When Given Great Understanding

Scripture: Then Jesus quoted them passage after passage from the writings of the prophets, beginning with the book of Genesis and going right on through the Scriptures, explaining what the passages meant and what they said about himself. Luke 24:27

Observation: After his resurrection, Jesus twice teaches the disciples about Messianic prophesy. One is generally to the "disciples" and is generally considered to be what was taught for his 40 days after the resurrection. Here is another time. During a seven mile walk, likely taking 2-3 hours, Jesus spends time with Cleopas and another unnamed man - both clearly believers and disciples but neither part of the 12 core disciples - teaching them about all the Messianic passages in the Old Testament, beginning with Genesis itself.

This is one of the greatest lessons there could be. This is, in fact, the one lesson that would have fully convinced any Jew of Jesus' Messianic status pre-crucifixion. Now that his work is complete, Jesus can fully demonstrate how every prophesy was fulfilled by word, deed, and events. And he passes this amazing knowledge to ... one unnamed person, and one person not previously named. This very deep and very personal knowledge is both an honor and a responsibility, as it gives these two people the unique ability to tell others about Jesus, and to pass along the knowledge and thus give others that same ability.

Application: In some way, Jesus has given us all some unique knowledge about him - his love, his nature, his lordship - that is ours to tell others. For many, this is our testimony ... our story about how we encountered Jesus and what he means in our lives. For some, this is truly special knowledge or insight into some component of his nature. We may receive this knowledge through actual divine means, or by being provide understanding of a biblical teaching.

For me, I have my testimony of how Jesus responded to me in my time of despair. I also have very clear understanding of why we need to communicate about Jesus in certain ways to non-believers, which is based in specific teachings of Paul. Similarly, Cleopas and his companion were given both the experience of their encounter, and deep knowledge about prophesy.

It is encouraging to see how Jesus still teaches us and gives us great understanding about himself, through both our interaction with him, and the word of God.

Prayer: Lord, you knowledge is so wonderful and so great, but it is never greater than when it pertains to yourself and the Messianic promise of Jesus. Thank you for your love, which gives us all understanding of our faith. May I find ways to guide others to discovering your love and knowledge as well. Amen.