They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. . . . Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

— Luke 24:33-35

The news about Jesus was too important for the disciples in Emmaus to keep to themselves! Isn’t it interesting that these disciples “returned at once to Jerusalem” to tell the others about their meeting with Jesus? A little while earlier, they had urged Jesus to stay with them because it would soon be dark—and generally too dangerous to travel. But now they rushed back to Jerusalem, seemingly without a care for their own safety. These disciples could not contain their excitement to tell the good news about Jesus. They were no longer victims of a terrible loss; they were disciples on a mission.

They realized that their calling was to confirm the teaching of the Scriptures about Jesus and to bear witness about the resurrected Jesus to others who were feeling lost and defeated. They brought to the other disciples the same encouragement, comfort, and grace that they had received.

When we think of ourselves as part of Jesus’ sheepfold, it can be easy to think that we have been invited to be passive followers. What we see in the Emmaus disciples’ response is that we too are invited to partner with Jesus.

We are called to tell the world that God loves everyone so much that he continues to seek all who are lost so that they can come home where they belong.

Who in your midst needs to hear this good news?

Lord, give us courage and energy to share your good news with all who need to hear it. Amen.