Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Jesus Christ, the Co-Traveler

Bible Reading:  Acts 8:26-40

Key Verse: “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.” (Luke 24:30)


DEVOTION

 

After His resurrection, Jesus didn’t appear only to those who followed Him and not to everyone. One such appearance was to two disciples walking to Emmaus. Though they were troubled and disheartened, the risen Lord chose to walk with them. At first, they didn’t recognize Him. It was only later, at the dinner table, when He broke the bread, that their eyes were opened. This passage reveals two profound truths about Christ and our walk with Him:
1. Jesus Walks With Us in Every Circumstance
Luke 24:16 says, “but they were kept from recognizing him.” These two disciples were talking about Jesus, their hearts heavy with grief. Although they knew much about Him and were even discussing His crucifixion and resurrection, they did not realize that it was Jesus walking beside them. Their inability to recognize Him was not due to His disguise, but their disbelief in the resurrection. To them, Jesus had become only a memory and someone from the past. Still, Jesus walked with them. Even in their doubt and sorrow, He did not leave them. This is the essence of Emmanuel; God with us. Even when we drift away, Jesus walks alongside us, faithful and present. However, to truly recognize Him in our lives, we must believe in His resurrection and trust in His presence. Without faith, Jesus remains to us a stranger, just as He seemed to those disciples on the road.
2. Inviting Jesus Is Accepting His Invitation
Though the disciples didn’t realize who He was, they invited Jesus to stay with them. In ancient times, hospitality was common, but this was more than politeness. It was a response to the stirring in their hearts. They were drawn by His words. Once inside their home, something remarkable happened. Jesus, though invited as a guest, took the role of the host. He gave thanks, broke the bread, and shared it. In that moment, their eyes were opened. When we invite Jesus into our lives, we must also let Him take the lead. He is not just a visitor. He is the Lord. The best way to invite Jesus is to invite the needy. This hospitality is the factor to have an invitation of our Lord to his banquet. Jesus broke the bread not for him to eat but to give it to the disciples. Without a breaking we can't share anything. Sharing takes place as a result of our consideration with others. Without considering others, how can we live? Even a rich person can't live without others, but in that case the rich are using others for personal gain. Today, let us ask: can others see the risen Christ in us? While the world says, “You must be broken so I can live,” Jesus says, “I will be broken so you may live.” May our lives reflect His love and sacrifice. Let’s invite Him into every moment and live faithfully for Him.


PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank You for walking with us even when we don’t recognize You. Open our eyes to Your presence. Help us welcome You fully into our lives, letting You lead. May our lives reflect Your love, Your sacrifice, and Your hospitality to others. In Your name we pray. Amen.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Even when we don’t see Him, Jesus walks with us. True faith begins when we welcome Him not just as a guest, but as Lord of our lives.
                                                        
Rev. Johnson P. Abraham
Bethel Mar Thoma Church New Delhi

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