Luke 24:13-35 – Seeing Clearly

Just after His resurrection, Jesus quietly joined two discouraged disciples as they walked from Jerusalem toward Emmaus. Their hearts heavy, minds swirling with confusion, they didn't recognize the stranger walking beside them. Patiently, lovingly, He explained the Scriptures, showing them how everything they'd witnessed was exactly as God intended. Yet only later, as He broke bread in their humble home, did they suddenly realize it had been Jesus—the risen Lord—walking beside them the whole time. (Luke 24:13-35)

Devotional: Have you ever had one of those mornings? You know—the frantic search for your glasses that leads you around the house, frustration building with every empty countertop you check, only to find out they were perched comfortably on your head all along? I've been there, more times than I care to admit. And honestly, after the embarrassment fades, it usually hits me how easy it is to overlook what's right in front of my eyes—especially when I'm distracted or weighed down.

That’s exactly what was going on with those two disciples on their walk to Emmaus. They were exhausted, heartbroken, and confused. Their dreams had just been shattered. The one they thought would change everything had died on a cross. Even with whispers of an empty tomb, they couldn’t quite shake their grief and disappointment. And so, as Jesus Himself joined their journey, their sorrow clouded their vision. He was right there, in plain sight, walking step-for-step with them—but their hearts were too heavy, their minds too cluttered, to see Him clearly.

Have you been there? So caught up in your own expectations or hurt, that you couldn’t see God standing right beside you? I know I have. Sometimes it’s not even big tragedies, but the small disappointments—the job we didn't get, the friendship that faded away, or the prayer we thought went unanswered—that can make us feel abandoned. And in those moments, Jesus quietly draws close, gently revealing Himself, even if we’re not paying attention.

Here’s the thing I love most about this story: Jesus didn't get frustrated or storm off when those disciples couldn't recognize Him. Instead, He patiently stayed with them. He spoke truth into their confusion, comfort into their grief, and finally, through a simple, intimate act of breaking bread, He opened their eyes. It’s a beautiful reminder that God is endlessly patient, always walking beside us, ready to reveal Himself exactly when our hearts are ready to truly see Him.

Today, let’s slow down enough to ask ourselves: How often has Jesus quietly joined our journey, but we’ve missed it because we were expecting something else, someone else, or maybe just looking in the wrong direction entirely? Let’s intentionally look around today. I think we'll find Him closer than we ever realized.

Action: Pause sometime today—really pause. Maybe during your lunch break, a quiet drive, or even washing the dishes. Reflect intentionally and ask yourself, “How is Jesus revealing Himself to me in this ordinary moment?” Notice His presence in the familiar, the mundane, even the inconvenient parts of your day.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your endless patience and gentle persistence. Forgive me for the times I've missed You standing right beside me, caught up in my own distractions or disappointments. Open my eyes today to recognize You clearly in every moment, especially in the ordinary ones I tend to overlook. Help me walk with awareness, trusting You’re always there, closer than my very breath. In Your gracious, loving name, Amen.

Thought for the Day: Jesus often stands closest when I feel most alone. Today, I'll keep looking until I see Him.