Would You Recognize Jesus?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I think I would know You if I saw You. Like the man who asked You to heal his daughter… "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24. Help me to recognize You in the actions and words of others…and help others to see You in me.

That same day two of Jesus' followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him. He asked them, "What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?" They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. 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." "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. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago. "Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said." Then Jesus said to them, "You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn't it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?" Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, "Stay the night with us, since it is getting late." So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, "Didn't our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?" And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, - Luke 24:13-33 NLT

 

Meditate. Consider Jesus’ words and listen to what He is saying.

 

Is this the face of Jesus?

Jesus blessed the bread…just like at the Last Supper, then He disappeared. His resurrected body is very unusual—and He was not always recognized. He appeared to the women at the tomb…but they didn’t recognize Him, nor did the people on the road to Emmaus. Twice Jesus entered the Upper Room where the disciples were without unlocking or opening a door. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw that it was Jesus—and He proved who He was by showing them His hands and His side (John 20). At the Sea of Galilee Jesus met Peter, Thomas, James, John, Nathanael and two other disciples who had been fishing all night but had not caught anything. He told them to cast their net over the right side of their boat. They did as Jesus said and caught 153 large fish. These disciples then ate breakfast that Jesus had fixed—and they did not question who He was (John 21). They must have recognized Him…at least in this account John did know who He was and told Peter, who immediately swam to shore. Would you know Jesus if you saw Him?

 

Verse of Salvation ~ "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Revelation 3:20 NLT

 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

There are some very interesting teachings out on YouTube about diet. Do this…Don’t do that. Eat this…Eat that—but only in this order.

 

Yes. Eating foods in a particular order is healthier for those who are diabetic or pre-diabetic. Eat your fibrous vegetables first; then meats, proteins, and fats; and lastly carbohydrates, fruits, or sweets. In an extensive study it was found that the blood sugars for those eating their meals in that order had less sugar spikes. That is a good thing. Less tiredness after a meal. Oh, yah! We’ll be following this new eating pattern. There are a few caveats with food sensitivities and for me, oxalate foods to avoid so I don’t get more kidney stones. I’m sure that everyone has foods to avoid, and foods that they want to include. Meal planning is essential so that you have the foods on hand to create healthy feasts for your family…or just for yourself. Blessings on you as feed your body and your spirit.

 

© 2024 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

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