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 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.
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.
Setting the Scene for Luke 24:13-35
In Luke chapter 24, we find two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus, a village about seven miles from Jerusalem. These disciples are Cleopas and another unnamed disciple. They are deep in conversation, discussing the recent events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion and the reports of His resurrection. Their hearts are heavy with confusion and sorrow as they try to make sense of all that has transpired.
As they walk, a stranger joins them on the road. Little do they know that this stranger is Jesus Himself, but their eyes are kept from recognizing Him. Jesus engages them in conversation, asking about the things that have been troubling them. The disciples pour out their hearts to this stranger, sharing their disappointment and confusion about the events of the past few days.
As they reach Emmaus, the disciples invite the stranger to stay with them since it is getting late. They sit down to eat together, and it is during this meal that Jesus reveals Himself to them in the breaking of bread. Their eyes are opened, and they realize that they have been in the presence of the risen Lord all along. Overjoyed and filled with newfound understanding, they rush back to Jerusalem to share the good news with the other disciples.
What is Luke 24:13-35 about?
This verse from the Bible highlights a powerful moment in the Gospel where Jesus reveals Himself to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. It speaks to the profound significance of recognizing the presence of Jesus in ordinary, everyday moments. The breaking of bread symbolizes the act of sharing a meal, a simple and communal practice. Jesus signifies the intimate connection and revelation to His disciples in this context. Jesus may reveal Himself to us in our own lives, inviting us as readers to reflect on it. Do we recognize Him in the small gestures of kindness from others? Loved ones share meals together in moments of togetherness. This verse challenges us to be attentive to the presence of Jesus even in the mundane and routine aspects of our daily lives. It emphasizes the transformative power of recognizing Him in the ordinary, leading us to deeper faith and connection with our spiritual beliefs.
Understanding what Luke 24:13-35 really means
Introduction and Context
To provide a meaningful commentary on this passage, let’s break it down into sections. Luke 24:13-35 describes the encounter on the road to Emmaus, where two disciples meet the resurrected Jesus but do not recognize Him until later. This story happens on the same day as Jesus’ resurrection, adding to the profound mystery and significance of the events.
The Journey and Initial Encounter
The passage starts with two disciples walking to Emmaus, discussing recent events. This reflects a universal human experience: grappling with confusion and disappointment. They had hoped Jesus was the redeemer, but His crucifixion shattered their expectations. When Jesus joins them, they don’t recognize Him. This lack of recognition symbolizes how often we fail to see God working in our lives, especially during difficult times. Think about your own life: Have there been moments when you didn’t recognize God’s presence until later? Jesus interprets the Scriptures concerning Himself as they walk, starting with Moses and the Prophets. This is a crucial moment. Jesus shows that all of Scripture points to Him. For the reader today, this underscores the importance of understanding the Bible as a coherent narrative centered on Christ. We often read the Bible in fragmented ways, missing the bigger picture. Jesus’ teaching on the road to Emmaus encourages us to seek a deeper, more holistic understanding of Scripture.
The Breaking of Bread
Upon reaching their destination, the disciples urge Jesus to stay with them. During the meal, Jesus breaks bread, and their eyes are opened—they recognize Him. The phrase “their eyes were opened” is rich in meaning. It signifies revelation and understanding, often occurring in moments of fellowship and communion. This echoes earlier biblical themes, such as the breaking of bread at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19) and the feeding of the five thousand (Luke 9:16). For us today, it reminds us of the importance of communal worship and the sacraments as means of grace where we encounter Christ.
The Immediate Response
Once they recognize Jesus, He vanishes, and they immediately return to Jerusalem to share their experience. Their hearts burn within them as Jesus explained the Scriptures. This burning heart is a powerful image of spiritual awakening and passion. Reflect on times when you felt a deep, burning conviction about your faith. This passage challenges us to share our encounters with Christ, just as the disciples couldn’t keep the news to themselves.
Relevance Today
This story is profoundly relevant today. We live in a world filled with confusion and disillusionment, much like the disciples felt. The passage teaches us that Jesus walks with us, even when we don’t recognize Him. It calls us to be attentive to how God reveals Himself in Scripture and community. An anecdote to illustrate this: I once spoke with a woman who felt abandoned by God during a difficult period. It wasn’t until she joined a Bible study that she saw how God had been guiding her all along. Her experience resonates with the Emmaus story, showing how communal study and fellowship can open our eyes to God’s presence. Luke 24:13-35 weaves a rich tapestry of themes, including recognition, revelation, and response. It calls us to seek and see Jesus in Scripture, community, and sacraments. It challenges us to share our experiences of Christ with others. Reflect on this passage and consider how you can be more attentive to God’s presence in your life and more eager to share that presence with those around you.
How can we recognize Jesus in our midst?
One way to recognize Jesus in our midst is through the breaking of bread. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus did not recognize Jesus until He broke bread with them in the story in Luke 24. This act of breaking bread was a familiar and significant action that Jesus had performed during the Last Supper. Through this simple yet profound action, the disciples’ eyes were opened, and they recognized Jesus. We can recognize Jesus in our midst through participating in the sacrament of the Eucharist or simply by breaking bread with others in a spirit of fellowship and communion in our own lives.
Another way to recognize Jesus is through the Scriptures. Jesus opened the disciples’ minds in the story to understand the Scriptures, specifically how they pointed to His suffering and resurrection. When we meditate on and study the Word of God, our hearts and minds can be opened to recognize Jesus in the narratives, teachings, and prophecies contained within the Bible. The Scriptures reveal to us who Jesus is, His character, and His redemptive work throughout history. We can come to know Jesus more intimately and recognize His presence in our lives by delving into the Word.
Lastly, we can recognize Jesus in our midst through our interactions with others. Jesus joined the disciples in their journey, listened to their concerns, and shared in their experiences in the story of the road to Emmaus. Similarly, Jesus is present in the faces of the people we encounter daily – in acts of kindness, compassion, and love. We can recognize the presence of Jesus in those around us by seeing and serving others with the eyes of faith. Just as the disciples’ hearts burned within them as Jesus spoke to them, our hearts can be stirred when we encounter Christ in the people we meet along life’s journey.
Application
Imagine you’re navigating a busy highway of life—work deadlines, family commitments, constant hustle—when suddenly you recognize a moment that changes everything. Just like the disciples recognized Jesus on the road to Emmaus, you too have these transformative moments. Embrace these signs in your everyday life and share them. Whether it’s in the office, at home, or with friends, boldly share the love and hope that Christ brings. Will you seize these moments and make them count?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.