Day 28: Recognised in the Breaking of Bread
Monica Jones (Luke 24:28–35)
The story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, I believe, is one of the most touching resurrection stories in the Bible. These disciples had been walking along to Emmaus, feeling disappointed and confused after the crucifixion of Jesus. As they spoke together, Jesus Himself came along and walked beside them, but they didn’t recognise Him. As they came to the village where they were going, Jesus acted as if He was going farther, but they urged Him strongly, saying, “Stay with us.” Luke 24:28.
The invitation from them to “stay with us” was more than hospitality. It was evening time, and it was cultural to offer a traveller food and a bed to rest, but I believe something more was happening. Their hearts were being stirred by His words that carried truth and comfort, and they did not want Him to leave (Luke 24:29).
Jesus wants to come into our lives — in our families, in our homes, in our hearts, and in whatever situations we find ourselves in. When we invite Jesus in, it opens the door for a greater revelation. Jesus came, and as they sat at the table, He took the bread, gave thanks, and broke it. In that moment, their eyes were opened, and they recognised Him (Luke 24:31). Jesus’ presence was revealed while sitting at the table and breaking bread. What a revelation! Jesus was with them all along.
It’s so comforting to know that Jesus is with us, no matter the journey we’re on. He wants to sit at the table with us. Jesus desires closeness and relationship. He’s not a distant God, and He wants fellowship with His people.
Application
The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus teaches us several important lessons in our daily lives.
First, like the disciples, we may walk through seasons of disappointment and confusion. Yet this story reminds us that even when we do not recognise it, Jesus is walking with us. His presence is always with us.
Second, the disciples invite Jesus to stay. Their invitation opened the door for a deeper experience with Him. In the same way, we must invite Jesus into our daily lives — into our homes, our decisions, and our struggles.
Third, their eyes were opened during the breaking of the bread, and this reminds us of the sacrifice of Christ — how His body was broken for us, and through His resurrection, we have victory over sin and the grave. Often God reveals Himself to us in quiet moments — through His Word, through prayer, and through fellowship.
When their eyes were opened, they did not remain where they were. Although it was evening and they had already been on a long journey, they returned to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples what had happened and that Jesus was alive. As children of God, we have a story to tell the world — Jesus is alive, and He still wants to come into our hearts, as He said in Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and sup with him.”
Reflection
Take a moment today to invite Jesus into the ordinary spaces of your life, just as the disciples invited Him to stay with them. Ask Him to open your eyes to recognise His presence walking with you, even in moments when you may not have realised He was there.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You that You walk with us even when we do not always recognise Your presence. Just as the disciples invited You to stay with them, we invite You into our hearts and every part of our lives. Open our eyes so that we may see You at work in our lives. Help us to remember the sacrifice You made for us and the new life we have because of Your death and resurrection. Help us never to keep the good news of salvation to ourselves. Give us opportunities to share Your love with those we meet each day. May our lives and our words point others to You.
Amen.