Luke 24:25–26 (ESV) … “And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”
Cleopas and his companion were two disappointed men; for in the death of Jesus, all their hopes for Israel had been dashed. Emmaus was about eight miles northwest of Jerusalem, and they were returning home to decide what to do next. As they walked, they conversed about the recent events and discussed what they might mean. They did the best they could with the limited knowledge they had, but they lacked the key that would unlock the prophetic Scriptures: the Messiah must suffer and die before He could enter into His glory. It was this key that Jesus provided as He walked and talked with them on the road.
These two men were “slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken” (v. 25, paraphrase mine). They believed the promises about Messiah’s glory, but they could not accept the prophecies about His suffering (1 Peter 1:8–12). Jesus opened their eyes and hearts to understand all the Scriptures, and this brought a warmth to their hearts (v. 32).
They saw Messiah in the Word, but they did not realize He was walking with them! It was not until He blessed their simple meal that Jesus revealed Himself to them personally. What a revelation! It transformed them from discouraged pilgrims into enthusiastic witnesses![1]
Don’t miss Jesus walking along life’s road with you. Don’t be slow to believe his promise that he will never leave us, nor forsake us. Find his presence in life and let it burn within you and let his promise open your eyes to this blessed promise.
[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament (pp. 204–205). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.