{"id":2766,"date":"2023-04-06T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nancylucenay.com\/staging\/8869\/?p=2766"},"modified":"2025-07-14T17:48:56","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T21:48:56","slug":"discovering-the-one-whos-hidden-in-plain-sight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nancylucenay.com\/staging\/8869\/discovering-the-one-whos-hidden-in-plain-sight\/","title":{"rendered":"Discovering the One Who’s Hidden in Plain Sight"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

One minute I had it; the next minute, I didn\u2019t. How could I have lost it? I looked around, remembering when I had last noticed it\u2014my favorite red bracelet, a gift from my older son. But no matter how hard I searched, I couldn\u2019t find it. Finally, despite my sorrow, I reminded myself that it was only a piece of jewelry, not someone I loved. So, imagine my surprise several weeks later when I moved the car seat and discovered my lost bracelet. It had been there all along, hidden in plain sight and waiting to be discovered. What else is waiting?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dashed Dreams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Three days after Jesus\u2019 crucifixion, some women reported his missing body and the angel\u2019s words about the resurrection to the disciples. But the men refused to believe<\/a> it because the information came from women. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later that day, Cleopas and another follower (His wife? Peter? Luke? Someone else?) discussed recent events as they left the fellowship of believers and traveled toward Emmaus. Disillusioned and disappointed, they tried to reconcile what they expected\u2014what they thought Scripture said\u2014with what happened. They presumed Jesus would free Israel from Rome\u2019s bondage; instead, he died a disgraceful death. Shame and hopelessness weighed on their hearts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Mysterious Stranger<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Soon, Jesus joined the disciples\u2019 journey, but his identity was hidden from them. Perhaps, their expectations and emotions blinded them. Moreover, his apparent ignorance of the day\u2019s biggest news shocked them. After all, crucifixions were public affairs, and the report of a missing body would travel fast. So they revealed their disappointment and confusion, relating the correct facts but drawing the wrong conclusions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus rebuked them for failing to recognize the truth hidden in Scripture: the Messiah\u2019s suffering was his path to glory. Did they only believe the parts of the Bible that agreed with their pre-conceived ideas? Then Jesus explained how the crucifixion confirmed rather than negated his identity as the Messiah. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Jesus acted as if he were traveling further, his companions urged him to stay the night. The expected hospitality provided a good excuse because their hearts burned with a desire to hear more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hidden No More<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although Jesus was a guest in their home, he assumed the host position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. <\/p>\nLuke 24:30<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

As soon as Jesus performed those actions, Cleopas and the other disciple recognized him. Perhaps they had been present when he took the loaves, gave thanks, and broke the bread before feeding 5,000 men (Matthew 14:19) or when he repeated the same steps in feeding 4,00 (Matthew 15:36). Whatever the trigger, they turned to one another in astonishment\u2014the Messiah had hidden in plain sight! His mission accomplished, Jesus disappeared. Then his overjoyed followers returned to Jerusalem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Symbolism of Bread<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bread is a potent symbol in Judaism and Christianity<\/a> that points to God\u2019s provision and presence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n