Jesus is On The Road. Again.

APR 23  / Sunday | Series: Hope Wins – Read Luke 24:13-35

Overview: After the resurrection, Jesus met people on the road to Emmaus. Hope wins because you can still meet Jesus – even now.

24 / Mon – Showing mercy on the road  |  Read Luke 17:11-19

In the gospels, much of Jesus’ ministry happened along the road as he traveled from place to place. These men were required by law not to go near healthy people because of their contagious and fatal skin disease. Unable to speak to Jesus as he passed by on the road, they cried out from a distance. Instead of a prayer or healing touch, he sent them to the priest. They obeyed and on the way received their healing. What does this tell you about the importance of bringing your problems to Jesus and then doing what he says, even if it doesn’t make sense?

25 / Tue – On a mission  |  Read Luke 8:41-48

Jesus was on an urgent mission to heal Jairus’s daughter before death took her. An anonymous woman joined the crowd following him down the road. She was on an urgent mission too. All it took was her courage to reach out and a miracle happened. Jesus is never too busy taking care of other people to stop and give you his full attention. What hidden needs do you have today? Will you reach out in faith as she did?

26 / Wed – Two blind men  |  Read Matt 20:29-34

They couldn’t even see Jesus passing by on the road but they heard him coming. In faith, they shouted his name and he stopped immediately. At this point, Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem where he would soon be crucified. However, the weight of this knowledge didn’t distract him from seeing the physical needs of those he met along the way. What a gift that the first thing these two blind men saw was the face of Jesus, their long awaited Messiah who would be the Savior of the world. Do you need to see the face of Jesus in a new way?

27 / Thu – Love on display  |  Read Jn 19:19-20, 26-27 / Lk 23:34, 39-43 / Mk 15:39

Romans meted out cruel capital punishment in public as a warning to those tempted to break the law. They often crucified criminals along the main roads for that purpose. It was Passover season and the road was crowded with pilgrims arriving in Jerusalem. What a humiliation to be displayed in such a way. Yet even here, hanging on a cross, Jesus continued to do what he could for others… giving his mother into John’s care, pardoning the thief who asked for mercy, and showing the world the depth of God’s love for every human being. How does this truth encourage you?

28 / Fri – Emmaus  |  Read Luke 24:13-35

The two blind men from Wednesday’s reading needed physical sight but sometimes those who can see are blind in other ways. Jesus was dead and buried, as far as these two travelers knew. Oh, they had heard rumors but could not understand how the events of two days ago could possibly be part of God’s plan. They were confused and grieving. But then they met Jesus incognito. He addressed their questions and his answers opened their eyes. When has there been a time that you took your questions to Jesus and, as you listened, you came into a whole new understanding?

29 / Sat – Going on the road with Jesus?  |  Read Luke 9:57-62

A man who met Jesus on the road, saw his miracles, heard his teachings and decided he wanted to follow him. What was Jesus’ sobering answer? Following him was a serious commitment, not to be taken lightly. What about today? In many parts of the world, to become a Christian could cost you your job, your home, your family or even your life. What is standing in your way of putting Jesus first above all things?