A traditional reading during the Easter season is the story of the road to Emmaus found in Luke’s Gospel.  This magnificent reading is found in Luke 24:13-49. It is about two people who had put their hopes, dreams, and aspirations into Jesus.  

We don’t know exactly what their relationship with Jesus had been, but whatever it was, it’s evident that they felt as if they had lost it all after Jesus’ crucifixion and death.  

For a moment, let’s dissect this story just a bit.  It was Easter morning and two companions were walking down a road away from Jerusalem toward a town called Emmaus.  Scripture says that the two were downtrodden, their faces were downcast, they looked sad, or they were gloomy, depending upon which version of the Bible you read.  It’s clear they were having a tough emotional time as they walked.

As they journey toward Emmaus, Jesus comes up and asks them what is going on.  Although it is Jesus, they do not recognize him. Why they don’t recognize him is a bit of a mystery.  Whatever the reason, they did not know it was him.

As they walk along they tell the stranger, who is actually Jesus, about Jesus.  After the two companions stop talking, Jesus teaches them about the scriptures and tells them that the ancient prophets predicted all that had recently happened.    Later, when they get near Emmaus, Jesus acts as if he is going to leave the two companions behind and continue on down the road. But the two insist that Jesus stay with them as darkness is approaching.  Jesus agrees and it is during the course of a meal, that they suddenly recognize their guest. Jesus then vanishes.

Even though it is late, the two quickly get up and head back to Jerusalem to share their encounter with the risen Lord with the remaining apostles.  Upon arriving in the city, they tell the apostles what happened, and as they do so, Jesus appears among them. Despite the fact that Jesus is standing right there, the apostles are filled with fear and doubt.  

Jesus then teaches them about the scriptures and even eats some food, a bit of leftover fish.  It is here that he tells them to stay put until the Holy Spirit comes upon them. At this point, Jesus once again disappears and the Gospel of Luke nears its end.

This story from Luke’s Gospel is about many things and it is rich with layers of meaning.   On the surface, the story is simply about the fact that Jesus was raised from the dead and that he appeared to his followers and the two companions on the road to Emmaus.  It, like the other post resurrection appearances to hundreds and hundreds of people, was recorded and written down so that we too might trust the events of Easter through eye witness testimony.  

The story of the walk to Emmaus, however, is also about the fact that God does things in surprising ways and how our expectations can affect our ability to see God acting in our lives.   What we expect of God often influences how we see God. But aside from a description of eyewitness testimony. Aside from the fact that the story illustrates how expectations influence what we can see.  The story of the walk to Emmaus also has to do with something else.

The story sheds light on what happens whenever we are on our own road to Emmaus.  Whenever our hopes and expectations seem for naught. Whenever we are struggling with confusion or pondering questions that don’t seem to have an answer.  

And what happens when we are on such a journey is that Jesus shows up.  

Just like he showed up on the road to Emmaus as the two dejected companions walked.  Jesus shows up whenever we travel a similar road. The good news is that when Jesus showed up on the road to Emmaus, his presence was not dependent on the expectations of the two companions.  His presence was not dependent on what they were feeling. What they were thinking. What they believed.

Jesus’ presence that day did not depend on the nature of what was going on, the level of faith held by the two, or even on the choices they had made.  

And it is the same for you and for me today.  

Jesus shows up no matter what and his presence has nothing to do with where we are in our journey in faith or what is in our head.  In fact, Jesus shows up even if we could care less about his presence. Even if we believe his presence doesn’t make a difference. Even when we can’t see that he is right there with us.

And finally there is one more thing, I believe, the story invites us to think about.  

For those of us who may be in a place of waning faith, of struggling with believing, of wondering, of having lots of questions, I believe the story of the two on the road to Emmaus invites us to ask some questions.  

Questions like, “What if it is really so?  What if Jesus really did rise from the dead?  What if because of that there is an amazing life beyond this one beyond our comprehension that exceeds what we could hope for? What if we can trust the story?  What if we can really trust Jesus? What if it is really so?” And if it is so, how might that impact my life today in the face of my current challenges?

Think of what is causing you fear today, ask yourself, what if it is really so that Jesus rose from the dead? What might that have to say to me about my fear?  As you look at what is causing you stress at this moment, ask, what if God really has that much power to raise someone from the dead? What does such power have to say to me about what is making me feel out of sorts?  As you think about those you have lost in life, ask, what if there really is something amazing beyond this life? What might eternal life have to say to me in my grief? As you think about a big transition you are facing, again ask, what if it really is so.  What might Jesus’ resurrection say to me about the transition I am faced with?

The point, if it is so, Jesus’ resurrection has a lot to say to us not just about what happens after this life, but about what is happening to us right now in our daily lives.   And the Great news of the Gospel is not, if it is so, but rather, it is so.  

It is so!  Jesus Christ rose from the dead and because Jesus Christ is Risen we too shall one day rise as He did. And that, my friends, makes all the difference in how we live this short journey we call life right now.