Luke 24:13-35
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Reflection
These crucial verses help us understand the message of the whole Bible. Everything in Scripture points ultimately to Jesus (Luke 24:27; see also v. 44). All that God has ever spoken is now clearly explained in this final and perfect Word, Jesus Christ. When the Bible is read with the understanding that everything written finds its fullest meaning in Jesus, then we have found the key that unlocks the Holy Scriptures (see also John 5:39–47).
Yet, at the same time, we have a problem within us that prevents us from seeing clearly. Like these early disciples, we too are “slow of heart to believe” and have trouble accepting that glory comes through suffering (Luke 24:25–26; Matt. 16:21–23; Mark 8:31–33). We need to be taught by Jesus himself, who now instructs and guides us through his Word by the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; John 14:25–26).
2 Timothy 1:1-18
1: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my beloved child:Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.
Reflection
Paul begins his second letter to Timothy by urging him to endure in his calling (2 Tim. 1:6–8), motivating him with an inspiring gospel description in which Paul speaks of God’s powerful grace (v. 8). Timothy must endure, but he must do so “by the power of God (v. 8).
The grace that strengthens Timothy’s obedience and ours is not only powerful; it is also a preexistent grace: “grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (v. 9). Here we see that Christ existed before the beginning of time, and that grace preexisted in Christ and was intended for us before the creation began. Ultimately, God’s powerful, preexistent grace became visible grace when Jesus became a human, died, and rose from the dead: “which [grace] now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (v. 10). This life-giving gospel message is all-powerful. It can save anyone who believes (Rom. 1:16), and it can sustain any genuine Christian through seemingly impossible difficulties. As Paul says, “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me” (2 Tim. 1:12). The gospel-centered life will endure shame and suffering for the gospel.
Psalm 105:4
4 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Christ’s grace provides not only for our forgiveness but also for our daily transformation. Ask God to provide the power (2 Tim. 1:8) of his grace for you today so that you can continue to grow into the new person he has created you to be through his death and resurrection.