Jesus Appears on the Road to Emmaus
June 26, 2019
Commentary
As this scene opens we find two men walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, which was about eight miles northwest of Jerusalem (vv. 13-17). These men were disciples (not apostles), and one of them was named Cleopas (v. 18). As they walked they were discussing the events of the past several days, including Christ’s crucifixion and the reports of his resurrection. We get the impression that the men were disappointed because God had not done what they wanted Him to do. As they walked, Jesus joined them, but they were supernaturally prevented from recognizing Him (v. 16). As He listened to their conversation, He asked why they were so sad (v. 17). They asked Him if He was a stranger in the area and did not know all the things that had happened in Jerusalem that weekend (v. 18).
At that point Jesus displays a sense of humor as He asked, “What things?” (v. 19). Then they unfolded the account of how they had though Jesus was the Messiah until His crucifixion had shattered their hopes (vv. 20-24). They did not believe all that the prophets had written about the Messiah. Jesus then opened the Word of God and gave them a Bible lesson (vv. 25-27). As He opened the Scriptures, their eyes were opened and they realized that Jesus was not only alive, but right there with them. At one point they thought He was going to leave them and they begged Him to stay. After this He broke bread with them. Then He disappeared from them and they immediately hastened back to Jerusalem to tell the believers they had been with Jesus (vv. 28-35).
Application
If it had been me walking with the Lord, I should have wanted to tell others about Him. May that be the example of my life as I walk with Him each day of my life.
Luke 24:13– 27 (NET)
13 Now that very day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking to each other about all the things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and debating these things, Jesus himself approached and began to accompany them 16 (but their eyes were kept from recognizing him). 17 Then he said to them, “What are these matters you are discussing so intently as you walk along?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 He said to them, “What things?” “The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene,” they replied, “a man who, with his powerful deeds and words, proved to be a prophet before God and all the people; 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. Not only this, but it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Furthermore, some women of our group amazed us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back and said they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” 25 So he said to them, “You foolish people —how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things written about himself in all the scriptures.