The dejected disciples walking home to Emmaus from Jerusalem after the crucifixion were walking away from a narrative that had failed them. They are joined by the risen Jesus who interprets the scriptures and reframes their experience in the light of them. Their story ends in a dramatic shift - a sudden change in direction, and a desire to return to Jerusalem, the place of failure and shame - where they will inhabit the story afresh and where they will tell the story of salvation with understanding, realism and hope. Today we are brought face to face with many failed narratives. The Black Lives Matter movement has exposed how structural and endemic racism is, political discourse has undermined public trust, truth itself has become a moveable feast, and the pandemic has shown how fragile our hopes and dreams can be. Institutions and individuals alike are seeking direction. David Hoyle takes us through the scriptures and the whole story of salvation so that we too can inhabit a different, bigger and better story than the prevailing narratives and live with purpose and joy.
