Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
The whole passage is found in Luke 24:13-35
One of the passages of the Bible that to me is truly instructive of positive and healing interaction with people is the story of Jesus on the road to Emmaus. This took place right after his resurrection. He encountered Cleopas and his traveling partner (probably the writer of the story, Luke) as they were walking together, dejected after the death of Jesus. They had not heard that Jesus was risen, so they were very dispirited and grieving.
As they walked along, they were joined by a fellow traveler- Jesus- yet they did not recognize him at the time. Jesus inquired about their state of mind, knowing that they were grieving. We see in the answer of Cleopas that he displayed the irritability of those who are grieving. He responded to Jesus by essentially saying (in my poetic license of modern-day response) “Man how could you miss what happened here in the last week? What’s wrong with you!”
Jesus let him go on to explain how he felt. Jesus could have said to him “Your troubles are over, it’s me, Jesus, I arose from the dead!” But of course, Jesus did not. He let Cleopas talk to express his pain. Jesus kept Cleopas talking as they went along. He later explained to Cleopas why all these events had happened so that the redemption story could be fully played out. Jesus became the one who comforted them with the truth. Jesus stayed with them, and in due time, revealed himself to them- when they were ready for it.
Jesus was the master at knowing people, knowing what they needed, and then how to give them that complete and satisfying answer to their needs.
Great mental health principles in the Bible don’t you think?
Prayer: Lord, you have given us Jesus, the great healer and friend, Amen
Reflections of a Counselor 