Two heartbroken and bitterly disappointed disciples, leaving Jerusalem after Jesus’ burial, were on the road to a town called Emmaus. They had hoped and believed that Jesus was the one sent to redeem Israel. But those hopes were shattered just as His body was shattered. Their dreams died on the cross with Him.
A man met them on the road and walked along with them as they talked about these things. But they were so downcast they never took a good look at their fellow traveler.
As the three talked about the recent events, the apparent stranger began explaining to them how Israel was going to be redeemed. He knew the promises of God by heart and explained how those promises would be fulfilled in such a way that they would change the world. A new Kingdom was at hand.
When they reached Emmaus, the disciples urged the man to have dinner with them. When they all sat down to eat that night, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and began to give it to them.
Suddenly their eyes were opened.
The one walking with them through their disappointment, the one who gave them hope that God had a plan — a plan so big that even crucifixion couldn’t stop it, a plan that would in fact use the crucifixion to redeem the world — was Jesus Himself.
Sometimes, like the disciples, we’re so blinded by disappointment that we can’t see Jesus walking with us through our heartache, leading us to something better. But He wants to show us that He has made a way for us that goes beyond disappointment into a future abundant with possibility, hope, and victory.
Taken from Christine Caine’s, First Things First devotion.
Nursery/Mini Church Ages 0-5 - Day 2
Kid’s Church Ages 6-11 - Day 3
Pre Teen 12+ - Day 4
Andrea