And behold, on that very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem. And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.

Big events in life can take some time to process. We play the moments in our head repeatedly as we sort through feelings and make sense of what has taken place. This may happen following a joyful event such as a birth or the tragic loss of death. The disciples in this passage were in the middle of processing. They had grieved the loss of Jesus on the cross and then heard the testimony of the resurrection and the report of the empty tomb, but they were still putting the pieces together.

Jesus could have appeared and scolded these disciples for their unbelief, but He was gracious and patient with them. For a moment, He even kept them from recognizing Him. He guided them as they processed but He did not make provide quick fix for the things they were wrestling with. He walked with them, allowed them to discuss, spent time with them, and then opened their eyes. So many of us long for clarity in life. We want quick answers, missing Jesus’s presence in the process. While we want answers, Jesus is with us through the questions. Hebrews 4:15-16 says, “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.” Our Savior, Jesus, can sympathize with us, even as we process the big moments of life. We can approach Him confidently and ask for His help in every moment we face.

• What is the last big event you needed time to process?
• Do you easily turn your focus to Christ as you process? How can you seek Him even in moments of grief and sorrow?
• Pray and speak honestly to God about questions or events you have been processing, asking for His help.