Luke 24:13-35 - The Road to Emmaus

Now on the same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about 7 miles from Jerusalem, 14) and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15) While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16) but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17) And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. 18) Then on 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?” 19) 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, 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 to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22) Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23) 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. 24) 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) Then he said to them, “Oh how foolish you are, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26) Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27) Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. 28) As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29) But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now already over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30) When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31) Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32) They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the read, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33) That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34) They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35) Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Background: This passage follows immediately upon Peter’s confused departure from the empty tomb that first Easter morning. From there we move to a new scene a short distance from Jerusalem, where two despairing disciples are headed to a nondescript town called Emmaus. This is undoubtedly the most well developed and beautiful of the resurrection appearance stories in the Gospels and it occurs only in Luke. The story seeks to answer the question: how can believers experience the risen Christ?

Incognito: There are many stories in the scriptures and in Ancient Near Eastern culture of divine encounters in which God or an angel appears in disguise. In Genesis, Abraham and Sarah encounter the three divine visitors at the Oaks of Mamre. They do not recognize them as God even when they pronounce upon them that they would have a child after long years of barrenness. In Exodus, Moses encounters God in a burning bush.

In Hebrews, we are counseled not to neglect hospitality to strangers because we might entertain angels unawares. The thought behind these encounters is that, from time to time, God will come to us in disguise in order to test us to see if we really believe what we say we believe. In this text, the test is whether or not these disciples truly understand what has happened in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Word Study/Comment
Vs.13 - on the same day – the first Easter day
Two of them – two of Jesus’ extended band of followers
Emmaus – no one knows for sure where this town was. There are many guesses. What is certain is that is was a small town that was not very noteworthy. Nor do we know why these disciples were going there. Perhaps it was home for them and they were returning in defeat from the Passover celebration in Jerusalem.
All these things – the betrayal, death and empty tomb of Jesus.
Vs. 16 – their eyes were kept from recognizing – there is much debate about what caused their inability to perceive Jesus. Scholars propose three possibilities, divine prevention, the shape of their own hearts, or Satanic prevention.
Vs. 17 – literally – “What are these words that you have been pitching back and forth to each other?”
Stood still – Jesus’ question paralyzes them for a moment
Looking sad – downcast, gloomy
Vs. 18 – there are several ways this verse could be translated. The important thing is the irony that Cleopas thinks that the one person that really does know what happened is the only one that doesn’t know.
Vs. 19-24 – provide a summary of the passion account.
Vs. 25 –28 – Jesus puts the pieces together for them through the scriptures. It is very important to the early church that Jesus fulfills the Old Testament scriptures.
Vs. 28 – he walked ahead – This was a sign of social deference. This was Jesus’ way of not forcing himself upon them.
Vs 29 – urged – In Near Eastern culture an invitation such as this would be turned down several times and only accepted when it was vigorously repeated.
Vs. 30 – took, blessed, broke, gave – Jesus typical pattern of relating to his disciples. It is interesting to note that here, Jesus as guest, takes on the role of host.
Vs. 31 – recognized him – it was in table fellowship that they saw Jesus for who he was. Luke wants to emphasize that that same table fellowship is offered to all believers at all times.
Vanishes – spiritual experience and insight are often transitory.

Questions for Personal Reflection
1. In times of discouragement, confusion or sorrow, where do you go?
2. Have you ever failed to recognize Jesus in such times? How did he come to you? How did he get through to you?
3. What have you learned about Christ’s presence and work in your life as you look back?
4. These disciples recognize Jesus when he breaks bread with them. What role does the sacrament of Holy Communion play in your spiritual growth?
5. Fellowship and community are stressed in the text. How do you experience Christ in community with others?