwork and teaching for me yet, Jesus is walking right there with me. He’ll reveal Himself in good time and confirm His work.

Lord, give me ears to hear You. Give me a burning heart of discernment for Your voice, even when my eyes don’t see Your presence. And just as with those disciples on the road, let Your words of Truth encourage me so that I can bring Your words of encouragement to others.

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when He broke the bread. Luke 24:33-35