As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”
(Luke 24:15-18, NLT)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33, NIV)
Today’s Reading: Luke 24
Listen to Luke 24 on her.BIBLE.
When I was a kid, my mom drove me to Toys“R”Us to pick out the toy of my dreams for my birthday. With intense anticipation, I wandered the aisles in my mind before actually entering the warehouse to obtain that prized possession. Once I got home and thrust the batteries in, my excitement rapidly waned and I felt utterly crushed with despair. It wasn’t all I hoped it would be. It was a child-sized life lesson in disappointment.
Reading Luke 24 feels like riding a roller coaster of disappointment. As you read today’s chapter, notice the three episodes of dashed and restored hope.
In verses 1-3, the mourning women’s grief is compounded as they arrive at Jesus’ tomb to find His body missing. Quickly, angels restore their hope with the announcement that Jesus has risen from the dead. But their joy is short-lived; their friends don’t believe what sounds like nonsense. In a final scene, just hours later, Cleopas and his friend walk the weary road to Emmaus, wondering how their dreams for a grand future as citizens of the Messiah’s kingdom could have turned sideways so quickly.
A week earlier, Jesus had triumphantly entered Jerusalem while religious leaders looked on with disgust. Jesus’ followers must have boasted full hearts as their leader rode into the city like a conquering king.
Within five days, Jesus experienced an unjust trial, death on a cross and burial. “How can this be?” Jesus’ friends must have thought as they cowered in an attic room. “What happened to our king?”
It’s likely you can identify with some aspect of the disciples’ experience on this roller coaster of disappointment. Disappointment is a regular part of life in our fallen world. But even if you are well acquainted with the “oh no” feeling of being let down regularly, you don’t need to stay there.
Jesus invites you to a hope that ultimately cannot fail. In each instance in Luke 24, His hurting friends are provided the antidote to disappointment. He brings His followers back to the truth revealed in Scripture. The angels remind the distraught women of what Jesus had said before the devastating turn of events. And what Jesus patiently explains to the men walking to Emmaus invites us to remember the truth about Him.
Jesus also gave His followers the gift of His presence, which brought needed comfort. He was with them, and He is with you.
Even when you don’t feel it, in your darkest moments, Jesus is with you. It is the promise of Christmas, when He entered the world to save it. It is the promise of Easter, when He rose in victory over death. It is the promise of Jesus, your source of unfailing hope.
Where might you need hope today?
Jesus, thank You that because of Your death and resurrection, I can have hope in this world. Thank You that You promise Your followers that You are with us, that even when You seem silent, You’re present. Thank You that You are our Immanuel, God with us. Give me the faith to trust Your words and restore my hope.
What is the resurrection and why is it foundational to the Christian faith? Explore more about how there is no Christianity without Jesus’s resurrection.
Is genuine hope possible in a broken world? Explore more about the hope Jesus gives.
Mick Haupt has served with Cru® for 30 years, mostly in creative realms. He enjoys taking photos, writing devotionals for a music ministry and helping men grow deeper in their faith. He lives in Orlando, Florida, with his wife and two rambunctious boys.
Get some ideas to turn holiday conversations — from Christmas to New Year's Day — toward Jesus.
©1994-2023 Cru. All Rights Reserved.
.png)