A Funny Thing Happened
On the Way to Emmaus

A funny thing happened on the way to Emmaus (read the story in Luke 24).

Two disciples on their way out of Jerusalem following the crucifixion of Jesus are joined by a stranger they do not recognize. They are lamenting the things that have happened and certainly are not optimistic about the church's future.

But the one who joins them on their journey is the Risen Christ and through that interaction on the road their perspective on the future is changed. As they later report, "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 story is followed by Luke's version of the Great Commission, and then in Volume 2: The Acts of the Apostles, we read of the church alive, continuing the work of Jesus in their day and place.

For those today who may be discouraged about the future of the church, I pray we might gain a new and fresh perspective from the Christ who comes among us and interacts with us on our journey. May our eyes be opened with the breaking of the bread and may our hearts burn within us as we refocus on the Christ who helps us to become all that we are meant to be.

May we, too, continue the work of Jesus in our day and place.

Herman Kauffman

Herman Kauffman serves as District Pastor for the Northern Indiana District of the Church of the Brethren. Prior to assuming this position in November 1994, he served 20+ years as a pastor in Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. He has been married for 20 years and is the father of two teenage children.