Why Jesus Waits for an Invitation: Lessons from the Emmaus Road

We continue reflecting on the two disciples walking to Emmaus on the day of Christ’s resurrection. The risen Jesus joined them and walked alongside, discussing Old Testament Scriptures that predicted the coming of a Suffering Servant to save humanity from sin. As they approached their turnoff to the village, Jesus seemed poised to keep walking.

²⁸As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. ²⁹But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. ³⁰When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. ³¹Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. ³²They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" ³³They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together ³⁴and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." ³⁵Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread (Luke 24:28-35; emphasis added).

Why would the Lord act as if He were going farther? (v. 28) Why did He wait until He received an invitation? The Lord is a Gentleman and always waits for an invitation into a person’s life and difficulties. Let me give you another example of this aspect of Jesus' character. Mark tells us of a time when Christ went alone to a place to pray throughout the night. While praying in the dark, He saw that the disciples were having difficulty rowing the boat against the wind on the Sea of Galilee, so He went out to them on the water at three o'clock in the morning.

⁴⁸He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, ⁴⁹but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, ⁵⁰because they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.” ⁵¹Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished (Mark 6:48-51).

Why would Jesus be about to pass by them? Perhaps it reflects the gift of free will that God has given us, meaning the Lord will not enter the boat or our homes and walk with us without an invitation. If we want Him to be with us or for us to be with Him, we must lower our defenses and invite Him to come. It is wonderful that Christ took the time to share a simple meal with the two Emmaus disciples. He would not force Himself on them; it was only because of their fearful cries and their invitation on the Sea of Galilee that He turned and came to their boat. Our God delights in being wanted, not for what He can do for us but for His person. He patiently waited for their invitation to go to the house where they were staying.

Have you invited Him into the house of your heart? Does Christ have a residence in your life? He has given you the gift of free will and longs to walk this road with you, casting your sins behind His back if you confess your sins (agree with God about your sins). Give Him complete control of who you are and everything you own. He wants to come and dine in sweet fellowship with each of us reading this message. At their strong invitation, Jesus went to eat with the two disciples.

As they ate with Him, their hearts burned within them as Jesus continued to open their minds to the Word of God and connect with their hearts. Their later confession was, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us” (v. 31). The fire burning within us speaks of personal revival as we give the Holy Spirit the reins of our hearts. When we meditate on the Scriptures, something happens within our spirit: “My heart was hot within me, while I was musing, the fire burned” (Psalm 39:3). Do not underestimate the power of simple reading, meditating, and musing on the Word of God. How about you, dear reader? Have you invited Christ into your home? Keith Thomas.

Taken from the series in the Gospel of Luke: Click on Study 65. Jesus on the Emmaus Road

YouTube Video: Who is Jesus Christ? Click the following link: https://youtu.be/r6h37G6QRt0