It’s the third day since Jesus died by crucifixion, on a cross, like a murdering thief. Buried in a borrowed tomb. It’s the third day. But we are not in Jerusalem or gathered in the Garden of Gethsemane. We do not find the disciples gathered in the upper room for a Sunrise surprise party, there are no banners plastered with gigantic red letters that read, “Welcome back Jesus.”
It’s the third day, and here we find ourselves, in Luke chapter 24, here with two of Jesus’ disciples on their way out of town. They are on the road to Emmaus. About 5:00 in the evening as they walk, and they talk frantically between themselves in excited, hushed tones about all that has happened in the last few days: “Did you see the way Peter denied ever knowing him?”
“Did you see the way the Master looked at him, a look of knowing, of forgiveness, of grief. I’ve never seen a look like it?” “Did you see how they beat him with the whip until his back was nothing more than bloodied, dangling strips of meat?” “Can you believe how they turned on Jesus?”“Can you believe some of the 5,000 that He fed—now cursing and spitting on him as he struggled up that hill?”
A stranger enters the conversation with these two disciples. They are now in the presence of the almighty God, but they are kept from recognizing him. The stranger asks, “What are you talking about?” In verse 18 they ask: “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?”“The whole city is talking about all the things that have happened in the last few days.” Jesus asks simply, “What things?” In verses 19-24: “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests crucified him. It is the third day since all this took place. Some of our companions went to the tomb and found it empty.
They had hoped he was the Messiah; hoped He was going to change their world. It’s just the same today. Many are angry with God because He didn’t save them from themselves; from their bad decisions. “It’s the third day.” They knew something exciting— something new—something powerful was supposed to take place. They knew that something was going to happen on the third day. But they didn’t know what. They had heard the gospel message! The good news! Jesus is alive! But they weren’t sure. Maybe those women were just seeing things.
Besides, some of our companions went to check it out. It was just like the women said. But there was no Jesus there. Of course not! There was no Jesus there . . . Jesus was here! Walking right beside them . . . in their disbelief, their disappointment, their doubts. He was there all along.
You see they knew Jesus the man. They knew Jesus and his words. But they had never known him yet as the risen savior— the resurrected Lord. Why were they looking for the living among the dead? Isn’t that the same question the angel asked the women at the tomb back in verse five? Why were they looking for the living among the dead? It’s just the same today. People are looking for Jesus in all the wrong places. Let me tell you a secret . . . if you’re looking for a rose, you’ve got to look among the thorns. Jesus says to us: I’m going to help you find me. In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God and the Word was God. And so, the Word of God reveals Himself in the pages of scripture He inspired. Here I am. I’m waiting for you.
Always in His Service, Pastor Ron Fellowship Church of the Nazarene