The Text (Luke 24:25–35)
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. 28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
An Insight
This week’s passage comes from the moment when the risen Jesus appears to two disciples on the way to a village named Emmaus. They recognize who he is while they share a meal with him. The moment begins back in verses 13–15, when Jesus joins these disciples on their journey. Notice that Jesus does not only reveal the bare fact of his resurrection, but he also takes time to explain its significance. He interprets the Scriptures to the disciples and shows how they speak about him. Then, when Jesus blesses their meal and gives it to them, their eyes are fully opened to see him for who he is. In this way, both the Scriptures and the personal presence of Jesus work together to deepen the disciples’ understanding. The passage then concludes with these two disciples sharing what they have learned with others.
A Timeless Principle
The physical journey and meal these two disciples share with Jesus mirrors well the spiritual journey of all disciples. Jesus joins them on the road and guides their understanding of the Scriptures and how they speak of him. Jesus’ incarnation, ministry, death, and resurrection remain central to understanding Scripture. It is only when we understand what God has done through him that we can most clearly grasp what he is communicating in all of his word.[1] Jesus, however, does not only want us to know him intellectually but also relationally. It is in the intimate, relational setting of a meal that these two disciples fully see him for who he is. It is likewise through the Spirit he has sent into our hearts, coming before him and the Father in worship, sharing in his supper of bread and fruit of the vine, time in prayer and devotion, and seeing him in our brothers and sisters that we know him relationally today. It is a relationship like none other, and one we should be eager to share with others.
Living the Text
All of us are somewhere on a discipleship journey, and thankfully Jesus is our fellow traveler and guide. The account of the Emmaus Road calls us back to the fundamental ways God conforms us to the image of his Son. It is easy for the Scriptures to suffer neglect Monday through Saturday. When we do read them, it can be easy to miss how their exhortation or guidance should shape how we live after we set them down. It is easy to take for granted that Jesus is present not only at the Father’s right hand but also in and among us as his people and body. As his followers, we can truly say that we know him, but there is also always more about him and his ways to learn. Let’s live today and this week with a prayerful openness to how the Lord can shape us to look more like him and draw us closer to himself. Let’s furthermore consider how we can help others in their own discipleship journey. With open eyes and care for our fellow travelers, the journey is sure to become much more exciting, fulfilling, and transformative.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Guide us today in the path of discipleship. May we come to know your Son in the same ways he revealed himself on the Emmaus road. May your Scriptures light our path, may we receive your Son in fellowship, and may we be a blessing to others as you have blessed us.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
[1] Also compare Acts 10:43; 2 Corinthians 3:14–16; 1 Peter 1:10–12.