On the Road to Emmaus

“Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.” –Luke 24:30-31.

What a glorious day was Easter—a great crowd at church to worship on Resurrection Day! Were that all were as faithful all year long to attend services as on Easter Sunday! The music—how majestic, from the brass ensemble to the mighty organ with all stops released, from the rejoicing of congregational hymns to the harmony and beauty of “Easter Song” anthem by the choir—all, all were praise lifted to the risen Lord. And the pastor’s sermon, “Living unto Him” was challenging, inspirational and motivational. Easter was a glorious day for me. I pray it was where you were, that you attended church…and will continue to do so.

Now let us turn our thoughts to a post-resurrection appearance to two men on the road to Emmaus—disciples, one of whom was named Cleophas. You will find mention of this appearance in Luke 24: 13-49, with a fuller account of what happened after the two and Jesus turned from the road and entered a house. Mark devotes two verses to the story, but did not say the two were on the Emmaus Road. Neither Matthew nor John gives the Emmaus Road appearance. The village with the name meaning “hot baths” was about seven miles from Jerusalem. The two were talking about the events of Jesus’ death. Jesus joined them and asked them what things they talked of--the death of Jesus of Nazareth who was to redeem Israel. They had heard that the women found the tomb empty and angels there, saying Christ was alive; and “certain” disciples also found the tomb empty, yet they could not believe. “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” Jesus said to them. Yet they still did not believe nor recognize Christ until he sat down with them in a house in the village and they ate together. Then they recognized that it was He, and he vanished from their sight. They went hurriedly to Jerusalem, found the place where the other disciples were, and Jesus appeared to all of them, showing them his hands, and feet. He ate with them broiled fish and honey.

How many of us have our own “Roads to Emmaus”—places where Jesus walks with us, but because of our sadness, doubts and fears, we do not recognize Him? God grant that we may allow Jesus to be Lord, to recognize Him, hear Him, believe Him and follow Him faithfully.

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Monday, April 5, 2010