In the book of Luke, we find one of the great Easter stories of the Bible, where two disciples are on the road to Emmaus when their newly risen Savior shows up in their midst and hears them share the story of their Savior’s pain and suffering and death.

A little over a third of the way into the journey on the road to Emmaus – the disguised Jesus asks the disciples this question, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad. ¹⁸Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ ¹⁹He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,²⁰and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. ²¹But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. ²²Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, ²³and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. ²⁴Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’

I love the story, for the location of where it takes place – on the road. The two disciples walk with Jesus and yet they have no idea that it is Jesus who walks alongside them.

For the past week, I have walked with junior high students who completed some amazing moments in their life. They have kayaked 16 miles down the Wisconsin River. 16 MILES! They have climbed mountains – literally climbed up the sheer cliff of the mountain at Devil’s Lake. And new this year, they were given the opportunity to repel down the mountain. Something I decided was well worth my time and effort and great joy when my feet touched land at the bottom of the mountain. The junior high students found strength and courage in those who walked alongside them on the road. They were encouraged with cheers and prayers and clapping and singing at every moment. In the midst of great fear – these amazing children of God – overcame their fear. And I believe Jesus revealed himself to them in the presence of their friends through words of support and encouragement and love straight from God’s own heart.

Much like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we are not always able to see the presence of God. In verse 35, at the end of the story, we are told that the disciples shared the following…³⁵Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

It is a glorious moment for the two disciples who shared communion with Jesus. And this week has been a glorious moment for me as I have watched junior high students build relationships, navigate rivers, and overcome mountains – huge mountains in their life. I am grateful to serve the people of Ascension in such ways. I am more grateful still for the opportunity to watch Jesus reveal himself in the lives of our students through each other’s care. May we be reminded of God’s great love for us through the presence of others and the promise that God reveals God’s self in the most amazing and unexpected ways when we are hungry for a moment of hope. Thanks be to God! See you in church!

Pastor Chris

Reprinted from the July 2018 newsletter