Opened Eyes

  “Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him.”
— Luke 24:31 NKJV

To see Jesus as He truly is, our eyes must be opened. Many times, the Lord is in our presence, and we don’t recognize Him. That’s what happened to two of Jesus’ disciples as they traveled from Jerusalem on the road to Emmaus. The event is recorded in Luke 24:13-35.

Jesus had just been crucified, and the disciples were sad, and with good reason. They thought Jesus had come to overthrow the Roman government and rule Israel. Their eyes had not yet been opened to the truth. As they walked, they talked about all that had transpired. While they were talking, Jesus joined them. He asked, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another?” They responded, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem? Haven’t you heard what happened?

The disciples did not understand Jesus’ death. They were probably quoting Old Testament prophecies, trying to piece together what Jesus had taught them about the Messiah, but were unable to make sense of it. Jesus had not yet opened their eyes to the Scriptures. No doubt they wondered: “Why did Jesus have to die? Was there a future for Israel under Roman oppression?

Only Jesus Can Open Blind Eyes

While they walked together, Jesus listened to their concerns and questions. They did not know it was Jesus. He began to explain the Scriptures, unveiling how the Messiah’s suffering and death were necessary to fulfill God’s promises. The words of the prophets, which once seemed mysterious and confusing, now started to make sense under His teaching. Though their hearts burned within them as He spoke, the disciples remained unaware that it was Jesus Himself walking beside them, preparing to open their eyes to the truth they longed to understand.

Just as those two disciples walked alongside Jesus yet failed to recognize Him, we too can miss His presence in our daily lives until He graciously reveals Himself to us. We know God works according to our faith, but we must be mindful that only Jesus can open blind eyes to see and understand the Scriptures. He makes Scripture come alive with new meaning, and we begin to perceive the Lord’s guidance, comfort, and love in ways we hadn’t before.

When we think we know something, it becomes obvious that we don’t. The only way to understand anything for sure is to have Jesus open our eyes to the truth. True understanding does not come through our own insight. It comes when Jesus reveals spiritual reality to us. As we rely on Him, He gives us healthy eyes, bringing clarity to what was once confusing. He gently corrects our misconceptions and illuminates the path ahead.

There are many voices proclaiming truth. Open my eyes, Lord, that I may discern truth and avoid the hidden traps of the enemy.