The Resurrection is the most mysterious event in the history of the world. Its mystery is enhanced by the many eyewitnesses to both the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. For forty days following his Resurrection Jesus was seen by over 500 believers.

(1Corinthians 15:6)

There is an overwhelming amount of truly pertinent information that we could not have imagined before Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene in the morning, and on the evening of the same day, to all his disciples meeting behind locked doors.

Perhaps the most mysterious meeting was on the road to Emmaus, that very same day, when Cleopas and another disciple were walking in the sad conviction that Jesus was dead. They were joined by a “stranger,” who asked what they were discussing. They answered that their hopes in a messiah had been shattered by the death of Jesus, and the stories that he had risen only amazed and confused them: He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!”. . . And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them all the Scriptures concerning himself. (Luke 24:25-27)

For a long time I was puzzled over what purpose Jesus had in walking in disguise with two of his real followers. Then I remembered That Jesus had told the disciples at the Last Supper that he would be sending an “Advocate” from the Father to be with them, to companion them, to remind them of his, Jesus’ words and life, and to “open the Scriptures” to them: But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” ( John 14:26)

These are the very things that the “stranger”did for the disciples, causing their hearts to “burn within them:” Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32) I believe that Jesus himself was modeling the Holy Spirit for the disciples so that they could receive him after Jesus returned to Heaven. As a stranger, Jesus showed the two disciples that he could still be with them, though they wouldn’t always recognize him physically. Jesus needed his disciples to experience the reality that he and the Holy Spirit are one, and that through this Advocate, Jesus would be present with them always even if they didn’t always recognize him. How can that be? Because He is Risen! Hallelujah!

Happy, Happy Easter!

Love in Him,

Prue