Knowing The Word in Luke 24:13-27

On the Road to Emmaus

24:13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up 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 happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even 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 him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

Comments

The story of the Road to Emmaus is unique to Luke although alluded in Mark. On the day of the resurrection, two of Jesus’ disciples left Jerusalem for the now unknown town of Emmaus. They heard the women’s account, and perhaps that of Peter, who also went to the tomb, before they set out. As they traveled, Jesus began to walk with them. The disciples were somehow prevented from recognizing him by God. Why? Why would he prevent them from recognizing him? While there has been much speculation on this question, the text explains that he wanted to open up the Scriptures to them first before opening their eyes to his identity.

If there were ever a Bible study I wish I could have attended, it was this one on the road to Emmaus. The past three days had been extremely difficult for the Jesus party. Imagine yourself in their shoes. You believed that God’s Messiah had come and had a personal relationship with you and your tight-knit group. And then in a matter of less than twenty-four hours he was arrested and crucified, and now his body was missing.

Luke provided some fascinating facts in this story. He gave the name of one man, Cleopas, but not the other. (John Wenham, in The Easter Enigma, argues that Cleopas may be Jesus’ uncle, the brother of Joseph. Even he did not immediately recognize his nephew.) Their perception of Jesus was limited, even though they had seen the power of God in him. These two had been in the upper room with the other disciples when the women returned from the tomb. Also note they were clear as to whom the order was given for the death of Jesus. They did not blame Pontius Pilate but the chief priests and rulers.

They were disappointed because they expected Jesus was the promised Messiah, and they seem to have expected to see him resurrected as he had taught. Finally, he rebuked them and opened up the Scriptures to them so they could fully understand.

Application

The cause of Cleopas’ and the other disciple’s problem was their lack of knowledge of the Scriptures. They were not well versed in God’s word, not understanding that the Christ must suffer. The prophets did not hide his suffering, but humans overlooked the suffering and focused on the glory of the Messiah. They also did not understand that Jesus had entered into glory. The cross had not defeated him. God had triumphed through the suffering of Jesus. To help them, Jesus began a systematic Bible study of the Old Testament. He connected all the dots. They had wrong ideas as people do today that needed correction by bringing out the truth and reliability of Scripture.

We too need to immerse ourselves in God’s Word, trust its promises, be filled with the Spirit to open our eyes, and then to obey the leading of the Spirit through the Word of God.

Prayer

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(BCP, p. 236)