For the couple in Luke chapter 24, sense was going to be made of their dilemma by the drawing near of a Stranger, who undoubtedly had the answers that they sought (Luke ch. 24, vv. 15 - 17).
A Heart-warming Explanation
As we read in verse 26 of the same chapter, the Stranger asked: “Was it not needful for Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” He then used the scriptures - going back to the books of Moses and the writings of the prophets - to confirm the necessity of the sufferings that Jesus Christ the Son of God came to bear. Psalm 22 and Isaiah chapter 53 with other scriptures would be used to emphasise the plan of God that One who was holy and pure would bear the Judgment of God against sin. “Despised and rejected,” “wounded for our transgressions,” “bruised for our iniquities,” “chastised for our peace:” this is what the prophet had clearly pronounced so long ago (Isaiah ch. 53, vv. 3 - 6). This brought a new perspective to their thinking and their heart warmed to the truth as revealed by the Stranger.
A Faith-changing Experience
The time had passed quickly as they walked and talked, and it was evening when they arrived at Emmaus. Courteously, they invited the Stranger to spend the night in their home. Then, as they were about to eat their evening meal, the Stranger gave thanks, and they were suddenly able to recognise and understand that the person before them was in fact the risen Christ (Luke ch. 24, vv. 30 - 31).
Perhaps Jesus Christ is just a stranger to you in the trials of life. He has no desire to impose Himself upon you, but He wants to draw near and make Himself known to you. He is the Saviour who can cleanse your sin and warm your heart by bringing joy and peace. He is the risen Lord indeed, whom God has exalted and set down at His own right hand (Hebrews ch. 1, v.3).
Don’t be slow to believe, but place your faith in the living Christ today, and receive the living hope of eternal inheritance in heaven with Him (1st Peter ch. 1, vv. 3 - 5).
