Gather at the table – Road to Emmaus part 3

These two! I can’t even. Asher and Lucas Pressnall, they are goofs, but they are my goofs and my oldest grandchildren who are growing way too fast. I know they are my grandsons, but they are also two of my best friends. Their dinner conversations are lively and filled with adventures. I even love taking walks with Lucas and sharing life. Asher has taking the role of driving for us. Yes folks, he has his permit, but still just sitting in the drivers seat and discussing about fellowship and community is priceless to me. He didn’t scare me once this weekend. (Maybe just once)

I wonder if that is how Jesus felt about Cleopas and his friend as Jesus joined them on the Road to Emmaus?

“They were in the midst of a discussion about all the events of the last few days when Jesus walked up and accompanied them in their journey.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:14-15‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Why them? They must have been important to Jesus. He had to have had a relationship with these two pre crucifixion. He knew them. He had walked with them before. Tradition holds that Cleopas was the brother of Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father. Just like Lucas and Asher hold a special place in my heart, these two must have held a special place in Jesus’ heart for Him to reveal His glorified body to them. After breaking out of that tomb earlier that morning Jesus made His resurrection known to many of His friends and these two were part of that eclectic group. He loved them and wanted them to know the mystery of His resurrection.

“As they approached the village, Jesus walked on ahead, telling them he was going on to a distant place. They urged him to remain there with them and pleaded, “Stay with us. It will be dark soon.” So Jesus went with them into the village. Joining them at the table for supper, he took bread and blessed it and broke it, then gave it to them. All at once their eyes were opened and they realized he was Jesus! Then suddenly, in a flash, Jesus vanished from before their eyes! Stunned, they looked at each other and said, “Why didn’t we recognize him? Didn’t our hearts burn with the flames of holy passion while we walked beside him? He unveiled for us such profound revelation from the Scriptures!” They left at once and hurried back to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples. When they found the Eleven and the other disciples all together, they overheard them saying, “It’s really true! The Lord has risen from the dead. He even appeared to Peter!” Then the two disciples told the others what had happened to them on the road to Emmaus and how Jesus had unveiled himself in the breaking of bread.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:28-35‬ ‭TPT‬‬

It was customary in those days to offer hospitality to travelers. Jesus would never have invited Himself into Cleopas’ home. He only comes in when invited. Cleopas and his friend wanted to finish hearing this Traveler’s wisdom. They invited Jesus in, they gathered at the table, and they broke bread together. It was at that point their eyes were opened and they realized it was Jesus their Great Teacher.

There is something to be said of sharing a meal together. Each of my grandchildren are great table conversationalists even the two year old. Pick a topic.

My favorite Bible teacher Dave Adamson says, “Rabbis have taught that every table is an altar where worship happens. This is because every table is a place where thanks is given, relationships are established or repaired, community is developed, guests are welcomed, forgiveness and peace are extended. Perhaps this is why Jesus often ate with His followers. And each time He did He was revealing the Kingdom of God”

Gather at the table. Gather at God’s Table. All are welcome. God doesn’t discriminate. Just like Cleopas and his friend, we are distracted, we are oddballs, goof offs and misfits, but we are invited. God wants to reveal Himself to us. He wants to teach us great indiscernible mysteries. Just say yes and come to the table.