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Friends in the risen Jesus,
Our Easter joy continues this week as we witness yet another post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to His disciples. All of these appearances share similarities, but they're each unique as well. Consider what we've witnessed thus far:

On Easter, we met Mary Magdalene outside the empty tomb. Mary was broken and sobbing and missing her best friend. She was without her voice, the voice who had set her free. The voice who loved her and consoled when no one else could or would. She was sad and needed comfort. And then Jesus showed up and said, "Mary."

Last week we met the disciples huddled up in the dark, quiet room paralyzed with fear. Though they sad and missed Jesus, too, they were more afraid of what would happen to them without Jesus. And then Jesus showed up and said, "Peace be with you." 

In between those two accounts on Easter Sunday is what we'll witness this week. Jesus meets two more of His disciples as they travel along a road outside of Jerusalem. While these men were both sad like Mary and afraid like the eleven, what they communicate about Jesus reveals what they were most missing: "We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel." These men were without hope. And then Jesus showed up and said, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe." Haha. Okay, maybe the last one isn't quit as endearing. But here's the point: the resurrected Jesus shows up to give each of His followers what they needed and were lacking. 

This Sunday, and really every Sunday, Jesus promises to show up and do the same for you. Are you sad? Afraid? Lost? Without hope? Come meet your living Lord this Sunday and listen to Him speak comfort and peace and joy and hope into your heart and life. He lives and is walking alongside you, regardless of what path you're currently on. I pray that path leads you here again on Sunday. Jesus will show up; He always does. I hope you will too. 

God bless your weekend in His name and with His grace!