Dining With JesusSample

The Mystery Dinner Guest

Two of Jesus’ followers are leaving the city, trying to make sense of the past few days. They are grieving, confused, and shaken by everything that has happened. As they walk toward a village called Emmaus, a mysterious man joins them. They don’t recognize Him yet, but His words and presence captivate them.

When they reach the village, they invite Him to stay for dinner. It is only in the context of that meal that they finally recognize their guest: Jesus, risen from the dead, sharing a table with them. Imagine the shock, awe, and joy as their eyes are opened and they realize who has been sitting with them all along!

Moments before, their hearts had been heavy with despair. They had witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion, and their hope seemed gone. But over a simple meal, everything changed. The impossible became real: Jesus is alive, He had been walking with them the whole time, and now they knew He will never leave them.

Life can sometimes make us feel as if God is distant, as if hope has faded, or faith is fragile. Yet He is closer than we realize. As Randy Alcorn writes, “Many of us have at times walked the Emmaus Road, wondering where God is… when all along He walks beside us.” Even when we cannot see Him, Jesus is present. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us: "God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”’

Take a moment to ask Jesus to open your eyes today. Invite Him into the center of your home, the center of your heart, and the center of your life. Just as the two disciples experienced revelation over a simple meal, you too can encounter Him when you might be least expecting it.

What would it look like to invite Jesus in today? How might your eyes be opened to His presence and His love in ways you haven’t noticed before?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, open my eyes to see that You are walking with me even when I don’t recognize You. Lift the weight of my doubts and fill my heart with living hope. Make my home, my table, and my life a place of Your presence. Stay with me, Lord, and let me never forget You are near.

In Jesus’ name.
Amen.