You can learn any amount of Bible and theology without really connecting with Jesus. This is illustrated by the long theological conversation that Jesus had with the two men on the road to Emmaus. These men had hoped to see God redeem his people through Jesus, but their hopes had been dashed by Jesus’ death. They had heard the news about the resurrection but they were struggling to believe it. This passage is filled with irony. First of all, the men accused Jesus of being the only person in Jerusalem who does not know what had happened when, in fact, he was the only person who really did know what had happened. Secondly, Jesus had to explain to them from the Scriptures that the Messiah must suffer, die and rise again to enable them to accept the news that the women had brought from the empty tomb. And yet it was the risen Jesus who was with them. You need knowledge of the Scriptures to understand the things of God. This is essential. But, if you have read the Bible without connecting with the God who is speaking to you through it, then you have fallen into the same tragic irony as the men in this story. It was when Jesus broke bread that he was recognised by his companions. This was a moment of fellowship. You can read the words of Jesus without knowing who is talking to you. So don’t just read about Jesus in the Bible, read the Bible with Jesus. Make it an act of communion.
Ask Jesus to make his presence known to you.
Read Luke 24:13-35
