The Emmaus Road experience. Luke is the only one who records the drama in detail. The 7-mile journey from Jerusalem was nearly over; yet Cleopas and his wife could not have cared less. Their hearts were singing. They could have walked with the Stranger for ever! The previous week had been hectic. Their best friend had been crucified, their hopes shattered and their happiness destroyed.

The troubled man and woman would never forget the approach of the Stranger. Evidently he knew the Scriptures (v.27). He explained how the death of Jesus was part of God's plan to bring redemption to the world. His sermon had been most inspiring, but unfortunately the delightful traveller was about to leave. But they constrained him saying - "stay with us, it is toward evening and the day will soon be over." Here's a guest they really wanted to stay. You don't press all your guests to spend the night with you.

Sometimes you can't wait for them to go. But here it's different. Come in... and make yourself at home. This couple was about to discover that life is filled with surprises. Not let's go inside that humble cottage. What do we find? I want to share with you at least two truths, each beginning with the letter D: Distribution and Discovery.

Distribution: "While he was sitting at table with them he took the loaf, gave thanks, broke it and passed it to them." Is Jesus always recognised at your table? Well... he is there. I sometimes think that the spreading of our tables would be different if it were remembered that he is there. I am sure we would not be so extravagant sometimes. Our conversation at the meal table would be different if we remembered that he sits with us, the unseen Guest.

Then comes Discovery. "Their eyes were opened wide and they knew him." (V.31). As he gave them the bread in his outstretched hand... they said something like this: 'why... there's the scar'. To conclude, the church should be grateful to the disciples from Emmaus. Their obedience and testimony guaranteed an entrance into God's Hall of Fame.

This week's thought: God made wrinkles to show where the smiles have been.