Our last guest said goodbye, and I breathed a sigh of thanks. The Easter dinner we’d planned for family and friends ended on a happy note. Enough food. Good fellowship. No arguments! Over the next days, however, why did I feel a letdown? The holiest day in the Christian calendar—Resurrection Sunday—had blessed our family and friends through our risen Savior. But now, after His resurrection, what should happen next?
For an inspiring answer, the Bible provides a remarkable encounter between Jesus and two believers after His resurrection. The two men—one named Cleopas and the other unnamed—felt let down as they walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Still dismayed about Jesus’ crucifixion, they were talking when “Jesus himself” came up and walked along with them (Luke 24:13–15).
They didn’t recognize Him at first. But what followed was a heartfelt conversation as Jesus challenged the men to have faith in their Messiah’s victory—just as the Scriptures prophesied. Their hearts warmed and encouraged, they couldn’t let Jesus depart. Instead, a grateful Cleopas invited Christ to come inside and stay with them (v. 29).
The triumph of Easter won’t fade if we invite Jesus to come inside and stay—at the table of our hearts, where relationships form. He will indwell us with His Spirit—His power present and active in our lives. And when we invite Him, He answers yes!
At what times have you sensed the triumph of Easter fading in your walk with God? Have you invited Him to stay with you, His Spirit’s presence living in you?
Jesus, don’t let me walk away from Your triumphant resurrection after Easter. Come inside and stay, indwelling me by Your Spirit, forever changing me by Your presence and power.
Luke 24:13–16, 27–31
13 That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him.
27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, 29 but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. 30 As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. 31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!
Luke 24:31
Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.
