28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
Unbeknownst to these disciples that they were even in the presence of the Master, their unobservant minds betrayed the longing and understanding of their hearts preventing them from acknowledging His identity even as Jesus spoke the Truth to them. Nonetheless, every true encounter with Jesus will leave us begging Him to stay.
“In His presence, and in communion with Him, the believer finds safety, strength, and the most exalted joy.” C. H. Von Bogatzky
8 I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalms 16:8 (NIV)
11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalms 16:11 (NIV)
I am reminded of Peter’s encounter of the glorified Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration – His desire was to put up shelters and remain right there on the mountain in the presence of Christ and the likes of Moses and Elijah. Can’t say that I much blame him! Who wouldn’t want to sojourn permanently with Jesus, Moses and Elijah? We find in Matthew:
1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. Matt 17:1-8 (NIV)
In Luke’s account of this passage, he adds that a discussion occurred between Jesus, Moses and Elijah regarding Jesus’ soon departure:
29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, 31 appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Luke 9:29-31 (NIV)
It is no wonder Peter wanted to stay close by! In similar fashion, the disciples represented in our verses for today were also hanging on the sweetness of Jesus’ words; they had no desire to part company – even if His identity was masked. At the very least, it was a confirmation of the following Proverb:
9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel. Prov 27:9 (NIV)
The Master expounded the Old Testament scriptures to them showing them fulfilled through Jesus of Nazareth.
“One would have given a great deal for a copy of the sermon Christ preached to them by the way, of that exposition of the Bible which he gave them. The disciples are so charmed with it, that they think they are come too soon to their journey’s end.” Matthew Henry
Believer, we should take note that Jesus would have continued on His journey had not these disciples urged Him strongly to stay. Ever the Gentlemen, Jesus comes where He is entreated and welcomed. Those who would have Christ dwell with them must invite Him with persistence – if He should appear to draw away from us it is only to demonstrate to us our intense need and longing for His presence. im to ourselves.
“Those who have experienced the pleasure and profit of communion with Christ cannot but covet more of His company, and beg him, not only to walk with them all day, but to stay with them at night.” Matthew Henry
20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Rev 3:20 (NIV)