“Now that same day, two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened (with Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion). As they discussed these things Jesus, Himself, came up alongside and walked with them. But God kept them from recognizing Him.
Jesus asked what they were talking about, and Cleopas responded that He must be the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know what’s been happening the last few days. “What things?” He asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed, before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed Him over to be sentenced to death and they crucified Him.”
They continued to share that the women said that two angels said He was risen but they didn’t see Him, just an empty tomb. He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and THEN enter His glory?” (Luke 24)
Jesus’ rebuke to them was justified. He had told them that this gateway of suffering was going to happen, and vitally necessary for the salvation of us all. After all, the Spotless Lamb of God had one main purpose-to be sacrificed in order to redeem unto Himself, a Bride.
If only ALL of our trials could be seen through this lens… then our suffering, our losses, our brokenness, here, is all but a sting of temporary pain, with the FULL knowledge that because of Christ’s cross, we, too, will pass through the gate of suffering, NEVER to return to it again, and we will enter into His glorious presence, where there is fullness of joy forevermore.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
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