When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him … Luke 24:30-31 NIV
Luke 24 records a fascinating story about something that happened shortly after Jesus’ resurrection. On Sunday morning, some of the women who closely followed Jesus went to the tomb to anoint His body. When they arrived, the tomb was empty, but two men dressed in clothes that gleamed like lightening suddenly stood before them and asked, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here, he has risen! Remember how he told you when he was still with you in Galilee that he would be crucified and on the third day he would rise again?”
The women ran back to the eleven disciples and the others who were with them and joyfully shared the news. But no one believed. It sounded like nonsense to them. Peter went to the tomb and saw no body, just strips of cloth. Later that same day, two of them (one named Cleopas) were walking along the road and Jesus began walking with them. He asked them what they were discussing. Incredibly, they didn’t recognize Him. Cleopas said, “Are you the only one around here who doesn’t know what’s been happening?” Then they told Him everything about the crucifixion and burial of the One they had hoped would redeem them. They told about the empty tomb. Jesus challenged them on their lack of faith. He said, “Did you forget or not believe the things the prophets said that the Messiah would suffer this way?” Then He explained to them everything the Prophets had said about Him. They still didn’t know who He was.
It was now evening as they approached the village where the two disciples intended to stay. Jesus kept walking. They urged Him to stay with them and He did. Sitting down at the table with them to eat dinner, even though they had invited Him, He WAS Jesus, and Jesus always was the caring host. He took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and began to give it to them. In that moment their eyes were opened and they recognized Him. Jesus left them physically, but they were changed! They had been with their risen Lord. They immediately returned to Jerusalem to share that they knew for a fact that Jesus was who He said He was, and He was alive! There Jesus showed Himself to all of them and taught them, engaging them for the mission to come. It all happened when they recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread.
That’s what is intended every time we participate in the breaking of the bread – we recognize Jesus. We remember who He is and what He has done and is doing We grow in intimate relationship with Him.
- “Open our eyes, Lord – we want to see Jesus.” Help us take every opportunity we have in partaking of communion to remember and recognize our risen King.