Bright Wednesday

He Was with Them All Along — A Note from the Kitchen Table

Apr 24, 2025

He Was with Them All Along

— A Note from the Kitchen Table

Gospel Reading:

“Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel...Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. ’So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. ‘

Luke 24:13-31

One of my favorite moments in Scripture is when the two disciples, walking the dusty road to Emmaus, finally realize who has been with them all along. They’d poured out their grief to a stranger, speaking of Jesus—the one they had hoped would redeem Israel—without knowing they were speaking to Him.

“He took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened.” I especially love how their eyes were opened in the breaking of the bread. After miles of walking with Him, after wrestling with sorrow and disappointment, after recounting all their shattered hopes—it was at the table, in the most ordinary of acts, that they finally saw Him.

There’s something deeply comforting about that scene. Jesus didn’t rush to reveal Himself. He walked with them in their sadness. He listened. He reminded them of truth, pointing back to the promises of Scripture. And finally, in the quiet act of breaking bread—an everyday, familiar moment—their eyes were opened, and they saw Him clearly.

I wonder how many times we’ve missed Him on the road. In our own discouragement, in the heaviness of unanswered prayers, or in the busyness of the day. Yet still, He draws near. He stays with us. And at just the right moment, He lets us see.

My prayer is that your table would be that kind of space today—a place of presence, revelation, and comfort. Whether shared with others or set simply for one, may it become holy ground. May your heart burn with the truth of His nearness. And may your eyes be opened to see the One who walks with you still.

Here’s just a little glimpse of the beauty I witnessed in the kitchen recently—a reminder that even in the ordinary, He is near.