Partaking of Word and Action

When Jesus broke bread with the disciples on the Road to Emmaus, something happened.  Jesus had spent much time explaining to them from the Scriptures why it was that the Son of Man had to come and die and on the third day be raised from the dead.  Jesus was giving, I’m sure, the perfect Bible study – but after the study, they still did not realize fully Who it was Who was teaching them. 

And then, following the Word, He gave thanks and broke the bread – and then and there they understood it was the Lord who was with them.

Word and Table.  Word and Sacrament.  Word and Action.  These are the two proofs that go together.  These are the means the Holy Spirit uses to impart faith and to strengthen that faith.  You have declared “Christ is risen, Christ is risen indeed.”  Now come and taste and see how good that resurrection is.  Come and welcome to Jesus Christ.