Responding to the Cross: Shrug

Jock Stein April 13, 2026 0 0

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Luke 24: 18-31 (NIV-UK)

18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does 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 they did not see Jesus.’

25 He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going further. 29 But they urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them.

30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him, and he disappeared from their sight.

Today we meet two disciples whose understanding of God’s purpose has been wrecked by the cross. They now don’t know what to believe, and their cloud of confusion is not pierced by good theology until the Theologian they have met breaks bread.

Think of the ways your own confusion has been sorted out in the past, and what clouds remain to be dispelled not just by good theology but by the Theologian himself. And when you try to help others understand the faith, what actions can help their hearts burn rather than their shoulders shrug?

PRAY for:

• Those who struggle with suffering
• Those who struggle to believe that Christ has risen
• Those who struggle with bad theology
• Those who struggle with good theology
• Those who struggle to forgive as God has forgiven them

Jock Stein, Preacher, Piper, Poet