Luke 24:13-33 13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “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. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 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. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29 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. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 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?” 33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem.
I. The Situation
a. After crucifixion; all the disciples are scared, confused, and in despair
b. Emmaus- about 7 miles from Jerusalem
c. V. 15- ‘discussed’ implies an intense debate
d. 2 disciples- Cleopas and one unnamed (presumably not one of the 12)
II. The Stranger
a. The resurrected Christ joins them on the walk; they don’t recognize him
b. The irony—we, the readers, know who is with them while they’re clueless
III. The Conversation
a. Jesus (in disguise) plays dumb and draws out their thoughts; their sadness and confusion is revealed
b. They had believed in Jesus as Messiah only to be disappointed- ‘but we had hoped…’
c. They knew enough about Jesus to have faith in him, but didn’t grasp the larger picture (Messiah not just to redeem Israel, but the sin of mankind)
d. They heard the women’s story of the empty tomb and angels but still didn’t get it (women in 1st century Palestine held little credibility)
e. The stranger Jesus explains to them how this all fit into God’s plan (perhaps referenced Isaiah 53, Psalm 2:7, 16, 110:1, Deuteronomy 18:15, Daniel 7:13-14)
IV. Surprised By Hope
a. Jesus reveals himself through the breaking of bread
b. From aimlessness to mission; they had left Jerusalem, but now make the 7 mile return trip (a symbolic journey of faith)
c. From confusion to understanding- v. 31- their eyes are opened
d. From despair to elation- v. 18- looking downcast; v. 32- their hearts burning within them; their return journey is evidence of their excitement
e. Hope was with them all along; they just needed eyes to see it
f. The resurrection at Easter is the anchor of our hope
