April 17, 2021

The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way, and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. – Luke 24:35

The gospel on this third Sunday of Easter begins with the end of the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. We read that they told their friends it wasn’t until he broke the bread that they recognized Him.

Scripture tells us we will have heavenly bodies in eternity. “…the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.” (Philippians 3:20-21) So, it is possible that when Jesus came up and began to walk with the two disciples, He looked nothing like the Jesus they had spent the last three years with. It is possible they simply didn’t recognize Him.

It is also possible that the disciples couldn’t see who Jesus was because they were filled with grief over the death of their teacher and friend, and their hearts were broken, empty of all hope; their loss and grief blinded them from seeing the Author of Love right next to them.

Yet, when they invited Him to stay and they sat at table together, it was “in the breaking of the bread” that they knew he was Jesus. They recognized Love; they knew Jesus—the person who gave His body and blood as food and drink at that Passover table, the friend who washed their feet and commanded they do the same, the man who gave His life on the cross. There He sat, alive and breathing, with them.

Jesus lives today and for all eternity. He waits for us most intimately at the altar table. Let us recognize Him there, take Him into our very selves, and be strengthened to proclaim the good news of salvation in Him.

He is Risen! Alleluia!



©Mary V. Pribbenow 2021