Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about 7 miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing Him.

 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. 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?”—Luke 24:13-18

Just days before His death, Jesus made His triumphal march through Jerusalem to the sound of cheering crowds. He was their long-awaited king, their deliverer from the oppression of Rome.

Even His disciples were ready for a warrior king. But their King did not battle their oppressors. He yielded to them. He did not stand up to his accusers. He silently took their taunts. And then He died a horrible, ugly, humbling death.

What had they prepared for during those three years of ministry? What did it all mean? Jesus’ disciples were left confused, grief-stricken and uncertain where to turn next.

Other believers shared their despair. Cleopas and his companion tried to process the events of those trying days during their walk on the road to Emmaus. Their fates as Roman subjects were sealed. Their hope, it was certain, was gone, because their Deliverer was gone.

As these two men walked along the road, away from the devastating events of Jerusalem, they were joined by a stranger. This stranger explained using Scripture why it was necessary for Jesus to die. They invited their new friend to dinner, where He said the blessing.

Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, and He disappeared from their sight.—Luke 24:31

Their story wasn’t over. Jesus was alive! Despair turned to wonderment as sin, death and hell were forever defeated with His resurrection. Their story was being rewritten before their eyes. Hope was reborn. Life was made new.

Jesus’ death and resurrection have changed human history. They have changed millions, if not billions, of lives. They have changed my life, and they can change yours.

You may think nothing is ever going to change in your life. You may think you have no hope of knowing true joy or peace. You may think your life is simply something to endure until it ends. But friend, you were meant for so much more.

Jesus never intended to give you a life you are doomed to endure. He came to give you abundant life.

The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.—John 10:10

Your story, like the story of those men on the road to Emmaus, is not over. Jesus is there. Even when your vision is obscured by fears, failures, doubts and preoccupations, He is still there.

He stands ready to help you break free from the chains that bind you and the strongholds that hold you down. He offers you forgiveness, freedom from your past and unconditional love. He offers you new life. But have you claimed that new life in Christ? If you have, are you walking in it?

Let Him help you write the rest of your story. It will be a story of purpose, joy and victory and of a life without end.