Revelations in Breaking Bread

Setting the Table

The dinner table is a staple that knows no boundaries. Across this country across this globe families gather around the dinner table and talk about their day. Family revelations come up in discussion, and changes are made in light of those revelations.

Today we’re looking at a revelation around the table, that didn’t come only from something said, but something done. The disciples on the road to Emmaus were still in shock over what had happened to Jesus of Nazareth. They tried to understand the events that took place, looking for some hope. A mystery traveller begins walking and talking with them, listening to them, and discussing the scriptures with them. Not wanting the conversation to end the disciples wanted more so the invite this mystery traveller to the dinner table. At the table the mystery traveller was revealed, when he took bread, broke it and gave it to them. The disciples eyes were open through something done.

As we come to our dinner tables often times the conversations of the day continue around the table. The disciples on the road to Emmaus 1) were seeking understanding. 2) Jesus guides them to understand through discussing scripture with them. This lays the ground work for the Emmaus road disciples to recognize their encounter with the risen Christ. 3) Christ is revealed in the breaking of bread. As we are a people changed through our own personal encounters with the risen Christ, may we continue to grow in understanding of who Christ is. May the scripture continue to guide direct and shape us. May the risen Christ continue to be made known through what we do.

Emmaus Road

Looking at the Emmaus Road account of the Resurrected Christ making himself known to these two disciples a clear picture of discipleship emerges. On this 7 mile journey from Jerusalem, these disciples have their encounter with the risen Christ. On the road the disciples seek understanding, Discuss the Scripture with Jesus, and through the act of breaking bread their eyes are open.

Seeking Understanding

As the disciples are walking along their way to Emmaus, they are trying to make sense of the things that have happened to Jesus of Nazareth. None of what happened made sense for the political Messiah they had expected. Wrestling with the events of Good Friday, the Women’s claim of an empty tomb, they travel to Emmaus talking with each other trying to find some glimmer of hope in what had happened. Bottom line they were seeking to understand who Jesus of Nazareth really was. In seeking to understand Jesus they were seeking to understand God. They were seeking to understand a crucified and resurrected Messiah.

James 4:8 NLT

8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

When we make moves to understand either initially, or to deepen our understanding of who God is he closes the gap and comes to you. This isn’t just found in James 4:8 but is also displayed in the story of the prodigal son.

As the disciples are on their way to Emmaus God in the person of Jesus Christ joins them, but keeps them from recognizing him. Jesus asks them “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”

They gave Jesus an executive summary of the things that had happened in Jerusalem.

Luke 24:21 NLT

21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.

2. Discussing Scripture

Luke 24:25 NLT

25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures.

Jesus took them on a journey through scripture explaining the things concerning him. Luke doesn’t give us specific passages they discussed but Isaiah 53 is one that comes to mind for me whenever I read this encounter.

Isaiah 53:5–6 NLT

5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. 6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.

Jesus comes along and opens their hearts and minds to understand the scriptures in the shadow of the cross and in the light of the resurrection. Christ their teacher, in life is still their teacher in this new resurrected life. He is still our teacher today, opening our minds and hearts to what his word teaches. If one seeks, prays, and immerses themselves in scripture, then the Lord draws alongside to bring light and understanding. Life in the Spirit is a life reflection on the Scriptures and what they mean for us. Without an encounter with the resurrected Christ the cross and the empty tomb are still a mystery.

3. Be known to us in the breaking of bread.

While their hearts were burning within them as they walked along the road and discussed the scriptures, Christ was not revealed in the discussion. Their discussion was very important to coming to an understanding. It prepared them for that aha moment when suddenly everything clicked.

Luke 22:19 NLT

19 He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

When Jesus took bread, blessed it and gave it to them. Then their eyes were open and they recognized it was Jesus who had been with them. In the simple act of breaking bread the risen Christ had been revealed. Recognizing the risen Christ isn’t the end product of a deep intellectual discussion but it is the gift of God, revealed by the Holy Spirit. Jesus makes himself known to those who diligently seek him.

Revelations at the Table

The disciples had an Aha moment! The resurrected Christ had appeared to them and made himself known in the breaking of bread. So excited and full of hope they raced 7 miles back to Jerusalem to share it with the other disciples. Who had also had their own encounter with the risen Christ.

May we like the disciples on the road to Emmaus continue to seek to understand who Christ is. May we continue to grow in our understanding of the scripture. May Christ continue to be revealed to us in the breaking of bread.

The communion table is the defining event that bridges the pre and post resurrection experience of the disciples. Jesus joins them at the table in both his worldly ministry and his resurrected glory. The table is the place of revelation where mystery is revealed to Christ followers. The table of Communion unites the church with the incarnate Jesus. The bread, that symbolizes his body and the wine that symbolizes his blood unites all believers in the presence of Christ. Lord, be known to us as we break bread together.