Easter Sunday – He is Risen
Luke 24:34
Saying, “The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon.”
Can you imagine the joy in the hearts of the early disciples who uttered those words? Luke had just spoken of two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus walked with them, but they did not know Him.
Luke 24:16
But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him.
Jesus asked them about their discussion and their sadness. They were sad because Jesus had died, but some women who visited the tomb had seen a vision of angels who said He was alive.
These two did not accept the word of the women. They were still in mourning for His death. But, they said, “This is the third day since He died.” Does this mean they had at least heard of his promise to rise on the third day?
As Jesus walked with them, He explained Scripture to them:
Luke 24:26
Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?
They invited Him to stay with them in the village that night. At their supper, Jesus took bread, blessed it, and gave it to them.
In the breaking of the bread, their eyes were opened – and Jesus vanished. They asked each other,
Luke 24:32
Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?”
Their grief changed to joy when they knew He is risen. They hurried back to Jerusalem where the other disciples greeted them with the news: “The Lord is risen indeed!”
As we look at communion and the partaking of the bread and the juice, I know that He walks with me, but how is my heart? Is it burning or rejoicing? Are my eyes opened in the breaking of the bread as I remember Him?
If I know the Scripture, I am rejoicing! If I know the Scripture, I know He is with me. Always. To the end of the age. Even when I cannot see Him. He is with me, for He is risen.