Jesus declared that He had come to give life to the fullest – abundant life (John 10:10). Abundant life is eternal life, an experience that begins the moment we come to Christ and receive Him as Lord and Savior, and goes on throughout eternity. Jesus Himself provides the biblical definition of life –especially eternal life: “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). It’s interesting that this definition makes no mention of length of days, health, prosperity, family, or occupation. As a matter of fact, the only thing it does mention is knowing God, which is key to true abundant life, which is spiritual abundance. The Christian life revolves around, as Peter writes: “Growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18a). This teaches that the abundant life is a continual process of learning, practicing, and maturing, as well as, failing, recovering, adjusting, enduring, and overcoming. We are to know God and make Him known.
There is a fascinating account of a post-resurrection appearance of Christ found in the twenty-fourth chapter of Luke’s Gospel. We discover that two of Christ’s disciples are traveling to Emmaus from Jerusalem on Resurrection Sunday when a Jesus, whom they do not recognize, joins them. Together they walked and discussed the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The disciples are mourning Christ’s death and the death of hope. But, as they travel Jesus explains from the Scriptures all that had just occurred. The Divine Author of the Book explains His work, connected the dots throughout sacred history to the events that had just taken place.
When they reach Emmaus, the Scriptures tell us that Jesus acted as if He were going to continue on, but the disciples ask Jesus to stay with them. In fact, the passage says that they “constrained Him to stay.” He remains and later at supper the disciple’s eyes are opened, and they recognize Him. Jesus had promised that He would show Himself to those who love Him (see: Jn 14:21), and this is precisely what He does on the road to Emmaus. Jesus then vanished, and the two disciples return to Jerusalem where they pronounce to the eleven apostles that the Lord had risen!
The Emmaus road account shows us how the Old Testament and its prophecies point to Jesus. It also provides an evidential appearance of Jesus, which supports the resurrection of Christ. Lastly, the account presents us with a model of the journey Jesus makes with us today, leading us to live the abundant life. Jesus still opens our eyes so we can recognize Him. Jesus still points us to His Word, the Bible. As we study Scripture, we have the privilege of having access to God. The purpose of the Bible is to point to God. Jesus still reveals Himself to us.
The disciples on the road to Emmaus did not expect Christ to show up. They were mourning His death as well as the death of hope. But, once Christ shows up amazing things happen. What catches my attention is what they might have missed if they hadn’t “constrained” Him to stay with them. I believe Jesus would have proceeded and they would have none the wiser of what they missed.
I am challenged to live a life expectant of God showing up. Wondrous things happen when we begin to expect God to show Himself to us. I am also challenged to ask myself one crucial question, “How much of Jesus do I really want?” I realize that it’s not Christ who limits Himself in my life, but me. Our Lord is willing to offer as much of Himself as we want. This means that I get as much of Him as I truly want. I can simply be satisfied with a little of Jesus in my life here and there, or I can receive the fullness of Christ on every step of life’s journey.
I pray that my answer to, “how much of Jesus do you really want” is that I want all He is willing to offer me. I am thankful that in every situation in life, that I have the ultimate source of power and love with me on my Emmaus Road. I merely need to recognize Him, be expectant, and be open to all He has for me. This, at least in part, is what it means to live the abundant life – to know Him and empowered to make Him known.
It’s a privilege to serve our Lord with each of you. Let us ask God to make us ever aware of His presence and encourage each other to live expectant of His workings in and through us. I pray that our answer to, “how much of Jesus we really want,” is as much as He offers us. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!