A few weeks ago we studied the story of the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-36. This is a familiar story, where Jesus walks seven miles with two disciples who are going home after his death. Amazingly they do not recognize him until he is in their home, breaks bread, gives thanks, and gives it to them.
What most struck me as we studied this passage, shows up in verses 33-36. Jesus then waits for them.
After the two recognized Jesus, he disappears and they hurry seven miles back to Jerusalem. When they arrive with Jesus’ other followers, they tell their story and then Jesus arrives.
He does not come right away and say “Guess who I found on the road” or “You wouldn’t believe how distracted these two were”. He waits.
Waits for them to arrive, waits for them to tell, waits for the reactions…then he shows up with a word, “Peace”.
This encourages me as I pray for others walking away on a road or begin walking it myself. I am grateful to serve a God who meets people on the road and waits for them to return.