I am an external processor. What does that mean? It means I like to talk. Well, that’s part of it. You see I like to talk about thoughts and ideas that I have not fully formulated. As I do, I gain clarity find direction. There is another benefit. I also get to hear your thoughts. Sometimes, I find that my direction is completely off and the conversation reels me back in. No matter the outcome, I am always encouraged and emboldened by the people that are willing to engage in these conversations.
Today, in Luke 23, we see the disciples engaging in a similar conversation. They are recounting the last couple of days up to and including Jesus’ death. It’s a grim conversation, to be sure. Even so, the conversation helps them process. Through it, they will gain clarity about how it happened and what is next.
Follow the story now as a curious stranger joins the conversation. I can picture the disciples getting all worked up at this man’s ignorance. No, they are not annoyed, they are provoked. “What things?” That is all the man asked, but it is enough. They spend the next several minutes telling, in detail, the events of the last few days and how they unfolded. It would be like telling someone about last night’s game. Whether your team won or lost, the story is filled with passion and emotion.
Of course, for the disciples on this walk, hope was lost. They are filled with sadness. They are filled with defeat. Jesus knew that and he was disappointed. How many times had he told them? How many times had he forecast his own death? How many times had he shared that these events would bring boundless joy? Until at once, he couldn’t hold back any longer. “You foolish people,” he cries! (verse 25).
While the rebuke was stern, it was necessary. Now with their attention, the curious stranger was able to reel in the conversation. He reminds them of the prophets, the predictions and the scriptures that point to the Messiah. He reminds them of the suffering that would occur and also of the ensuing glory.
Now, we know how the story ends. We know that soon after this walk, Jesus would reveal himself. But, before then, as they shared with each other, their hearts were warmed. More than that, their hearts burned (v32). This is different than the sadness and defeat they experienced just moments before. Don’t you feel their excitement, exuberance even? That’s what I want! Don’t you?
As I reflect upon how they went from sadness to exuberance, one thing is clear. Jesus. It was not his presence, though, it was his story. You see, the disciples found life in recounting the events. Then, they experienced true joy when Jesus connected the events to hope. Don’t you know that he does the exact same thing for us? We would do well to talk out the gospel message the same way more often.