April 17 – Cleopas – Luke 24
Cleopas is a great example of a Christian that had little understanding. He had much knowledge about Christ, but little understanding. His assumptions about Christ prevented true understanding thus limiting his ability to recognize Christ in his daily routine. The lack of understanding is what prevented him from fully trusting God and resting in God’s peace. How can Christians today have such confidence and peace? It is the same way that Christians throughout the ages had peace facing plague, pestilence, persecutions, and the trials of life. Many folks know all about Jesus, but do not understand His total control and purpose over every situation in our life. Psalm 111:10 provides a simple test to identify understanding in our own lives. Proverbs 3:13 “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” This verse shows us that understanding is separate from wisdom. Compare Proverbs 3:19 with Proverbs 24:3. Proverbs 2:1-6 is another passage on the subject.
Cleopas walked and talked with Christ along his seven mile journey. How awesome it would have been to just walk silently along and listen to their conversation! Later Cleopas would mention in verse 32 how his heart burned within him just to listen to Christ talk as they traveled. Just think how wonderful it will be to hear Christ’s voice.
It was at meal time when Cleopas recognized Jesus. It was the same actions taken at the Lord’s Supper that triggered Cleopas’ recognition of Christ. It was when Jesus blessed the bread, broke it, and passed it out that Cleopas’ eyes were opened. The Lord’s Supper is a sacred time for all followers of Christ.
The story began as Cleopas was debating with another about what truly happened to Jesus’ body after His crucifixion. It was only after their personal experience with Jesus that in verse 34 he boldly states that “The Lord is risen indeed.”
