Sunday 19 April 2026

Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19

Background
The disciples who started out on the road to Emmaus, were in a really bad place. Their hopes and dreams had been crushed. The one they followed and who they hoped would be the saviour and redeemer of Israel had been tortured to death in a humiliating way. Then some of their women had said that they had seen Jesus alive. So they were confused as well as upset. They didn’t recognise Jesus as he joined them, perhaps because they were so involved in their disappointment; or perhaps because his appearance was somewhat different from before; or perhaps because they just weren’t expecting him to be there.

Jesus started with a question. What was it that was concerning them? It is interesting how often Jesus asked people questions and even replied to a question with a question of his own. According to John 20:15, the first thing that Jesus said after his resurrection was “Why are you crying?” ie “Why are you upset?” Before some healing miracles, eg Mark 10:51, he asked, “What is it that you want me to do for you?” He started where people are; he began with their concerns; he ministered to their needs.

As Jesus explained things to them, with reference to scripture, the two disciples gradually began to rebuild their hopes, to regain a sense of meaning and purpose. It was when they responded to the unrecognised Jesus and invited him into their home, that the truth and the joy were revealed to them. They were so enthused by the experience that they rushed all the way back to tell the others.

How often do we encounter Jesus in a form we don’t recognise, I wonder, as we move along our journey of life? How often does he speak to us through a friend or even a stranger, or through someone in need we come across, or through something we see on the television or in something we read? Jesus does walk alongside us but often unrecognised. He is much closer to us than we usually realise, but it can take a special event for us to become aware of his presence.

To Ponder:

• Recall an experience which led you to realise suddenly that the Lord was in that place, or alongside you, and you had been unaware of it. What did that feel like?
• What would your answer be if Jesus were to ask you, “How are you hurting?” or “What do you want me to do for you?”
• Think of a time when you needed help to rebuild your hopes, and to regain a sense of meaning and purpose. What restored your faith? Where did that help come from?

Prayer
Loving God, you are alongside us and sharing our journey, even when we don’t recognise you. Help us to become more aware of your presence and to appreciate more clearly when it is you who is speaking to us. Amen.

Bible notes author: Philip Sudworth
Philip is a local preacher in the Wigan Circuit. Having retired from a career in the education service, he’s kept busy with voluntary work. He has had articles on faith published in seven countries. Grandchildren have given him renewed insights into awe and wonder, love and trust. Frequent questions remind him that anyone who thinks he has all the answers hasn’t yet found half the questions.