Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
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Thanks for joining our study. Today we discuss a fascinating multi-layered event called “The Road to Emmaus.” This story only appears in the gospel of Luke 24:13-35 as the first post-resurrection sighting of Jesus. However, according to John’s gospel, Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene.
Much substance is packed into Luke’s recounting, notably positioned between Jesus’s Resurrection and first appearance before His Disciples. Let’s examine the Road to Emmaus in verse segments. It begins on what we call Easter Sunday:
“Now that same day, two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened” (Luke 24:13-14).
Luke’s preceding Verse 12 records that Peter and John had visited the empty tomb and saw Christ’s linen cloths. So, it figures “that same day, two of them” are talking about the big news of the day — later, one will be named, and the other will not.
“As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him” (Verses 15-16).
Question: Why were they “kept from recognizing him?” The probable answer is divine intervention. If the two travelers had recognized Jesus, perhaps He wouldn’t have been able to say Verses 25-26, as explained in Verse 27. Now we read that Jesus pretended not to know about “these things”:
“He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’ They stood still, their faces downcast” (Verse 17).
The two travelers, outraged by the man’s ignorance, proceeded to tell Him all that they knew. “One of them, named Cleopas, asked Him, ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’”
‘What things?’ he asked.
‘About Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him, but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus’” (Verses 18-24).
Here are some major points about Cleopas and his companion’s understanding of Christ’s death: First, they are unaware that they are speaking with Jesus and are the first to see Him after his death (according to Luke).
Second, the travelers appear disappointed because “we had hoped that he [Jesus] was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” That sentiment is critical because Jews in the time of Jesus believed that the Messiah would free them from the controlling Roman oppression. Their Messiah would be a conquering hero in the mold of King David. Thus, a schism existed between God’s plan to free Israel and humankind — from sin and death through the gift of eternal life for those who believe in Jesus — and that of political freedom in the earthly realm.
Third, much confusion swirled since their expectation that Jesus would be resurrected on the third day had gone unfulfilled.
Fourth, what they said exasperated Jesus:
“He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’” (Verses 25-26). Jesus chastises them for not believing the Messianic prophesies when he says, “All that the prophets have spoken!”
Jesus alludes explicitly to Isaiah 53, “The Suffering Servant” – (see Vol. 3). Also, Volumes 74, 93, 94, 144, and 156 detail some of the Messianic prophesies, about which this narrative references:
“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself ” (Verse 27). Since Cleopas and his friend were fascinated by the stranger’s conversation, they extended an invitation:
“As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them” (Verses 28-29).
The following two verses are biblical “mic drop” moments:
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight” (Verses 30-31).
Poof! Gone! Jesus has left the building! “Their eyes were opened” not just physically but with great knowledge, faith, and trust that what they had hoped for had been fulfilled! After they saw Jesus reenact the Last Supper, they knew, He is the bread of life and with a new perspective, they recall their walk with Him:
“They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” (Verse 32). “The Road to Emmaus” concludes with a miraculous Hollywood ending (in bold) because it is so awesome:
“They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven [disciples] and those with them, assembled together and saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.”
“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you’” (Verses 33-36).
Raise your hand if you love this story. The travelers were blind until they saw the truth come to life. He Is Risen! And He walked among them as He does today with those who know and trust in the Risen Lord. “Peace be with you!” Amen!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. Her book, "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible," reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2,” with the same title, reprints Vols. 57-113. Order it here.
Myra is also the Executive Director of SignFromGod.org and the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. Both are educational donor-supported ministries dedicated to building a permanent Shroud of Turin exhibit in Washington, D.C., and promoting the $1 Million Challenge to replicate the Shroud. Contact: <MyraAdams01@gmail.com>
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