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	April 2004
		A Quick Word by Paul Grayston
			Luke 24:13-49 - It could be you and me walking along together. On Easter Day in the afternoon, trudging along the road to the village of Emmaus, walk two troubled and confused disciples. These are not two of the Twelve, but two of Jesus' ordinary, less-celebrated followers. Trudging along and troubled because they had so recently witnessed Jesus' trial and assassination. And troubled also by the rumours that he had been seen alive. Reports that seemed so far-fetched, and yet so tantalising. Exciting pilgrimages and special religious treks are sometimes called Emmaus Walks, and yet the New Testament walk to Emmaus is so very ordinary. The two disciples don't see it as a pilgrimage or special occasion at all, they are simply walking home: it's an ordinary walk just like our walk. Burned A stranger strides beside these two and listens to their account of all that has happened. He reminds them of the Old Testament prophets who had seen it all coming. Did these two not know the Christ had to suffer and die? It is getting late as they reach the house, and there is something so striking about this person and his words that they press the stranger to stay. They soon discover that they too, like the women and Simon, have met with the risen Saviour. They encounter Jesus in the breaking of the bread at the meal table, and in the opening up of the Word of God as they walked together, when their 'hearts burned within them' (v.32) on the road. They met with Jesus as they were travelling along the road. They met with Jesus in the same places we do, if we are willing to. Walk And yet, had they not invited him to stop with them he would have continued on his way. He walked beside them but did not press himself upon them. It was their invitation that led to him stopping. They could so easily have missed the whole thing. History could so easily have forgotten Emmaus and these two followers of Jesus. He still promises to meet with us, and to walk with us. It's a longstanding offer: 'Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death you are with me…' (Psalm 23). It is a continuing offer, for us to share his easy yoke (Matt. 11:29), and for us to take up our cross and walk his way (Luke 9:23). It is a lasting offer: 'I am with you to the end of the age.' (Matt. 28:20). We will see that he walks beside us if we open our eyes to his presence. He will stay with us if we will welcome him in.