As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them. . . .

— Luke 24:15

One of the more poignant places where Jesus shows up as the good shepherd is when he goes after two despondent, lost sheep on the road to Emmaus. Jesus meets these two followers in their grief and invites them to tell their story, processing their disappointment. Jesus’ very presence with them reminds them that they still belong to him and are part of his sheepfold, in spite of their doubts and confusion. He literally walks with them in the valley of the shadow of his own death.

The good shepherd is a pursuer. These sheep are on their own, vulnerable, lost, and in need of their shepherd’s care. They are not abandoned to their misconceptions of current events. Jesus seeks them out and tends to them as only he can.

This story serves as a comforting reminder to any of us who may be facing doubts or disappointment with God. Maybe we have had to adjust our understanding of how God is working in our lives, or maybe we feel unworthy of the shepherd’s care because we have wandered away. This picture of Jesus underscores his love for us and our worth to him as his beloved sheep.

In what ways does this story bring you comfort today?

When we feel lost and alone, Lord, open our eyes to your very real presence in our lives. Give us glimpses of your presence and work all around us. Amen.