Lk 24:19-31 And they said unto him (Jesus), Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. LESSON - As Cleopas and his friend walked on the Emmaus road, Jesus joined them and engaged them in their conversation regarding their perception of the Messiah. From their perspective, he was supposed to come and set up his kingdom. Jesus taught them from the Scriptures of the necessity of Messiah’s suffering for the remission of sin. When Jesus revealed Himself to them, their eyes were opened and they saw God’s “bigger picture” for mankind. For all of the disciples, no one fully understood God’s plan until his purpose had been fulfilled. Just like those disciples, we have an idea of what we expect of God. When our expectations are dashed, we may have the tendency to feel that somehow God has let us down. What’s really happening is that God is accomplishing his purpose, not ours. If you are ever disappointed by an unanswered prayer or failed expectation, never forget that God has a “bigger plan.”
~Mike