Luke 24:13-19 “And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass therein these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people.”
Text Acts 17:28 “For in him we live, and move, and have our being.”
In spite of the fact that these individuals have made several mistakes that Our Lord need correct; they implemented a proper principle that is worthy of noting! Having joined them in their journey, Jesus set forth a question; “What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?” The thing to note is; whatever consumed their conversation at the same time consumed their conduct; their entire life was controlled by the subject of their conversation! Jesus’ question points out two specific areas under control; the first was their movements, “as ye walk.” They had broken away from their fellow believers at Jerusalem for the opportunity to return home. Their conversation reveals that it was no longer necessary or worth remaining with the others. Whatever had drawn and held them in one place was now the motivation to travel to another. The second area Jesus noted was their mood, “and are sad?” The word “sad” means gloomy or affecting a mournful appearance, a sullen appearance. Their very appearance revealed that they were disappointed and upset with the present situation. Their entire disposition was being controlled by this one element under consideration. That which they considered, spoke of, and was constantly upon their lips has become the master of their entire life; it dictates their movements and determines their mood!
In response to Our Lord’s question, “What things?”; “they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth.” The thoughts of Jesus became the all-consuming factor in their lives! While their perspective may have been wrong, the principle was right! Cleopas and his traveling companion chose to make “Jesus of Nazareth” the single motivating factor of life! Jesus determined the subject of conversations, the selection of companions, and the spirit of contentment; Jesus was everything! That’s the proper principle that should be the motivating force of each believer?