On the road, their hearts burned. Around the table, their eyes were opened.

Hearing Him interpret for them in “all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” they felt on fire, but having Him serve up the bread — as He took it, blessed it, broke it, and give it to them — well, “at that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized Him” (MSG).

And they couldn’t wait to tell others.

And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, . . . Then they told what had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

(Luke 24:33, 35 ESV)

He was known to them in the breaking of bread . . . That’s what I’m chewing on this morning.

As they walked with and talked at Jesus on the road to Emmaus, shoulder-to-shoulder, they didn’t really know who He was (Lk 24:13-16). As they gave Jesus their ear and let Him do the talking, their hearts were warmed. But when they sat at the table with the risen Savior, face to face, and let Him break the bread and give it to them . . .

Hmm, something about dining with Deity that has a way of dispelling darkness.

We can feed on His word and be stirred, but there’s something about being fed by His hand that makes Him known.

So why don’t we sit at the table with Him more often? More intentionally?

I’m not just talking the communion table — though that’s a good place to start. But I’m thinking more our own dining table, or bedside table, or coffee table, or desk table. Just sitting around our own table with Jesus. Abiding in His presence. Giving space for Him to make Himself known.

Why don’t we make room in all our busyness to book a bit of time and RSVP to His offer?

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me.” ~ Jesus

(Revelation 3:20 ESV)

Shoulder-to-shoulder is great. He walks with me and He talks with Me and He tells me I am His own (Austin Miles, 1912).

Taking in His word, giving Him our ear, having our hearts lit up — that’s good stuff, too! The B-I-B-L-E, yes that’s the book for me (Anon, 1958).

But when, by faith, we turn our eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face (Helen Lemmel, 1922) . . . when we purpose to sit in His presence around a table . . . munching and musing and meditating . . . Oh, then and there is where Jesus makes Himself known.

I hear the knock, Lord. I recognize the voice. I’m opening the door.

Come on in! Let’s eat together!

By Your grace. For Your glory.