Listen

The one named Cleopas replied, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who is unaware of the things that have taken place there over the last few days?”

He said to them, “What things?”

They said to him, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth. Because of his powerful deeds and words, he was recognized by God and all the people as a prophet. But our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel. All these things happened three days ago. But there’s more: Some women from our group have left us stunned. They went to the tomb early this morning and didn’t find his body. They came to us saying that they had even seen a vision of angels who told them he is alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women said. They didn’t see him.”

Luke 24:18-24

Think

Is Cleopas challenging Jesus? It certainly sounds that way at first. You can hear his frustration and confusion when he asks Jesus, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who is unaware of the things that have taken place there over the last few days?”

Yet, Jesus doesn’t rebuke him but instead invites Cleopas to tell him about it.

What follows is a beautiful and powerful testimony of faith. He tells the story of Jesus’ life and death. While his words are brief, you can hear the emotion behind them. Confusion turns to grief. He is mourning his friend. He doesn’t know what has happened.

Or maybe he doesn’t know if he can believe what has happened.

Either way, we can hear the grief in his words.

Charlette Preslar

Pray

Jesus, you are with me even when I don’t recognize you.

You are with me in good times and in times when I am sad and overwhelmed.

Help me to notice your presence in my life each day.

Amen.

Go

We journey with God each day.

Where will you notice God today?