Spiritual Disciplines | Reading the Bible
Luke 24:13-35
The two disciples are leaving Jerusalem ruminating on the past (what was) and the hope that disappointed (what might have been). We are told that Jesus approaches them, yet their eyes are prevented from seeing him - yet later their eyes are 'opened'. Both these verbs are in the passive voice - "divine passives" - that is, they are the work of God. Luke is making it clear that comprehending Christ, trusting in Christ, following Christ, are not matters of human ability, decision or insight; but rather divine revelation.
(interestingly, Luke does use the normal 'open' of ανοιγω/anoigo, but rather a more intense compound form - διανοίγω/dianoigo - which is understood as the type of eye opening as when a baby is first born: a moment of realization that life is there.)
When Jesus questions them about what things they have seen they refer to him as 'a prophet, powerful in word and deed' (v19). This is a summary of their understanding - they clearly give him a place of honor; but not that of Messiah, Lord, or Son of God.
Cleopas has all the parts of the jigsaw - the tomb, the cross, the 'redemption of Israel' as a hope - but its not until he meets with the person of Jesus that he can work out how they all fit together.
Jesus first rebukes them, but the object of his rebuke is startling:
"Jesus does not rebuke the disciples for disbelieving the evidence associated with the resurrection, author disbelieving the witness of the women, or even for not recognizing himself. He rebukes them for reading the Scriptures without understanding and belief." James R. Edwards
The disciples misunderstood Jesus as simply another prophet because they failed to grasp and believe the prophetic witness of scripture - that the Messiah would suffer and thereby restore right relationship with God (Is 53).
The opening of their eyes and minds is not some sort of one time miracle, but rather a pattern to be repeated by the church because this moment in their lives flows from an encounter with the risen Lord. The fact that his body "disappears" is a lesson to the disciples not to fixate on his physical presence, but rather on the spiritual presence that continues their encounter. The same is true for us each time we open the scriptures.
Practice
Everyone is invited into reading the Bible. For some of us, this is completely new. Which is brilliant! If this is you head to 14 Days - a short reading plan to help get you started. This week, share with your small group the most helpful thing that you learned.
If you're already familiar with reading the bible, the challenge might be to establish a firm discipline - a daily encounter with the risen Jesus. If this is you, share with your small group that you want to develop a more regular rhythm and ask them to hold you accountable.
If you're already reading the bible every day, try making a space this week - maybe for 15-60 minutes to sit down and read a whole book (one of the gospels would be a great place to start!) and get a sense of the flow of the story - what stands out in the whole that is sometimes easy to miss in smaller chunks.
