I love how Jesus walked with his friends after his resurrection on the road to Emmaus. He just showed up to other friends in their room as they were discussing the report of his resurrection. Their peace was ripped out of their hearts when the gruesome reality of the cross sank in. But then, he begins a new thing, a new revelation to restore their peace.

He starts communicating with words of peace to them. Then he asked questions regarding their troubled thoughts. Finally he told them to focus on Him. Some of them still did not believe. He then opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Could it be that deliverance has come to us in the same way that Jesus showed up to his friends but like some of his friends, we chose not to believe? Have you ever stopped and considered that hope is already present just like Jesus revealed himself tangibly? I know that he anticipates my struggle with truth and grace. Just like he did with his friends, he always settles me with his peace in the midst of my questions. I can’t quite explain it, but I appreciate his nearness to me right smack dab in my huddle around my concerns. Sometimes even I get wrapped up and tangled in questions, but I feel relief when I allow him to come close.

Oh yes, he knows the questions and concerns in my heart so like he posed questions to his friends, he speaks to me: “Why are you troubled and why do doubts arise in your mind?” He wants to know the reasons that I am troubled. He is the definition of peace but knows when my peace is missing.

I have a feeling that the hearts of Jesus’ friends had no peace since his crucifixion on the cross. He had told them that this would happen but they still were in shock that their Jesus died. Jesus provided his resurrected body as proof that He was truly alive again with skin on and ate their food. He then performed another supernatural miracle: he opened their minds so that they could understand the Scriptures.

Unless he reveals his words in the Scriptures and opens our understanding, we will remain in a hopeless state. We must read his words and meditate on them. He will supply the missing peace that passes understanding in our moments of doubt. He knew how to bring peace in that room with his friends. He still cares and is open to our questions. I believe that ultimately I must look at his sacrifice and obedience to his father to provide peace for the world. As this truth seeps through my holes of doubt, I cling to him and trust that his words are true. I can count on him to open my mind to understand his words and learn.

Oh friend, lean into Jesus and let him restore your mind. Whatever it is that you are dealing with, picture him saying, “Peace!” to you. Give him your questions then read his word, the Bible, so he can open your understanding.

I invite you to start by reading this passage:

Luke 24: 36-49

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”