Acts 2:14a, 36-41; 1 Peter 1:17-25;  Luke 24:13-35

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Have you ever wondered how many people would show up for your funeral? Of course, it depends on how you have lived your life. Do you have many friends or just a few? Have you stayed in touch with all of your family or did you cut off all connection? Do you prefer being more on your own or would you rather have others around? It’s a question that we’ll never really have the answer to though because we won’t be around to experience it. For so, some people worry if anyone will show up at all. 

Imagine being able to crash your own funeral though?! Wouldn’t it be something to see how people were impacted by your life, who still cared about you, or who never even showed up. For this is the reality of Jesus after his resurrection. As he appeared to the women, to his disciples, and to many others, he got to see first hand all the people who thought he was dead still mourning his death. For in particular, our Gospel lesson this week recounts the disciples walking on their way to Emmaus when a stranger joins them. The two of them are still mourning Jesus’ death as they talk to one another. So, we read, “While they were talking and discussing together, 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?” Luke 24:15-17. Jesus himself comes to join them, but in their grief, they don’t recognize him. For like those two disciples, we walk a road filled with grief and sorrow. We know well the pains of losing those we love. And in our grief and sorrow-filled world, we sometimes fail to recognize where and when Jesus comes among us.

Thus, Jesus begins talking to these two disciples as he “opens” the Scriptures to them. He teaches them all about himself from the Old Testament, how everything was truly about him. And in his words, the disciples’ hearts begin to “burn” within them with passion and joy. For upon their urging, Jesus joins them for a meal. As we read, “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. In the breaking of bread, the fellowship around this feast, the disciples come to realize who it was who had joined them on the road. Likewise, it’s in Jesus’ words, through our Lord’s Supper that we realize that Jesus has joined us on our road also! By his cross and death, Jesus has joined us in our sorrow so that by his resurrection, he may lead us to everlasting life! For may our hearts burn again with faith in our Lord, knowing that he remains with us on this road from death to eternal life!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Almighty God, grant that we who have celebrated the Lord’s resurrection may by Your grace confess in our life and conversation that Jesus is Lord and God; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!