The gospel of Luke recalls a unique story of two men going to the village of Emmaus three days after Jesus was killed and buried. (Luke 24:13-35) Emmaus was about seven miles from Jerusalem. As expected, they were discussing the recent events trying to sort through all that had happened. They had heard and seen Jesus do amazing things and had come to hope that He was going to redeem Israel. (v.21) However, His death on the cross crushed all hopes.
Suddenly a stranger came along asking them about their conversation. Shocked at the fact that this stranger did not know what had happened, they proceeded to tell Him the course of events. One of the men, Cleopas, even mentioned that some of the women who were with them brought amazing news about Jesus being alive. A fact validated by Peter and others. However, that must have seemed too good to be true.
The stranger was Jesus himself; however, they did not recognize Him because their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. (v.16) Since they were “slow of heart to believe” Christ interpreted to them all the scriptures concerning Himself starting with Moses. As they were listening, their hearts were burning in them. (v.32)
These Jewish men grew up hearing about Moses and all the prophets. Hearing someone talk about Moses again, wasn’t a novelty. What made their hearts burn inside of them were the words of Christ full of power. I must conclude that when someone’s heart is burning in them at the hearing of the message of Christ, that person has heard from God.
On the other hand, some hearts have become insensitive to the words of Jesus. What will it take to set our hearts on fire again?
