Where Is That Pen?

Read Luke 24:1-53

13. Two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus. . . .
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.
17. He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces.
18. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”
19. “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people.” Luke 24:13-19

When was the last time you scoured the house looking for the pen that was behind your ear? Have you ever needed to ask someone for your own phone number because you couldn’t remember it? Or have you ever driven to work when you were supposed to be headed to the grocery store? Lapses of attention and memory afflict everyone from time to time.

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus have one of these lapses in memory. Their lapse, however, is more serious than forgetting where they placed a pen. Fortunately, the recently risen Jesus comes along, explains where they went wrong, and sets them straight. It may seem incredible that this couple could forget Christ, but consider the times that you have “forgotten” the Savior.

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus were depressed and hopeless. Despite others’ testimony that Jesus was alive, these two still didn’t believe or even grasp this fact. But when the risen Jesus met them on the road to Emmaus, he called them “foolish people” (Luke 24:25) because they found it difficult to believe the Scriptures. They had already forgotten what Jesus had told them several times before.

Sometimes our inability to enjoy the presence of Christ stems from our own disbelief of the Scriptures. We worry about life’s problems despite God’s promises to provide for our needs. Or we read the Bible, attend church, and even serve as Christian workers, only to wonder if God is at work in the world.

Don’t easily forget this truth you have learned: Jesus has defeated sin and death, and he is alive today! He is with you through the Holy Spirit. Enjoy his presence.