Perspective depends on the spectator. The relationship of aspects of a subject to each other and to the whole depends on one’s mindset. Wake up in a bad mood, and everything seems meaningless and endless drudgery. Wake up after a deep peaceful sleep, and one can appreciate the Lord brushing a kaleidoscope sky with the sun.
Cleopas and another disciple woke up in a bad mood for three consecutive days. Accepting only some of the truth led them to miss a kaleidoscope morning. The Son greeted them, and their faces remained gloomy (16). “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” the Lord asked (18). They stood still, looking at the dirt path (17).
Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, they knew: 1) He was a prophet. 2) He was powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 3) The chief priests and their rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death. 4) They crucified him. 5) They hoped Jesus was the one who was going to redeem Israel. 6) It had been three days since Jesus was crucified. 7) Some of the women amazed them. They went to the tomb and did not find Jesus’ body. 8) Angels told the women, who told the disciples that Jesus was alive. 9) Peter and John went to the tomb and confirmed the women’s reports. 10) Peter and John did not see Jesus.
Cleopas and the disciple were correct in all these things except one: they only hoped Jesus would redeem Israel. They did not know that Jesus did indeed redeem Israel. Their bad mood was caused by the wrong perspective. Whether in a bad mood or a good mood in the morning, the kaleidoscope sky is still beautiful. Time for a change of mood, viewing the risen Son every morning.
