The two followers returning to Emmaus at first missed the significance of history’s greatest event because they were too focused on their disappointments and problems. In fact, they didn’t recognize Jesus when he was walking beside them. To compound the problem, they were walking in the wrong direction away from the fellowship of believers in Jerusalem.

We are likely to miss Jesus and withdraw from the strength found in other believers when we become preoccupied with our dashed hopes and frustrated plans. Only when we are looking for Jesus in our midst will we experience the power and help he can bring. The news about Jesus’ crucifixion had spread throughout Jerusalem. Because this was Passover week, Jews visiting the city from all over the Roman Empire now knew about his death. This was not a small insignificant event affecting only the disciples, the whole nation was interested. These followers from Emmaus had been counting on Jesus to redeem Israel, that is, to rescue the nation from its enemies.

Most Jews believed that the Old Testament prophecies pointed to military and political Messiah, they didn’t realize that the Messiah had come to redeem people from slavery and sin. When Jesus died, therefore, they lost all hope. They didn’t understand that Jesus’ death offered the greatest hope possible. Even though these Jewish men knew the biblical prophecies well, they failed to understand that Christ’s suffering was his path to glory. They could not understand why God had not intervened to save Jesus from the cross. They were so caught up in the world’s admiration of political power and military might that they were blind to God’s Kingdom values that the last will be first, and that life grows out of death. The world has not changed its values. The suffering servant is no more popular today than he was 2,000 years ago. But we have not only the witness of the Old Testament prophets; we also have the witness of the New Testament apostles and the history of the Christian church testifying to Jesus’ victory over death. Will we confront the values of our culture and put our faith in Jesus? Or will we foolishly continue to ignore this Good News?

Prayer: Abba Father, I pray that I may not miss the visitation of Christ the Messiah. Amen