T H E K I N G ’S B U S I N E S S from Jerusalem. The name of one of the disciples was Cleopas, The other is unknown, but is supposed by some to have been Luke, as he alone gives the account of the appearance of the Lord. The preceding days have been full of interest to the followers of the Lord, ahd these two disciples are returning home with minds filled with wonder and doubt concerning the reports that had reached them concerning the empty tomb. (1) THE WALKING AND WONDER ING DISCIPLES, vs. 13-24. Two ,of them walked and talked to gether. The day had been one of in tense excitement. The stories of the women, of Peter and of John had set the hearts' of the little band tingling with interest. Where was the body of Jesus? Had the Jews carried it away? Had Joseph made some disposition of it? Had the Lord indeed risen? They were communing together and reasoning about the tragedy of the cross and the empty tomb, and about the prospects of the little band of fol lowers. Their hearts were sad and heavy. They were filled with the na tional unbelief which so dominated the Jewish heart with reference to the Messiah and His mission. While He was with them, His presence and words sufficed for their difficulties and trials. He could always comfort them. But now He was gone and there was noth ing left for them but the remembrance of His mighty miracles, of His wonder ful words and works. There was a strange vacancy in their lives. Their heads were bowed. Their hearts were broken. What a beautiful picture Luke gives us! How many precious lessons come to us from it! What comfort and con solation it has brought to the church during these, ages. The theme of their hearts is the real theme of the Christian life. They are
381
thinking and talking of JesuS of Naza reth. Everything in connection with His life is of interest to the believer, Every detail is of importance, and we love to linger most over those hallowed scenes in which He moved, filled with compassion and anointed with power. Talking about Jesus is a profitable pleasure, if it is done with sincere hearts. “ Then they that loved the Lord spake often one to another, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and thought upon His name.” (Mai. 3:16.) The Lord takes note of our conversa tion. When we are engaged in holy conversation concerning Himself, He will be sure to draw nigh. His heart burns within Him as we magnify Him together. Our interests are His. Had He not said, “ Where two or three of you are gathered together, there am I in the midst?” and we may be gathered while we are walking and talking as well as when we sit together in the con gregation. Now He gives the first ful fillment of that promise. Note the naturalness of His attitude, — as though' a stranger, interested in their conversation, “What is all this you are saying to each other?” He drew them out, probed them, had them open their hearts to Him. So He deals with us to bring us to ourselves,— to the end of ourselves, and then to Himself. He rebukes their unbelief: “ O, dull- witted men-ft? thoughtless men—how slow of heart to believe all.” They be lieved some—were ready to believe some-—but not all. When will we be ready to believe all? We pick out verses, hug them to our hearts. We believe in the cross, in His resurrection, in the glory, but do we believe all? Jesus gives a marvelous discourse to two humble men. He takes them at once to the Scriptures and shows them that the events which had occurred were in exact accordance with the statements
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker