Easter Monday – JOYFUL
TEXT: That very day two [believers] were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem … Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. And He said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, ”.Are You the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And He said to them, “What things?” And they said to Him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth ….” (Luke 24.13, 15b-19a)
Picture these two believers, so earnestly explaining all about Jesus’ suffering and death, to Jesus Himself, not recognizing Him at all. How did they miss the nail holes in His hands?
And what of Jesus? Why does He let the confusion go on for hours until He breaks the bread for dinner — and vanishes, as they finally know Him?
I think it was joy. I think it was’ love and happiness and a sense of humor, as Jesus enjoys an afternoon relaxing with two people He loves, who are stubbornly refusing to believe He’s alive again. They won’t trust the women’s testimony. And so Jesus gets to exercise His sense of humor, hiding His identity, teaching them what the Bible says about Him-and waiting for the truth to dawn.
This is the kind of God we have, One who loves us so dearly that He dies and rises again for us-all so He can enjoy, not just an afternoon, but all eternity with us, His people. And it starts today — now — for all of us who trust in Him.
WE PRAY: Lord, draw me closer to You every day, and bring me to know You indeed. Amen.
——————— Reflection Questions
• Why do people joke and laugh when they are happy?
• What do you know about God’s sense of humor?
• Are you glad to know that Jesus likes spending time with you?
Responses