March 28, 2023

And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32

Cleopas and his unnamed friend, saddened by the crucifixion of Jesus, had been walking from Jerusalem toward their small village, Emmaus. Jesus came to join them on their walk but they did not recognize Him. The encounter culminated in a Bible study—a study of Old Testament Scriptures, all of which they had heard before. But had they really listened? Now they were listening, and here is the key point: He opened the Scriptures.

There is a simple rule for speaking and writing persuasively: Tell them what you are going to tell them. Then tell them. And then tell them what you told them.

Sin’s damage to the human mind is evidenced by a reluctance to learn. It is especially difficult to accept truth if it contradicts something untrue that you have been conditioned to accept.

Cleopas and his friend did finally recognize Jesus—but only after being enlightened regarding the Old Testament Scriptures, the only Bible thus far available. Yesterday the power and validity of the New Testament accounts were highlighted, but here Jesus highlights Moses and the Prophets (meaning the Old Testament – see v.27) in order to enable them to recognize Him.

The completed earthly task of Jesus was affirmed through old-fashioned Bible study! Yes, you and I are among the billions who have not seen the resurrected Savior with our own eyes, but we have the distinct advantage of the most unhindered access to His word in all of history. We must remember that our reliance upon the Holy Spirit of Jesus, without whom we would not comprehend the written word, is essential.

Very shortly after the Bible study with Cleopas and his friend, Jesus was again with His disciples.

Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. vv.44-45

So, we see once again that the prophetic nature of the written word is emphasized by Jesus. Again, we see an ‘old-fashioned Bible study’ led by Jesus. It is the heavenly affirmation of all that has happened. And the learning continues…

Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. Acts 16:14