We Need Each Other on the ROAD. What does your road to Emmaus look like?

WE NEED EACH OTHER ON THE ROAD
(based on Luke 24:13-35 (The Road to Emmaus)
Pastor Calvin Cook
May 15, 2025

Scripture Focus: Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32 (NIV)

In one of Jesus’s post resurrection show ups, two of Jesus’s followers were walking the seven-mile stretch from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They were weary. Greif, confusion, doubt, fear, and uncertainty had taken over. In reading the passage of the scripture you can almost feel how physically and emotionally drained they were. But they were not alone, they were walking together. I can only imagine that in their journey they shared their concerns, their doubts, their questions. The two were probably grieving together, maybe even discussing what is next.

It was in the middle of that conversation, on that dusty road, that Jesus showed up, though they did not recognize him at first. Still there was conversation, assuming this man a stranger they were still willing to receive him. As they walked and talked together, first Jesus listened and then he revealed to them truth. The two invited Jesus who they thought a stranger, a fellow journeyer, to a meal.

When holy fellowship began and the bread was broken, and shared, eyes were opened. It was in that moment that they realized they had been with Jesus. What happened next was remarkable. The two didn’t stay and celebrate what they had just experienced, they returned the seven-mile journey to tell others.

As I have been thinking through this scenario the last couple of days since Pastor Micah preached on it this past weekend, I have been caught in the thought process of going deeper in community and relationship with others. At the same time thinking how we also have resisted in this present day, holy fellowship, and the need for commonality with each other.

This idea has been labeled as a time of “going inward”. It is affecting all age groups. Becoming settled with our few good friends, settled in our society groups, family groups, etc. ; that stepping out of those boundaries are hard and are preventing us to grow into the individual and people of God that we have been created to be. It certainly affects all churches.

I also acknowledge the need for that one good friend or best friend group, but we need community and be open in community that we are not trying to indoctrinate everyone to our personal way of thinking but to the Jesus way!

Life’s journey is certainly filled with uncertainty, disappointment, and questions. But Jesus often chose to reveal Himself not only in solitary experiences but in community. I mean, look at the hillside where there were 5,000 plus together.

We can and will reverse this lonely trend and going inward situation. However, it is going to need to start with each and everyone of us. Beginning with stepping out of our comfort zone, meeting new people who share interests and be willing to welcome Jesus into the midst of these gatherings so there is some focus. Oh wait a minute, didn’t they do this in Acts when “the Way” was formed.

Let’s be in touch –

Peace to you !