May 25, 2025 — Bread at the Table
Today’s Reading: Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-35; John 20:30-31; Psalm 13

Jesus appeared to many people after his resurrection, including two men who were walking to a village outside of Jerusalem called Emmaus. As they walked, they discussed everything that had happened in Jerusalem. They described Jesus as a mighty teacher and a prophet who did powerful miracles. They processed again the reality that the religious leaders had handed Jesus over to be condemned, which led to his crucifixion. They were not sure what to think about the women in their group of followers who reported that they saw angels, and that those angels gave them the message that Jesus is alive (Luke 24:19-24).

THEY WERE ON THE VERGE OF MISSING THAT JESUS WAS WALKING ALONGSIDE THEM.

Jesus joined them in the conversation, but they were so caught up in their grief and dismay that they did not recognize him. He was intentionally showing up for them, but they did not see him; he chose to walk alongside them during a very difficult moment in their lives and they did not take note of his presence.

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

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?” – Luke 24:25-32

I DO NOT WANT TO MISS A MOMENT OF THE PRESENCE OF JESUS IN MY LIFE.

I pray I do not become so distracted by my own worries and grief that I forget to turn my attention to the One who gave His life for me. I want to sit at the table with Jesus and recognize His presence as we break bread together. When Jesus shows up for me, I want to be paying attention.

The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. – John 20:30-31

The miracles and conversations recorded in the gospels barely scratch the surface of all that those around Jesus would have experienced. Imagine the long conversations as they sat around an evening fire or walked from town to town. Consider how many miracles and healings the disciples would have witnessed in those three years; yet these stories were recorded for a specific purpose — so that we might believe and, by believing, experience eternal life.

I DO NOT WANT TO MISS THE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE BECAUSE I LACK THE FAITH TO BELIEVE.

I love the study of the gospels because I love the main character so much! I also love what comes next because Jesus continues on as the main character, even after He has ascended into Heaven. He continued to work THROUGH His disciples just as He continues to work THROUGH us today.

Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. – Philippians 2:12-13

Do you wonder what is ahead for you? Rest in His presence and enjoy some time with Him this morning. He will lead you and work through you according to His plan. Lean into Him today and trust Him with your tomorrows. Our Lord is good and His faithfulness continues from generation to generation.

If this path you are walking today feels lonely, please know that the Lord has not left your side. If your sorrow is heavy and uncertainty is weighing you down, tell Jesus how you are feeling. Talk with Him; walk with Him. Trust in His unfailing love, believe in His saving power, and rejoice in His faithfulness.

But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me. – Psalm 13:5-6