“Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb” (Matthew 28:1).

“There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it” (Matthew 28:2).

“. . .when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away” (Mark 16:4).

“. . . the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.  Come and see the place where he lay’” (Matthew 28:5,6).

“’The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again’” (Luke 24:7).

The Scriptures record 12 times that Jesus was seen by and interacted with people after His resurrection.  The Apostle Paul records in 1 Corinthians 15:5,6: “. . .he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.  After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.”

On the Road to Emmaus

The Gospel of Luke records (24:13-35) that two people, “. . .One of them, named Cleopas”, “were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.  This was the day of the Resurrection of Jesus. “Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’ . . . Jesus of Nazareth they replied.” 

They explained who Jesus was and what had happened in the last three days.  They expressed their hope that Jesus “was the one who was going to redeem Israel.”  Jesus, after listening to them, began to explain to them, “. . . beginning with Moses, and all the Prophets, . . .what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”  

When approaching the village they “. . .urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening. . . So he went to stay with them.”  Jesus sat at the table with them, “took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.  Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him,. . .”.

They were open to and desired truth!

“Their eyes were opened and they recognized him.”  Several things happened before their “eyes were opened”.  They were clearly going through a time of doubting and despair.  The Scripture described them as “downcast”.  They had lost hope.   Yet they were willing to talk about it and listen to someone who was clearly an authority regarding the man, Jesus.  “’Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us (v.32)?’”  They desired truth!

They invited Jesus in!

Their desire for truth resulted in them inviting Jesus to stay with them.  Not only did they simply invite Him in, but they also desired fellowship with Him.  They sat at the table with Him, listened to Him give thanks, and were willing to receive the bread he broke for them.  The breaking of bread, and serving a meal is typically the responsibility of the master of the home.  Perhaps it was this simple act of allowing Jesus, the guest, to assume the leadership at this meal, in their home, that opened their eyes to who He was.

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.”

Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

May we, on this Resurrection Day of celebration, open the door and invite Jesus into our hearts, our homes, and our lives.  May we break bread with Him, learn from Him, and allow Him to be the Master of our home.

Today, be blessed.  Be encouraged; He is Risen!

Mike