When Jesus came to earth He brought us hope. By His deeds of power and words of wisdom He called, taught and showed us the “Rule of God.” Jesus really is the promised Messiah!

Many of Jesus' disciples misunderstood His mission. He warned them that He must suffer and die at the hands of evil leaders. But He also told them that He would rise on the third day. However, when Jesus was arrested, tried and executed, the sheep scattered. All hope seemed lost...

Two disciples even left Jerusalem on the third day—the very day Jesus promised His resurrection—according to the story in Luke 24:13-35. Why couldn't those disciples wait? Where was their faith? Instead of heading to the cross, they ran in the opposite direction on the road to Emmaus. They argued on the way until they noticed a stranger following them. Perhaps they tried to hide their discipleship. Could the stranger be the police? Maybe he was a spy for the Sanhedrin? Would he turn them over to be crucified, too?

Jesus asked them about their discussion. Cleopas answered Jesus in a condescending tone, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?” (24:18).

Jesus asked him, “What things?”

Standing on the road to Emmaus, Cleopas began to unfold the holy drama with the objectivity of a reporter. He spoke of the trial and the crucifixion with smooth, professional distance. As with all effective liars, he skirted telling the whole truth. He called Jesus just a prophet rather than the Messiah. His final touch was to mention that the women saw a vision of angels and the tomb was empty. If these two believed then why were they leaving Jerusalem? Not once did Cleopas mention his own connection to Jesus.

Can you see the comic irony in this conversation? Cleopas is explaining the story of Jesus to the Resurrected One Himself! The good news for Cleopas, and us, is that Jesus is risen! Note how Jesus restored Cleopas' hope through three means:

First, Jesus restored hope through His DEEDS. Jesus joined His two disillusioned sheep on the road to Emmaus. He personally sought them out. He did not stay in the grave. He was resurrected as He had promised! Look around. He is searching for us, too!

Second, Jesus restored hope through His explanation of the SCRIPTURES. They point to Jesus. Jesus fulfilled them perfectly.

Finally, Jesus restored hope through His PRAYER. “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 24:30-31)

He is RISEN! Amen.