Near the end of Luke’s Gospel, he tells a post-resurrection story about Jesus appearing to Cleopas and a friend on the road to Emmaus. To say the least, Jesus does the unexpected.

First, Jesus disguises Himself so they don’t recognize Him. Second, Jesus plays dumb and asks Cleopas why he’s so sad.

Third, Jesus listens to all Cleopas has to say. Cleopas talks about his belief that Jesus was a prophet, his shattered hopes that Jesus might have been the Christ, and his confused thoughts about the empty tomb.

Fourth, Jesus isn’t ready to reveal Himself yet, but He is ready to talk! In particular, Jesus is ready to utterly destroy everything Cleopas has just said. And, believe me, Jesus doesn’t come in soft and sweet. “You fools,” Jesus says. “You slow-hearted doubters. You’re unwilling to connect the dots and believe what is so clearly revealed throughout the Scriptures.”

Why does Jesus speak harshly? He does so out of love. And Jesus does so because harsh words get our full attention in a way nothing else will. Cleopas will remember everything Jesus says.

If your heart is burning, wisely ask the Holy Spirit to speak. Then stop everything—and listen! He will lead you in ways to reach your world in this, your generation.  

This is Luis Palau.