Road to EasterSample

The Emmaus Road

Two of Jesus’ followers were walking “to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:13). At a normal pace, the walk would take a little over two hours. Luke provides the name of one of the walkers, Cleopas (Luke 24:18). The second is unnamed. 

Cleopas and his companion were downcast. They spoke about Jesus’ crucifixion and the reports that His tomb was empty and He was alive. Jesus joined them, but they “were kept” from recognizing Him (Luke 24:16). The Lord asked what they were discussing. Surprised, they shared what was on their hearts. “We had hoped that Jesus was the one who was going to redeem Israel,” they said. Their hopes had been dashed. They did not know what to make of the events that followed. 

This uninvited Party, this Stranger, this Interloper. . . did not mince words. He told them they were foolish and said that they were slow to believe the Scriptures. He challenged their thinking, asking pointed questions. 

Would you have listened to Him? 

Many would not have done so. We often have a hard time considering new and strange ideas. We are set in our ways. We are not open to correction, especially not correction from some random stranger. But Cleopas and his companion were humble and teachable. They listened. Maybe this was their habitual disposition, or the result of grief. We do not know. But they paid attention as Jesus explained that the Messiah had to suffer and then rise from the dead. They listened as He reinterpreted prophecies they thought they knew. 

Though they did not recognize Him, Jesus was with them. He meets us in our despair. He gives us hope where none seems possible. He meets us on the way to Emmaus and then, at the right moment, He reveals Himself. 

The disciples invited Jesus to dine with them, and He agreed. He broke the bread and, as He gave it to them, they recognized Him. Did this gesture remind them of His miracles, of the Passover meal, or other meals they’d shared? Their eyes were opened. Then, Jesus disappeared. They were left to exclaim to one another with wonder, and to testify to what they had seen. 

Jesus, You are with me even in my deepest despair. Make me humble and teachable. Let Your words shape my life. 

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