2 What are you discussing?
We continue our walk along the Emmaus road.
Jesus asked the two disciples, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do 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. Luke 24: 17 – 20 [NIV]
Jesus asks these questions not because he needs to know the answers, but because he wants to join in the conversation and to open the eyes of these two disciples.
The two people are incredulous that Jesus should not know what has been going on in Jerusalem over the last few days. It had been the talk of the town. Everybody had been discussing it. Pressed further by Jesus, Cleopas describes what had happened. Notice the eye-witness details: Cleopas is named and the two disciples stop walking as they address this ignoramus!
Who was Jesus? Cleopas tells us: a prophet, powerful in word and deed. He was a man who spoke God’s words, but more than that had a ministry of healing and casting out evil spirits. Yet to the two disciples, that is all Jesus was. They do not use words like Lord, Son of God or Messiah. Their view of him, exalted as it was, was limited.
Who is Jesus to you? What do you think of him? That’s just about the most important question you could ever ask yourself. Is he just a great teacher or prophet or wonder-worker, or is there more to him?
“As far as the gospel writers were concerned, the story of Jesus was the unique turning point of all history.” N T Wright
Who is Jesus to you? What do you think of him?
Jesus! My shepherd, brother, friend,
My Prophet, Priest and King;
My Lord, my life, my way, my end
Accept the praise I bring.
David Long
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