Week 14 (30 Mar - 05 Apr) Between Then And Now

From Darkness to Light

This week we reflected on Luke 24:13-35, the journey from discouragement to renewed hope. Just like the 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus, there are moments where we may feel lost, uncertain or weighed down by what we do not understand. Yet even in those moments, God is walking with us quietly, patiently and faithfully. 

Pastor Ben shared how in many ways, it mirrors our own journey. Fear, disappointment and misaligned expectations led the disciples to walk away from Jerusalem — where they were meant to be. There are moments in life when we drift in the wrong direction or lean on wrong counsel, especially when things don’t go as we had hoped. Yet even in their uncertainty, Jesus met them exactly where they were. He walked alongside them - even while they were confused, listened to their concerns, and at the appropriate time guided them into the truth. 

Facts were Right, Perspective was Wrong

In LK 24:19-24, he 2 disciples were able to give Jesus a factually accurate account of who Jesus is, what he had done and the events of the past few day, “They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” 

They had the facts right yet it led them in the wrong direction.  They knew Jesus had been crucified, the tomb was empty, and there were reports that He was alive, yet they still walked in confusion and disappointment because they didn’t understand what it all meant.  They needed their perspective to be changed by Jesus.    

Jesus waits for our invitation

Luke 24:28-32 records how Jesus spoke to the disciples and what stood out is how Jesus speaks in ways we can understand. He meets us where we are, and through his Word, he shifts our perspectives. It is a reminder that when we feel distant or lost, we are never alone because God meets us in our frailty, not just in our strength. This reminds us that Jesus doesn’t force His way into our life. He waits for our invitation. Jesus meets us in the midst of community, not just as individuals. 

Nicole also shared on how Jesus didn’t just die to save us one day, he died so we can walk with him everyday. Just like the disciples walking together on the road to Emmaus, we often find that in our conversations, prayers, and shared experiences as a church family, Jesus draws near in ways we may not immediately recognise. He speaks into our doubts, our questions, and even our expectations, gently reshaping how we see Him and how we see what He is doing among us. 

In Luke 24:33-35, the disciples immediately went back to share what they had experienced saying, "It is true! The lord has risen and appeared to Simon." We too are called as a church family to carry this same light outward, into our friendships, our neighborhoods, and especially into our upcoming missions trip. We are called not to keep it to ourselves, but to share that light and hope with others. 

As we end off, we can reflect on:

1. How can I respond differently next time?”

2. “What mindset shift do I want to carry forward?”

   
   

Jesus, we thank you that you walk with us as a church family and meet us right where we are. Open our eyes like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, that we may recognise Your presence in our fellowship and in our daily lives. May everything we do bring glory to You and draw others closer to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Love,

Lynnette and Nicole