³⁵ Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. ³⁶ And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. ³⁷ But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!

Luke 24:35-37

Dear God, if I’ve seen this before, I’ve forgotten it. Last night, when we were reading this passage in church I noticed that the two who saw Jesus on the way to Emmaus were present for this appearance to the disciples. They got to see him at least twice. What an experience. And what an affirmation. I’m sure they wondered if anyone would believe them. Maybe they doubted themselves a little since Jesus disappeared on them right after he broke the bread.

I’m not sure I have as much of an application for myself out of this except that it’s nice to see these two people affirmed in this way. It’s wonderful that you appeared to them for some reason that is never quite explained as they walked to Emmaus. They got to experience you privately and then with the others. I don’t know exactly who these two people were, but you gave them a special touch that is lovely to see.

Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, I love you. I worship you. I want to pray for some this morning who need prayer. I pray for the Middle East and the tensions there. I pray for Ukraine in the same way. I don’t know how to pray for them, but they are on my heart, and I know that anything happening there is bigger than me. Oh, Father, please help people. Please be glorified. Please make this pain count and, as quickly as possible, make the pain stop. For my friend who is facing marital problems and looking at divorce, I pray that you will heal, make whole, and use this pain to drive changes in both the husband and the wife. For the sorrow in my life, please comfort me. Comfort my wife. And heal the wounds that drive this sorrow.

I offer this and my other prayers to you in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen