When Jesus Listens
Good Morning Friends,
Today we explore what it means to be a wise counselor. Today we explore, as a pilgrim in this life, the emotions, ideas and implications revealed When Jesus Listens.
Scripture: Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?”
They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight.
Luke 24:13-31 (NRSV)
Message: A lot has been written about the Road to Emmaus… the journey, the communion and the revelation….the walk, the words and the witness. The encounter on the road and the supper that followed have been depicted in paintings that often try to capture the moment as Jesus is recognized. Some of these have Jesus’ hand on the bread or in the processing of having broken it. But today I want to focus on the listening part as Jesus appears as a traveling companion to those trying to make sense out of this life. There is much to learn about how Jesus draws out people’s concerns, values, and spiritual condition. Jesus knew how to ask the right questions. Jesus was willing to put away any critical considerations in order to focus on the process of listening with love. Friends, Jesus is a discerning listener. He will not interrupt you. He wants to share in your problems and perspective knowing that the process leads to a purpose.
Pray the Lord helps us to overcome sorrow and disappointment. Pray we learn to listen to God through scriptures in our prayer time. Pray this prepares us to better listeners to each other. Pray we ask the right questions. Pray we listen with love.
Blessings,
John Lawson
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