Day 14 - Lent 2026

Scripture: Luke 24:15-35

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

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?” “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; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.  Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”  Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Thought:

This passage gives us a lot of reasons to be hopeful, mainly that Jesus defeated death for all of us. It gives other examples of how Jesus can show up in our lives. Jesus appeared to Cleopas and an unnamed person. It doesn’t seem like either one of these men had significant social standing. It's encouraging to know that we can connect with Jesus regardless of our status. Jesus met these men while they were distressed in the aftermath of the crucifixion. Verse 17 said the men’s faces were “downcast.” Jesus listened to them and guided these men as they were processing what happened. This reassures us that Jesus knows our burdens and listens to us when we reach out to him. The men didn’t realize they were walking and talking with Jesus because they “were kept from recognizing him.” Even when we’re not kept from seeing Jesus, we can get so caught up in our own world that we can’t see him at work in our lives. We have to be intentional about seeking Jesus, and looking past the distractions of life. Later, Jesus challenged the men for not believing the prophecies about him. But, when they get to the village and invite Jesus to stay, he accepts. Jesus is always ready to accept the invitation into our lives. Even if we’re not considered important… Even if we’re distressed…. Even when we show a lack of faith…. We have hope because we can still invite Jesus into our situations and he will be there.

Prayer:

Father God, Thank you for sending your son to pay the cost for our sins. Thank you for meeting us where we are. Thank you for revealing yourself to us through your Word. In the name of Jesus, Amen.  

Submitted by: Deacon Sergio Spencer