Emmaus

Emmaus was a town, just outside Jerusalem where two very discouraged disciples of Jesus were traveling after his crucifixion.  The Emmaus story helps orient us to what it means to live on the other side of the resurrection.

Luke tells us the story of two companions walking together in their disappointment, leaving behind their dreams of how life and God's kingdom were supposed to work out. Emmaus is the place we go when we are done with God and want to run from the lost dreams of life. Jesus had other plans for these two companions just as He does for us. Jesus joined the disillusioned disciples on their way, although they did not recognize him. He opened up the Scriptures and showed them how it all pointed to Him; his life, death and resurrection. As they approached their destination they invited Jesus to stay and share a meal. There at the table, Jesus became not the guest, but the host, offering them bread and wine. In that moment they recognized him and were in awe that He had been walking with them the whole time, leaving immediately to go and tell the good news.

Each of us leaves behind some vision for how life is supposed to go. We believe that no matter where you are coming from there is a story of hope for you because of Jesus.  Just like Emmaus was a place of profound discovery of the Risen Christ, our longing is that in the same way, we would discover Jesus alive, find ourselves in a new story, and be turned around with a new mission.  We are transformed as we discover we do not walk alone but are hosted on the way by the God who made us for communion with Himself.

Emmaus is a place where we expect to meet Jesus, even if we are running from him, only to find we are welcomed at his table.

Emmaus is a place where we walk together, follow Jesus and tell the story.