Primary Texts: Luke 24:13-43; Mark 16:12-14; John. 20:19-31
Memory Verse: 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. And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:30-32
Introduction:
Emmaus, now the modern-day town called El-Kubeibeh, lies seven miles to the northwest of Jerusalem. Two of Jesus’ followers journeyed there on the afternoon of the Lord’s resurrection, and as they walked, they spoke together of all the things that had transpired concerning Jesus over the last several days in Jerusalem.
In mid-conversation, the risen Lord joins them as they walk, at first listening in, and then joining in on the conversation. What transpires as they journey together is most curious, and not a little puzzling. Jesus, whose identity is not yet revealed to them, asks them to rehearse the events they have witnessed in Jerusalem, showing interest in their point of view. It was specifically their limited perspective of Christ’s identity and mission, and His body which came up missing at the tomb, that Jesus wanted to address with them. What the Lord asks them, in essence, is “what do you think you know?”
Two things showing their misunderstanding stand out in their assessment: (1) they were hoping that Jesus would rise in political power and lead a revolt of the Jews that would overthrow the Roman tyranny over Judea, and (2) that the women who went early to the tomb on the third day had failed to find Jesus’ body. The true meaning of Jesus’ life and resurrection was lost to them. If they had really understood, they would have been rejoicing. Instead, they were perplexed.
Now it was that Jesus, in patience and specific detail, opened the Scriptures to them. Beginning with Moses, he interpreted every passage which referred to the Messiah, from all of the Old Testament. What an exposition of God’s Word that must have been! The result was a powerful transformation, as it made their “hearts burn within them” (Luke 24:32). Later, when Jesus had left them, they hurried back to Jerusalem to share the event with the “eleven.”
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- What was the conversation topic and the emotional state of the two men to whom Jesus appeared on the road to Emmaus on the afternoon after His resurrection? Mark 16:12; Luke 24:13-17
- Why were Cleopas and his friend perplexed about the stranger who joined them on their short journey? Luke 24:18-20
- According to the story they share with the stranger (Jesus), how can we know they were confused and bewildered? Luke 24:21-24
- What amazing things did Jesus share with these two men in return? Luke 24:25-27
- Describe what happened when Cleopas and his friend compelled Jesus to dine with them and stay the night. Luke 24:28-32
- Despite the fact it was nighttime, what did the two men do after Jesus vanished from their sight? Luke 24:33-35
- How was their testimony received by the other disciples? Mark 16:13
- Explain what happened when Jesus then appeared in their midst. Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-20
- What was the significance of Jesus breathing on them and admonishing them to receive the Holy Spirit? John 20:22-23
- Describe the significant meeting between Thomas and Jesus eight days later. John 20:24-31
[Editor’s note: The statement of Thomas. “My Lord and My God!” was not corrected by Jesus as being inappropriate. Jesus often made it clear that He was not the Father. but that He and the Father were One. He told Philip, “If you’ve seen Me, you’ve seen the Father” John 14:9. Jesus was the embodiment, the full investiture of all that was the Father. Paul wrote, “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9). If Christ was any less than this, it would clearly be inappropriate to give Him worship.]