19 April 2026 #AdventurewithJesus

This week’s Gospel is one of my absolute favorites, commonly known as ‘the breaking of the bread’ or ‘Road to Emmaus’ saga. There’s just so much going on. Intrigue. Heartbreak. Disappointment. Friendship. Revelation. And yes, a couple of my two favorite words, grace and redemption. ‘All the feels’ that an adventure with Christ is made up of.

Intrigue: You see, the disciples hear of the betrayal of Judas and the cloak-and-dagger meeting of the Sanhedrin. If you’ve watched The Chosen Season 5 episodes, you’ve seen an imaginary – albeit plausible – unfolding of the previous weeks. Jesus has been making enemies of the religious authorities but befriends the poor and oppressed. The Sadducees and Pharisees [who make up the Sanhedrin] talk about him, make covert plans against him, belittle and harass his supporters within the ranks, and ban Jews who follow him from entering the Temple. They even work the mostly pagan Pilate into their scheme. So much drama and intrigue. I doubt any of the men involved slept well in the weeks before the plan to eliminate Jesus came to fruition… including our two intrepid disciples before they hit the road for home.

Heartbreak & Disappointment: These two distraught men, Cleopas and a nameless cohort, have been following Jesus, hence the title ‘disciples,’ but they are not one of the Twelve. Lots of people took lesser-leadership roles as Jesus was making his way through the world. We hear about Joanna, Susanna, Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of James & Joseph, Mary of Clopas, all of whom supported Jesus or were at the foot of the cross. Cleopas, Matthias, and Justus are mentioned by name as disciples too. Finally, the Gospels tell us that many other people were present at the cross… nameless followers who needed to see-it-to-believe-it. And all were heartbroken and disappointed when Jesus whispers, “It is finished.” And gives up his spirit from whence it came.

Friendship: Cleopas and his fellow-disciple decide to return home to Emmaus as soon as possible. Dejected, they talk to each other about all that has happened, trying to make sense of everything. They console each other on the long trek home. It’s what friends do for each other. It’s a very human thing to do. And so important… at the Last Supper Jesus even said, “I no longer call you servants… I call you friends, for everything I have learned from my Father I have made known to you.” Friends know everything about each other and share in each other’s joy and trials. Friends are there for one another, regardless of the circumstances. Jesus created us for friendship, remember. We are never alone. As it should be.

Revelation: Jesus changes the nature of their conversation, from disappointment into joy. Also, as it should be. That’s what happens when we encounter the Lord, let his words sink into our hearts and minds, and reveal to us that we are beloved. Nothing is as bad as it appears. There is nothing Jesus cannot redeem. Including us. Grace and Redemption. #AdventureswithJesus