Editor’s Note: The following piece is part of the Holy Week Series from our Young Writers cohort. Benjamin Chow reflects upon Luke 24:1-27 in light of Easter Sunday.
From Jesus’s humble entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to His death on the cross on Good Friday, God was at work. Likewise, throughout all the Scriptures—in the genealogies, miracles, and signs—in all the pain and waiting, God was at work. He was weaving together His redemptive plan, with Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday at its center.
It’s often the case, however, that when God’s redemptive plan is unfolding right before our eyes we find ourselves doubting most. For the disciples on the road to Emmaus, this was their plight. They hoped Jesus to be their redeemer, but left Jerusalem in despair because of His death. They did not recognize Jesus as he walked with them, and began to essentially ‘deconstruct’ their faith. They failed to recognize God’s plan of redemption in action. They also failed to realize that God could use evil for good and for His glory.
Jesus does not immediately reveal His identity to these disciples. He instead explains to them how all the Scriptures point towards Himself.
We are much like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, “slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.” Though we have the Scriptures readily available to us, we often fail to see how God is at work in pain and suffering. Instead of trusting in the Lord’s promises, we doubt God. We doubt His goodness, and we doubt that He can use evil for good. We forget what He has revealed to us in scripture. But just like He was with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, our God is patient and gracious. He is faithful to us even in our unbelief.
On this Easter Sunday, the resurrection of Jesus Christ should capture our hearts and fill us with hope. Our God invites us to rest and rejoice. Our lack, our need, our doubt, our failings, these things are a canvas for God to illustrate His glory. Our shortcomings? They point us to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the love our Savior has for us. Indeed, Christ’s resurrection fills us with hope. Just as He rose from the dead, we have hope that He will raise us with Him. We know that in Christ, our God does not count our sins against us. His victory over the grave is our victory as well. This is the good news that transforms lives. This is the good news that will redeem the earth. This is the good news that brings us to our knees in worship.
Photo Credit: Kelly Sikkema