Decades ago, Gaylon and I went through a very difficult time financially. We had more month than money, without a doubt! The situation continued for a while, and I became truly despondent. I know, I know – Christians do not get despondent. Ummm – yes, they do! We can love Jesus and go through a hard time that wears on our emotions, bringing hopelessness.

There is a wonderful story in scripture that teaches us about disappointment and despondency. It is often called the story of the Road to Emmaus and is found in Luke 24. Please take the time to read the story and ponder all that the disciples are feeling.

Jesus had just been crucified, and His body was placed in a tomb. Early in the morning on the first day of the week, some women arrived at the tomb to anoint the body with spices. They were startled to find that the body of Jesus was gone, and they did not understand what had happened. Suddenly, two men dressed in glowing clothes stood beside them and asked, “Why are you seeking the living among the dead. He is risen. Don’t you remember that He told you this would happen?” Then, the women remembered His words.

The women ran to tell the disciples what had happened, and the Bible tells us, they did not believe the women and thought they were speaking nonsense. Peter did run to the tomb to check it out himself, and he found only strips of cloth. Yet, Peter was still confused about what had happened.

This is the point that we are given the story of the Road to Emmaus. Two of the disciples were taking a seven-mile walk to a village called Emmaus. They were discussing all that happened. Suddenly, Jesus begins to walk with them, but they were unable to recognize Him. Jesus asked what they were discussing. The question stopped them in their tracks. They had very despondent, downcast faces. They basically said to Jesus, “Have you been under a rock? Are you the only one who has missed all the events that just happened?”

Their frustration and hopelessness were palatable.

Verse eighteen shows us what they felt. “They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

They continued to walk and talk. They told the man who joined them to whole story about Jesus. Yet, they still did not understand who Jesus was. This newfound friend then told them about the scriptures concerning Jesus. As they got to their destination, Jesus whom they still did not recognize, looked as if He was going to continue onward, but the two insisted He come with them into their home and stay with them. They invited Him in. Then, as they were at the table and bread was broken, suddenly their eyes were opened and they realized it was JESUS. Then, Jesus suddenly disappeared.

There are many things we can learn from this story, but let’s just highlight a few.

1. We will all walk the road to Emmaus at some point. Even when we are devoted to Jesus, things can turn out so far from what we had pictured. When we find ourselves in that position, Jesus is walking with us, even if we cannot see Him. Jesus did not wave His nail scarred hands and say, “I’m here!” How I wish He would do that when I find myself in the dark places of life. By faith, we must believe that He walks with us even when we cannot perceive His presence.
2. Jesus met them right where they were. He did not walk away because they had moments of confusion and doubt. He also did not preach to them immediately. He let them share what was troubling them. “Are you weary, are you heavy-hearted, tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.”  
3. After He let them speak, then Jesus spoke. Jesus gave them reassurance but also gave correction. We all need reassurance, but we all need correction from time to time. Sometimes we need a cheerleader, and sometimes we need the voice of a straight-shooting prophet.
4. Time spent supping with Jesus restored their hope and desire to share the good news of Jesus once again. This encounter on the road so turned the hearts of the disciples that they turned around and ran back into the fray, back into Jerusalem, back into the world that had brought them pain and hopelessness. That is supernatural! According to Luke, their hearts moved from hopeless to burning! That is supernatural! That comes from supping with Jesus.

Do you find yourself walking down a road headed to hopelessness? I just want to give you a word of encouragement – Jesus is walking with you. He is ready to listen to all the hurt, the fear, and the disappointment. He is ready to speak hope back into your life. He wants to do the supernatural in your hopeless heart today. Look for Him on the road of hopelessness.

 ^“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

Father, we thank You that Jesus is with us on our Road to Emmaus. Today, may our eyes be opened, so that we can recognize Jesus right beside us. Restore our hearts so they are filled with burning joy. Let our story get wrapped up in Your story. Come in and sup with us today, and may we leave Your table ready to sing Your praises and share the good news. Amen.