“You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”

“What things?” Jesus asked... (Luke 24:18-19, NLT)

It had just been hours since the tomb of Jesus was found empty.  Stories were spreading.  Emotions were flying.  Disciples were sulking...at least these two were.  Heading back from Jerusalem to their hometown, Cleopas and his companion were so lost in their confused thoughts that when "Jesus Himself drew near" they didn't recognize Him (Lk. 24:15-16).  Engaging Cleopas and his friend in conversation, Jesus played ignorant and invited them to share all that had happened in Jersualem "the last few days" (v. 18).  Why?  It wasn't for His information or benefit, but for the eternal benefit of His disciples.  Which makes me wonder:  Do we know the eternal value in rehearsing the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection?  

OPPORTUNITY TO PROCESS

Answering Jesus' question about "what things" had just happened in Jerusalem, gave these sorrowful disciples the opportunity to not only feel their despondency but to process through it.  Reflecting on what Jesus went through, slowed them down enough to actually name their feelings, to identify that their hope became a thing of the past (cf. v. 21).  When we take time to remember the closing scenes of Jesus' life, let's not be surprised if meditating on Jesus' experience during the Passion Week brings awareness to what we're really going through, the deep movements of our own hearts -- expectations unfilled, hopes dashed, frustration with unfruitfulness, struggles with spiritual pride or even spiritual malaise.  As we walk with Jesus in this way, we can give Him permission to gently unearth what needs to be brought to the surface in our lives.

OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN PERSPECTIVE

As we read through Cleopas' recounting of events (vv. 20-24), we find that all they shared was accurate and true...but their interpretation of and response to it all was amiss.  Telling about it all to this unrecognized Stranger allowed for their limited perspective and emotionally-charged conclusions to be challenged.  I appreciate that Jesus gives us full permission to pour out our hearts to Him and be real with what we're going through.  But more than that, I'm grateful He doesn't let our personal reflection be the end-all.  He speaks to our perceived reality with the voice of truth.  As we take time to reflect on Jesus' last few days, let's ask Him to undo our unbelief, open our eyes to the ways He actually is fulfilling His purposes, and take us deeper in His Word -- not just in the Gospels we may be re-reading but connecting the dots throughout the Bible to see a clearer picture of our Savior.

hunger for JESUS' presence

In the end, the disciples' journey of reflection and recalibration turned their hopelessness about Jesus' absence into hunger for Jesus' presence (though they were still unaware that this Stranger was in fact the risen Christ!). They insisted that Jesus stay with them and wouldn't have it any other way (vv. 28-29).  Had they been passive about His presence, they would have missed the miracle moment when their eyes were opened to recognize the Resurrected Lord.  This is the end goal, the real objective in giving a thoughtful hour to reflect on the closing scenes of Christ's life.  

It's not just remembering a good story.  It's about stirring our hearts to seek and embrace Jesus' abiding presence.  

The One who left His tomb empty wants to fill your heart and mine with His glory and presence.  But He won't impose that upon us.  Like Revelation 3:20 describes, Jesus stands at our heart's door and knocks.  He wants US to hear His voice.  He wants US to open the door.  He wants us to hunger for His presence as much as He longs to be present with us.  And when we do, He'll come in and dine with us, abide with us, and mark our lives with the assurance that Jesus lives!

There's a common practice among Christians to reflect on the last few days of Christ's life during the Passion week leading up to Resurrection Sunday.  Though it may be familiar territory, I believe Jesus is inviting us, just as He did Cleopas and his companion, to rehearse and reflect on the events that transpired those last few days of Jesus' earthly life.  With that in mind, our Elders team here at the Littleton Church has prepared a series of brief daily video devotions as a way to wrap our hearts and minds around those closing scenes of Jesus' life.  We'll drop these into your email inbox each day from March 24 through March 29.  And if you haven't subscribed to our email list, just click THIS LINK to do so.

"It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ.  We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones.  As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit" (Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 83).