In the Bible are many great stories of inspiration. One of my favorites is found at the end of the Gospel of Luke. In the previous two chapters, Jesus had been brutally tortured and murdered after being betrayed by one of his closest friends. The remaining disciples had fled and were now in hiding, wondering if they were next. Some women at Jesus’ tomb had returned to the disciples with stories about seeing Jesus alive, saying he had risen from the dead!
The story picks up where two of his followers were leaving the scene of the crime in Jerusalem and were walking back home to Emmaus. My guess is that all of it was too much for them. A few years before, when they first encountered Jesus, they were drawn like moths to a flame. However, recently there was so much they did not understand, and it was all so overwhelming. Then there was the brutal torture and killing, death and silence. Now there were unbelievable claims of resurrection. It was just too much, too fast. So much hope followed by so much pain. Maybe they felt like they had to protect their hearts and create some space while trying to figure life out again.
Having encountered significant losses and disappointments myself, I can understand how they felt too vulnerable to trust or hope again, especially so soon. So, they left; they left the other disciples, they left Jerusalem, they left all the chaos, and they went home. As they were walking the Emmaus road, Jesus, disguised as a traveler, approached them. They were amid a deep conversation, so Jesus inquired about their discussion and they invited him in. As they poured out their confusion and disappointment, Jesus replied, “‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (Luke 24:25-27 NIV).
As they neared their destination and since it was getting late, the disciples invited Jesus to stick around and spend the evening with them. At least that’s what they said, I think it was just an excuse. You see, there was something about this man and they didn’t want him to leave. Later that evening, the story unfolded . . .
Luke 24:30-35 NIV
Just like these disciples, I have also been discouraged and lost my way. Maybe you have too. Yet the Good Shepherd leaves the flock and comes after me and after you. He comes after us just like he did those disciples on the Emmaus road, or after Mary at the garden tomb or after Thomas filled with doubt in the upper room. I am reminded of his words on the night of his betrayal, that he came as a God who serves. And serving he does, seeking and saving those like us who lose their way.