Luke 24:29

New Living Translation (NLT)

But they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them.

For Meditation

Fatigued by the day’s events and a seven-mile walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus (Lk. 24:13-27), I am sure what the two disciples needed most was time by themselves to rest. Looking forward to the next day and the business ahead, Cleopas and his friend did not need an intruder into their space that night. But the man who had rudely interrupted their conversation on the road, and even called them “foolish” (Lk. 24:25), had a need; so what did they offer? They couldn’t leave Him to travel in the night, with the possibility of bandits attacking him, like the victim in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Their kindness was warm and they were rewarded for it.

1. With all the possible questions and considerations we may have had, would you have done that today? Why then did the two disciples invite their “intruder” into their home to spend the night (29)?
2. But, do you see the opportunity the two disciples would have missed, had they not invited the “stranger” to their home for the night (30-31)?  Would they have had their eyes opened to see their risen Lord and to make sense of the day’s events (32)?
3. Things are different now and it’s not an easy call for any of us to host strangers; but do we close our doors completely out of fear?
4. Don’t you think a little discernment would be necessary? Is it not possible to receive guidance and counsel from the Holy Spirit in all situations?
5. If not our homes, isn’t it possible to host some deserving ones in a hotel for the night if need be? Is that not the heart and beauty of hospitality? Can you imagine realizing in heaven that you hosted an angel that night without knowing (Heb. 13:2)?

I pray we realize how much Jesus wants to come into our homes to eat with us (Rev. 3:20); if only we will open our hearts to Him (Rev. 3:20). He desires our hearts in intimate fellowship with Him. That’s the ultimate act of hospitality, and it’s eternally rewarding.

So, may we gladly invite our Lord Jesus into our busyness and allow Him to take charge of everything. But, let’s be discerning; for He may be coming to us through the needy person by our side.

 

Shalom