And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

                                                                                                     Luke 24:25-27 

Today: Read Luke 24

One of the lessons that we learn as we study history is that we should not assess historical situations using the knowledge that we have presently. In other words, we allow people within a historical context to move and behave in ways consistent with their knowledge at the time. Today’s passage is one such event. It would be easy for us to wonder how these two walking to Emmaus could not understand that Christ was risen. Given all of the scripture in the New Testament that we now have concerning the resurrection of Jesus, we might be tempted to question the ignorance of these individuals. But that would be unfair in that they did not have the entire canon of scripture that we possess today. They were living only three days after the crucifixion event and still trying to make sense of everything that had taken place. So we should place ourselves in their shoes before making any assessments regarding their inability to comprehend.

However, Jesus does refer to them as “foolish” and “slow of heart to believe.” They did have the prophets of the Old Testament as a reference for the things that had taken place yet they were unable to make the connection between those prophetic words and the meaning behind those recent events. As the two men were unable to recognize Jesus, He began to converse with them and to instruct them about Himself and the events that had transpired.

When we consider this account, I believe that it is beneficial for us to examine our own lives in light of their lack of understanding. Would God identify us as “foolish” and “slow of heart to understand” or would He commend us for our faithfulness in believing the good news? This is where I believe that study of the scripture is imperative for spiritual growth. Jesus identified for these two men the scripture in the prophets as sufficient for instruction in their day likewise the entire canon of scripture now serves as a spiritual roadmap for those of us living between the first and second coming of Christ. When we fully appreciate the Bible for its power to transform us from the inside out, we have positioned ourselves for maximum spiritual growth protecting us from becoming “slow of heart to believe.” As we conclude, consider three passages instructing us on the function and importance of scripture:

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 

                                                                                                     Hebrews 4:12 

All Scripture is inspired by God (God breathed) and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

                                                                                             2 Timothy 3:16-17 

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 

                                                                                             2 Timothy 2:15 

It is my prayerful hope that these studies will assist you in your walk with Christ. May you be blessed as you continue to make the study of God’s Word a priority in your life and the life of your family!