Open My Eyes Lord, I Want to See Jesus
The Road to Emmaus Luke 24:13-33


Three days had passed since their leader was crucified and Jesus’ shocked followers had run away in terror. How could this awful thing have happened? For three years now they had been with Him and they had watched Him heal the blind and raise the dead. They had seen His power and had believed that He was their Messiah. And now He was dead. And with Him, all of their hopes and dreams had died too. Traumatized and dejected they hid out, not knowing what to do next.

Scripture tells us that during this upsetting time, two of Jesus’ followers were traveling together on the dusty road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. It was a seven mile walk to Emmaus and the two unhappy men were discussing the events of the last three days as they plodded along. “We had hoped that Jesus was the One who would redeem Israel,” they grumbled.

As they walked along pouring out their disappointments to one another a Traveler caught up with them. He walks along with them listening as they despair. Luke 24:16 tells us that as they walked together the two men were “kept from recognizing” this Person walking with them.

“How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” the Traveler chided these two. “Didn’t you know that the Christ has to suffer first and then enter glory?” Then the Traveler began to explain to these amazed men what the Scriptures said concerning Himself. The men’s’ hearts were strangely warmed as they walked and listened.

By the time the three of them reached the village of Emmaus Jesus acted as if He was going on further. “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over,” the two urged. Jesus accepts their invitation and they all sit together for the evening meal. And then in the breaking of the bread their eyes were opened and they recognized their risen Jesus!

We too receive Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Can it be that we too could be chided by Jesus, like these two were because we haven’t studied God’s Word enough to keep our faith shinning brightly in times of trouble?

Do you suppose that Jesus comes along side of us when we are talking together about Him? Does He walk along with us like He did with them when we are troubled and confused? Does the Lord encourage us and enlighten us with His Word like He enlightened those two? Indeed John 16:13 tells us that the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth.

Notice that these two men only recognized Jesus after they had offered Him hospitality. Their eyes were opened when they invited Him in .If these Emmaus travelers had let Him walk on by their eyes would have never been opened to their risen Savior! While walking with Him on the road to Emmaus – they had remained blind to the Light of the world. They only had a casual – intellectual – relationship with Him – and that wasn’t enough for them to see the Truth. But they passed the test when they offered Him something of themselves! And it was only then that He revealed Himself to them.

And isn’t it the same with us? John 1:12 says, “But to as many as receive Him, to them He gives the power to become the children of God, even to those who believe on His Name.” . Scripture says that our eyes are opened to Him and we become the children of God when we receive Him. What does this receiving mean? It sounds like just saying the right words won’t do. An intellectual belief won’t pass. The miracle of salvation happens when you give yourself to Him.