Along The Road to Bethany

During the week following our Easter celebration, I have enjoyed thinking about those earlier followers of Jesus.

Even though Jesus had repeatedly told them about His soon to be crucifixion, death, AND resurrection – they had difficulty understanding the meaning of all He had said. Perhaps that’s why He appeared to them multiple times during the days afterward. It certainly was a way of proving out all of those things He had already told them.

Recently, I have enjoyed reading through Luke 24. The entire chapter has caught my attention in a very real way. I often find it’s both meaningful and fun to “step into scripture” as if I were there. So when I read verse 50, my heart skipped a beat.

“Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He blessed them.” (Luke 24:50 HCSB)

I remembered from earlier study that Bethany is a mile or so from Jerusalem where the Jesus followers were hunkered down in fear, doubt, and questions of . . . What just happened?!?

It was there in Jerusalem – in this gathering of heartbroken disciples – that Jesus appeared to them, making it plain to them that He had indeed done what He said He was going to do.

“These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms.” (Luke 24:44 NKJV)

And then the scriptures reveal that He “opened their eyes to understand” as He continued to talk with them.

What happened next is what jumped out at me in a fresh way!

They got on the road for that mile or so walk towards Bethany. Soon, He would leave them again, for Jesus knew the precise moment He would ascend to His Father as they neared that place, and He provided more talk time - more “joyful chatter of excitement and dreaming about what would come next” time.

My attention became fixed on this Walking and Talking Time with Jesus!

Scripture doesn’t say anything about the exchange of words between Jerusalem and Bethany, but I bet it was quite an engaging - if not giddy - conversation, don’t you? Questions to ponder:

How long has it been since you have had a simple walk and talk time with Jesus?

How long has it been since you have craved to get away with Him all by yourself and pour out your doubts, fears, and worries?

How long has it been since you were giddy in His presence and talked with Him about your hopes and dreams?

We see from God’s inspired Word that afterwards, as they neared Bethany, Jesus lifted up His hands and blessed them.

Jesus is worthy of all of our walks and talks with Him. I personally believe He loves to hear His children’s chit-chat and voices raised to Him - as we delight in The One having the answers to our questions and The One sharing our dreams, hopes, AND our concerns.

Just imagine the chatter that filled the ears of Jesus during that mile walk with His first disciples.

It surely must have delighted His heart, knowing the joy that bubbled up and out of their souls - because they were with Their Risen Lord... And, He blessed them at the end of that conversation!

Can you accept the fact that Jesus delights in your company as you get exuberant about being in His presence? JOY awaits, and a BLESSING too as you simply enjoy being with Him.

Think about your personal road to Bethany this week – and place Him in your plans.

This Week’s Challenge

Deliberately carve out some alone time with Jesus by getting away from your normal routine and environment. Be excited about having time with Him only, and expectant about the blessing you will receive from the time you share together. As you enjoy Him, be assured He is enjoying YOU!

“When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me, you’ll find me.” (Jeremiah 29:12-13 The Message)