October 18, 2016

OPEN THE EYES OF YOUR HEART

Luke 24:13–35

Sydney Spradlin
Tuesday's Devo

October 18, 2016

Tuesday's Devo

October 18, 2016

Central Truth

Jesus reveals Himself to those who desire intimacy with Him.

Key Verse | Luke 24:30–31

When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. (Luke 24:30-31)

 

 

Luke 24:13–35

On the Road to Emmaus

13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles 1 24:13 Greek sixty stadia; a stadion was about 607 feet or 185 meters from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 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. 18 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?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Footnotes

[1] 24:13 Greek sixty stadia; a stadion was about 607 feet or 185 meters

Dive Deeper | Luke 24:13–35

Although my spirit was crying out for a Savior, I didn't come to know Christ until I was 35 years old. My journey to knowing Jesus spanned 15 years and three states. It was marked by times of learning about Jesus and times of sharing about Jesus. As I have learned about Jesus by studying the Bible, it has made Him more real to me, and I am able to share more about His character. The most powerfully intimate moments with Him have come when I have been able to share my story and my love of Him with others. In those moments, the eyes of my heart are open.

Often, I forget all the amazing things the Lord has done for me. Breaking bread with others and sharing Jesus remind me in a powerful way of all He has done and how He is always present in my life. It connects what I know with WHOM I know.

Re:generation was an important part of my road to Emmaus. When I confessed all those hurts, habits, and harms, it allowed me to ask Jesus into my life in a much more personal way. In so many ways I knew Him and especially knew OF Him, but asking questions and confessing to Him with others around me allowed the eyes of my heart to be opened and that knowledge to move from head to heart and become trust. Now I get to share Christ from a recovery perspective.

Sometimes people have been hurt and embittered by the Church. They wonder, like the disciples walking to Emmaus, how their hope was disappointed by words or events they didn't understand. I get the privilege of showing hurt people or reminding them of the truth of Christ and the hope found in Him. Truly, in sharing Christ, He appears among us, and we can see Him clearly.

The Bible is God's message about the character of Jesus given to us to help us see the reality of who He is. Knowing God's promises allows me to share my journey with clarity and answer questions with hope.

Discussion Questions

1. Do you feel equipped in your knowledge of who Jesus is according to Scripture?

2. Do you take time to remember all the things that Christ has done for you? Take a minute to list a few of the ways the Lord has worked in your life.

3. Do you take time to share with others your love and excitement about who Jesus is in your life? Who is one person you can tell today?