Downcast Faces

October 15

(Luke 24:17-24 NIV) ““He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. {18} One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" {19} "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. {20} The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; {21} but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. {22} In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning {23} but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. {24} Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.””

(John 16:16-22 NIV) ““In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me." {17} Some of his disciples said to one another, "What does he mean by saying, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and' Because I am going to the Father'?" {18} They kept asking, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We don't understand what he is saying." {19} Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'? {20} I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. {21} A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. {22} So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.””

Without the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Christian has no cause for joy. Our salvation is found in His suffering atonement and His glorious victory over death. There are teachers today who say that it’s unhealthy to focus on the cross and the blood of Jesus. They contend that the love of Christ, along with His life’s teaching, should be sufficient for Christian joy. But the two men on the road to Emmaus knew better. They had walked with Jesus. They had experienced His love and teaching. But they had no joy. They walked with downcast faces. They had hoped… but now they had none. It was not until they met the risen Christ, and came to understand His death for the forgiveness of their sin, that they found cause for celebration. Jesus came to bleed and die for the salvation of sinners. Only when we know that, and know Him as risen, can we find healing for our downcast faces. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day