A New Emmaus

We all have an Emmaus in our lives.

Emmaus was a place of short-lived military victory for the Jewish people of Jesus' day. Judas Maccabee won a battle there in 166 B.C. So when Jesus' joined two men who were walking on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus (Lk. 24:13-32) He knew what thoughts went through their minds as they approach their destination.

Thoughts of past victories made irrelevant by new failures.
Thoughts of oppression. (The Romans controlled it now)
Thoughts of still awaiting a redemption from a past that can't help but repeat itself.

They were walking back to the place where they once had victory as a people, but now were oppressed again by an outside military force. The scriptures tell us that they were sad. Sad about the crucifixion, sad about an empty tomb (they probably thought Jesus body had been stolen since the testimony of women wasn't trusted or worth anything in those days), they were sad about returning to the lives they had been living.

But Jesus changed all that.

They did go back to Emmaus. And He walked with them.
But it was more than just a gesture when Jesus was going to "keep walking" after they had stopped. It was symbolic of something much bigger.

Jesus was going back to the place of pain and failure with them.
But He wasn't going to leave them there.

When they broke bread they recognized Him for who He really is.

Now everything was different.

Now they understood the kingdom that He brought with his death and resurrection.
Not one of military might.

But a kingdom that is eternal.
A kingdom that overcomes our past failures and shame.

A new Emmaus.
It didn't matter any longer that the Romans were still in control of Emmaus.
They had a new King.
His kingdom was not of this world.

His
Kingdom
is
our
Kingdom.

We're going to talk about a new Emmaus this Sunday.
You
should
join
us.

peace,
glo