What Jesus Did! 'We Had Hoped!' — Luke 24:13-27

Thursday, December 28, 2023

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[On the day of his resurrection,] two of Jesus' followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him.

He asked them, "What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?"

They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, "You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn't heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days."

"What things?" Jesus asked.

"The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth," they said. "He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.

"Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said."

Then Jesus said to them, "You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn't it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?" Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

— Luke 24:13-27 NLT

Key Thought

What do you do when hope is gone? This passage gives us a pretty good example to follow. Even though the disciples did not realize that they were doing it, they confessed their disappointed hope to Jesus. As a result, he helped them to understand the Scriptures related to what they thought were their dashed hopes. We also need to take our problems to Jesus, and then go to the Scriptures and ask the Lord to teach us the truth about our disappointments. You see, the resurrection ensures that Jesus is the Messiah who saves us. Jesus' resurrection ensures that he teaches the truth. This truth, however, is far more than a set of facts. This is the truth we can trust in the face of our disappointments and disillusionments.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, there are places of disappointment and discouragement in my heart. Please have Jesus open my heart as he draws near to me. I want to understand your truth and live faithfully in response to that truth, but I'm not sure that my faith is strong enough to stand with all I sometimes have to face. I believe, dear Father, but help me in my confusion and unbelief. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • James 4:8
  • 2 Corinthians 2:10-16
  • Hebrews 13:5-6

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 24:13-27 NLT — " Then Jesus said to them, "

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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