Introduction to Worship for 4/30/2017

Followers of the Way:

Renowned Jesus scholar John Dominic Crossan made a profound statement about this week’s gospel reading. “Emmaus never happened,” Crossan wrote. “Emmaus always happens.” What we are invited to grapple with in that statement is the truth that the factual (historical) significance of the resurrection stories is secondary to a more profound truth: the risen Christ is with us. Now. Here. That is what the early church began to learn, and it is what enabled them to move on.

Luke 24:13–35

The exact location of Emmaus is not known. Perhaps this uncertainty forms a commentary on the focus scripture. Emmaus may be anywhere. Hearts burning and eyes opening do not take place in only one place, either geographical or spiritual. Emmaus comes into sight wherever a path leads us toward communion with God and whenever we recognize the risen Christ among us.

On the day of Jesus’ resurrection, two disciples walk along the road to Emmaus with Jesus, informing this “stranger” about the events in Jerusalem over the past three days. The disciples know the details of the story, yet they do not understand the events they have witnessed. Jesus explains the scriptures and their hearts are burning, yet they still do not know why.

The disciples extend a gracious invitation to the “stranger” to stay and eat with them. The text tells us that Jesus “walked ahead as if he were going on.” This response speaks on several levels. Custom held that such an invitation should only be accepted when made with insistence. Luke records that the disciples “urged him strongly” to stay. Jesus’ preparation to continue ahead hints at another truth. Jesus does not force himself upon others. God’s grace does not barge in where not wanted, but neither will it stand apart when invited in.

Jesus’ actions during the meal are described with four verbs: take, bless, break, give. These same four verbs are used to describe the feeding of the five thousand (Luke 9:16). Three of these verbs also occur in Luke’s account of the Last Supper in Luke 22:14–20, with “give thanks” replacing “bless.” While the twelve disciples left that table not understanding fully, these two disciples leave the table at Emmaus with fresh understanding. They rush to declare, “Christ is risen indeed!”

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We do not always recognize God’s companionship on the road. We do not always sense “the living and enduring word of God” on our own. Jesus’ words and actions continue to call out to who we are and what we need. What encounters assure you of the presence of Christ? When you declare, “Christ is risen indeed!” what is your hope? How will you witness to this truth?

Connecting scripture and life

The fact that Jesus appears and disappears in this story, and that we do not know a location of the town of Emmaus, have led some scholars to speculate that the story may be a metaphor for the everyday moments when we encounter the risen Christ in our lives today.

• When are some times you feel the risen Christ accompanying you on your life’s journey?
• How important is this in the life of the church today?
• How can we be both followers of Jesus, and followers of the way?