Save The World, One At A TimeSample

Shaping New Faith 

You came to the stadium with hope that your team is the best in the league and sure to lift the trophy. You root for it. But soon you see that they are hopelessly down and there is no way they can turn the match around. You are ready to quit and exit the stadium before the final whistle. But as you are exiting, the stadium erupts and you hear that your team equals the score. Miraculously they go on to win the match. No doubt you will celebrate the victory with your friends. You will not stop raving about it the rest of your life.

Cleopas and his friend had similar moments in their life. They had thought that Jesus was their promised Messiah and he would liberate them. They looked forward to seeing him ride a horse and rout the Romans but meekly he proclaims his kingdom while riding on a donkey. Still they hoped for a miracle. When he was crucified on a cross in Jerusalem, put to death and buried, they lost all hope. The miracles they saw, the wisdom they heard and promises he made just melted away. They were walking back to Emmaus, their home town, totally disappointed and dejected.

Jesus joins them on their journey. He strikes a conversation with them. He knew everything in the universe and still he asked them what they were talking about as they looked sad. He pretended to be ignorant. A prophet may proclaim God-revealed information but a counsellor will reveal God himself in his persistence, patience and provision. Cleopas and his companion retorted questioning if he was the only one who did not know what was happening. But Jesus persisted and asked them “What things?” Then they expressed that what they anticipated had come true that all the kingdom talk was, after all, too good to be true. They had hoped against hope that Jesus would rise; but he didn’t.

Jesus then patiently explains the scripture to show them how suffering was part of his plan and God would establish his kingdom. Like Thomas, they too emphasized that they did not see the risen Christ. Without that, it would be futile. But all along their hearts were burning as Jesus explained the scriptures. They were hopeful again. They invited Jesus for a meal. There Jesus responds to a flicker of faith in their hearts and reveals himself to them. Nothing is the same again. They jump with joy and journey back to Jerusalem. 

Jesus changed more people through conversations than miracles. Would you join people in their conversations? Better still will you draw people into conversations? Are you willing to be persistent in the face of ridicule and sarcasm? Will you patiently bring to light the truth that is lost in their fears and prejudices? More importantly, will you be able to show Jesus in your life? Many are on their way to Emmaus. Will you help them to get back to their Jerusalem? To a new faith? One at a time or maybe two at a time.