Luke 24:13-35

The Walk to Emmaus

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 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.’ Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’ That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!’ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. 

For many Christians, this is one of the loveliest post-resurrection passages; indeed, one of the most meaningful of all the stories of Jesus. At so many levels, the reader is able to engage with what happened on that road to Emmaus.

Perhaps you are going through a bad patch, or a time when God seems either remote or not interested. How can God, a loving God, allow such things to happen? Well, those two disciples on the road, going west into the growing darkness towards Emmaus certainly felt downhearted and rudderless with the recent events. Until of course the ‘stranger’ arrives and asks a question: “What are you discussing …?” As if he didn’t know!

Most of the rest of the conversation is Jesus listening to their narrative of the events surrounding his own trial, death and subsequent disappearance. Importantly, before Jesus offers the godly perspective, he listens to their own honest understanding. For us too, this honesty needs to be an important part of our prayer life. God wants us to tell God as it is, warts and all: our anxieties as well as joys, our disappointments as well as successes, our sheer bewilderment at international, national or personal events. Today, why not let God know how you really feel about coronavirus, social distancing and lockdowns? Then, emptied and having let go of the weight, may we be willing to hear God speaking, reminding us of divine love, and reassuring us that God will always be with us both in this earthly chapter of eternity and for ever.

Recognizing God seems to be easier for some than others. These two disciples offered the stranger hospitality and in that act of grace received so much more; in the breaking of the bread they recognized Jesus – “… their eyes were opened” (v. 31). Jesus does not force himself on any of us. Seeing Jesus in daily life is up to us. An act of kindness, a loving response in any situation, truth lovingly spoken to power, neighbourly living, gracious responses in times of difficulty, etc, can all be interpreted as seeing God, recognising Jesus, in action. For many, receiving the bread and wine of Communion is also one of those occasions.

Whenever we do recognize God in daily living, may our initial response be, like those disciples at Emmaus, to move into the light of dawning reality and to share such good news.

Blessings as we pray that our eyes might be opened and that we might see Jesus in this time of trial.

To Ponder

• If you were to give an example of recognizing God in the world around you, perhaps even in a crisis, what might it be?
• The disciples on the road to Emmaus immediately talked with each other about what was revealed to them. Concerning the things of God, such fellowship is precious. If you have someone with whom you can share, take time today to give thanks for their company and faithfulness.