Lectio Divina - Luke 24:13-35 (NRSV)


I've been preparing for something I am involved in tomorrow, part of which I want to lead a group Lectio Divina on Luke 24:13ff 'the road to Emmaus'. It struck me that it might be interesting to do Lectio Divina on the blog to see what comes out - feel free to stay anonymous if you want.

Take time to read through the account slowly- possibly 2 or 3 times, then...
  • Identify what 'shimmers' for you?
  • Where is your focus drawn in the account ?
  • What for you is the main point?
  • What is your point of contemplation?
  • Which word or phrase has touched your heart?
  • What have you "heard" or "seen"?
The Walk to Emmaus

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’ Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.


As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’ That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!’ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Remember that this isn't a bible study more a place of contemplation of scripture, so read comments with respect and be released from needing to respond to someone else's comments. Potentially if there are people 1000's of miles apart in different continents this could be an interesting exercise!

Comments

Anonymous said…
"their eyes were opened..."

Chris McL
Anonymous said…
"Stay with us..."

What would have happened if they had allowed Jesus to continue along the road? They only gained the full blessing of their encounter with the mysterious man when they opened their home to him and Jesus only revealed himself to them after being invited in!
Ann said…
"their eyes were kept from recognising him" and yet.... later they said "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?"
How often does the Spirit burn within our hearts and yet we don't recognise Him..... are we on fire for Him or something else, perhaps our own agenda rather than His?
Brian's Blog said…
What things?

Oh, that the world would ask, what's happening?
Gordon said…
"Jesus himself came near and went with them..."
Anonymous said…
"a prophet mighty in deed and word..."

no dichotomy there ;o)
Anonymous said…
They stood still, looking sad.

• Inactivity is disheartening and discouraging.

• ‘True happiness is love expressed (action) in service’

• It is right to ‘go back’; it is correct to ‘move forward’; it is unproductive to ‘stand still’
Rob said…
I've been fascinated by the fact tht Jesus seems to meet them in the middle of nowhere and while they are on the journey.
So ... for me this challenges me to stop being so het up about leaving on time, or reaching the destination which is how I often am. Instead, God is challenging me through this to notice him, and meet with him, while I am on the journey itself.
Georgina said…
" Stay with me" Did you ever Love or enjoy great company that you did not want them to leave.. Georgina

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