Eyes Wide Open

Wednesday, April 5

Eyes Wide Open
By: Pastor Shane Beauvais
One of my favorite biblical narratives is within the gospel of Luke, the story of the road to Emmaus. This account comprises the journey to Emmaus (24:13–27) and the meal shared at the destination (24:28–35).
Days before, Jesus had washed his disciples’ feet and shared his last Passover dinner with them. He was then taken into custody and crucified. However, several women who had visited his tomb on Sunday morning reported seeing Jesus alive! He has risen! We find ourselves here every year. We know the outcome of the story! 
I sometimes wonder if this reoccurring celebration leaves us blind, unable to see the truth and excitement of the resurrection as if this occurrence is simply old news. As we journey through this Holy Week, do we see Jesus as the two travelers did, a stranger, entirely oblivious to His walking within our midst? Alternatively, do our hearts “burn within,” as if this week leading into next was the first Easter? 
I admit that I have been on both sides unintentionally. I have been caught up in the calendar and festivities. I have also been so overwhelmed by the Easter story that my heart felt like it was the first Easter. Moreover, here is the truth. The road to Emmaus story invites us into this narrative no matter where we find ourselves. 
Luke 24:30-31 reads: 
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.”
During this time of communion, the traveler’s eyes were opened. I invite you to open yours! 
Did you notice in (V13) that the travelers were unnamed? I cannot say for sure, but I wonder if Luke intentionally did so as an invitation for us to participate in this story. Just as Jesus made himself known around this Eucharist table, He continues to make himself known today in the “breaking of the bread” (see Acts 2:42, 46; 20:7, 11). 
Mikeal Parsons writes: 
“Luke encourages his audience, then and now, to take heart in that the resurrected Lord revealed himself through the faithful exposition of Scripture, in an obscure place, in a humble home, in a shared meal to little-known followers who had experienced devastating loss. He continues to come to us in Word and at Table.”
His body was broken so that our eyes may be opened. As you journey through this Holy Week, place your name in the unnamed characters of this story. As you break bread and celebrate communion, I invite you to do so with eyes wide open towards Jesus so He can make himself known in your life.