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Some women had just discovered that Jesus’ body was missing from the tomb, and they had reported this to the disciples and others.

On the Road to Emmaus

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” (v 13 – 18)

“What things?” he asked.

 

Verses 19 through 29 paraphrased: The two, not recognizing Jesus, told this stranger (Jesus) of the events of recent days. They told of the death and now missing remains of Jesus, and of the appearance of angels. Jesus (whom they still did not recognize) began to explain scripture and prophesies of the Old Testament to them. He acted as if he would need to go on his way, but the men persuaded him to stay the night.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. (v 30 – 35)

Today, I am thinking about what happens when we break bread together at communion time. For years, we went to a church that taught that if we accepted communion in an “unworthy manner,” with unconfessed sin in our hearts, we would eat and drink damnation upon ourselves. Indeed, this can be found in 1 Cor 11:27-29. Paul, again speaking situationally, was likely addressing folks who were arriving to their gatherings hungry, maybe even pigging out on the communion bread and wine. He further said many of them had become sick. No surprise, if this was the main part of their diet! (I’m sure the inappropriate manner in which they were partaking of the Lord’s Supper was a problem too). But I let our church’s interpretation of those scriptures put fear and worry into my acceptance of communion. What if I did it wrong (in an “unworthy manner”)??

Upon joining Living Lord, about 10 years ago, I learned to joyfully accept communion. I learned that Jesus wants my broken and sinful self at his supper table! Thank you, Jesus! Once, when I took communion, I noticed the red wine puddled in a droplet on my painted finger nails. I was reminded that Jesus’ blood is on my hands. But also, I was reminded of the great gift that was given and the sacrifice made, so that I could be welcomed at the table. Thank you, Jesus!

Lately, actually during this Lenten season, I have been picturing what it would have been like to be at the Last Supper. I am trying to take in and appreciate the gravity of that situation. Jesus, the dread you must have felt as you broke bread with your disciples that night! Thank you for enduring the pain and agony of cross for me! Today’s scripture reminds me that through the breaking of bread, Jesus reveals himself and allows us to know him better. Thank you, Jesus!

So, then, what thoughts go through your head as you accept the communion meal? I think that might be a fun and meaningful conversation to have some time.

Examining hearts, confessing sins: those are important things and I try to do them. I also try to remember to ask God to bring into my mind any sins I may have committed while not fully aware of doing so, in order that I might ask for and receive forgiveness. But these days, in my own journey, for the most part, I just marvel that Jesus wants me at his table, and I am thankful.

Lord, take our minds and hearts where You want them to be as we join in communion with You at Your table, and reveal more of Yourself to us.

Juli Hampton

Ham10five@gmail.com

 

Prayer Concern: For Christians everywhere to keep trying to put Jesus at the head of our tables every day