Get the app2017 Belmont University Lenten Devotional GuideSample
It seems strange—as we fast and prepare ourselves for Good Friday and Easter—to encounter a text that tells about Jesus after the resurrection. That’s kind of like cheating, isn’t it? The mournful optimism of the psalm seems fitting; the hopeful prophecy of Ezekiel affirms our journey towards the cross and the resurrection. But why think about the ascension now?
It is useful to recall that the period immediately after the crucifixion was a frightening time for the followers of Jesus. Prior to the discovery of the empty tomb—and even after—the disciples were frightened and afraid and confused. This story from Luke is actually a part of a longer narrative about just this confusion and fear. A couple of travelers—presumably close followers of Jesus—are walking on their way to a village named Emmaus. They sum up their fear and disappointment: “We had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” So, Jesus travels with them, and hopes to explain what it was that had happened, using an impromptu bible study as they go. But they still don’t recognize him until later that night, when seated around a table, he breaks bread and pours wine just as he had at the last supper, and they immediately see him for who he is. Jesus appears to them in the midst of their fear and disappointment.
After this, Jesus appears among the group of disciples and, oddly, does some very human things: he offers up his scars to his disciples to inspect, and asks for a piece of food because he’s hungry. After eating and presumably getting his fill, he reminds them that they have witnessed the redemption not just of Israel but of the world, offers a blessing and ascends into God’s presence.
It’s a two-fold reminder. On the one hand, Jesus died and rose again so that all of eternity might be redeemed. But Jesus himself came among us and lived out his days in his body, thus also redeeming our bodies and our days. As we wait in patience for his coming again, may we remember these things.
MICAH WEEDMAN
Director of Outreach
University Ministries
It is useful to recall that the period immediately after the crucifixion was a frightening time for the followers of Jesus. Prior to the discovery of the empty tomb—and even after—the disciples were frightened and afraid and confused. This story from Luke is actually a part of a longer narrative about just this confusion and fear. A couple of travelers—presumably close followers of Jesus—are walking on their way to a village named Emmaus. They sum up their fear and disappointment: “We had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” So, Jesus travels with them, and hopes to explain what it was that had happened, using an impromptu bible study as they go. But they still don’t recognize him until later that night, when seated around a table, he breaks bread and pours wine just as he had at the last supper, and they immediately see him for who he is. Jesus appears to them in the midst of their fear and disappointment.
After this, Jesus appears among the group of disciples and, oddly, does some very human things: he offers up his scars to his disciples to inspect, and asks for a piece of food because he’s hungry. After eating and presumably getting his fill, he reminds them that they have witnessed the redemption not just of Israel but of the world, offers a blessing and ascends into God’s presence.
It’s a two-fold reminder. On the one hand, Jesus died and rose again so that all of eternity might be redeemed. But Jesus himself came among us and lived out his days in his body, thus also redeeming our bodies and our days. As we wait in patience for his coming again, may we remember these things.
MICAH WEEDMAN
Director of Outreach
University Ministries
About this Plan
Through an intentional partnership between the Office of University Ministries and the College of Theology & Christian Ministry, this Lenten devotional guide has been created for our community. Our prayer is that the words found here will nourish and challenge you as you journey with Jesus to the cross during this Lenten season.
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We would like to thank the students and staff of Belmont University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.BELMONT.edu
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