The Road to Emmaus

Luke 24:13–35 ESV

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 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. 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?” 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, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 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. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 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.” And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 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. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 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?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Imagine you're on a road trip, driving through unfamiliar territory…

Suddenly your GPS announces, "You have arrived at your destination."

But as you look around, you're confused.

The scenery doesn't match what you expected.

You're not sure where you are or how to get to your intended destination.

That's similar to where Cleopas and his friend found themselves on the road to Emmaus.

Like the 12 disciples we have considered over the last several weeks, Cleopas and his friend are disillusioned.

They have heard the reports that Jesus rose from the dead, but like anyone, they are left with questions.

And, yet, Christ meets them in this journey and we see that he reveals himself in three ways.

Today we will consider the ways that Jesus reveals himself to us today.

Jesus Meets Us in Our Disappointment

Luke 24:15–24 ESV

While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 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. 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?” 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, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 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. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 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.”

One of the fascinating aspects of God's nature is His patience and timing in revealing truth to us.

He doesn't always immediately open our eyes to the fullness of revelation, but instead, He often chooses to guide us gradually, step by step.

This is beautifully illustrated in the encounter between Jesus and the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.

Cleopas and his friend were struggling to make sense of the events that had unfolded.

They were disappointed and confused about Jesus' crucifixion and the empty tomb.

Their understanding was limited, and they couldn't see the bigger picture.

But Jesus didn't scold them for their lack of understanding or immediately reveal His true identity.

Instead, He met them in their disappointment and walked with them, even though they didn't recognize Him at first.

This gentle approach is a hallmark of God's character.

He meets us where we are, in our confusion and uncertainty, and walks with us until we are ready to see the truth.

He doesn't force revelation upon us but rather guides us gradually, allowing us to grow in our understanding and faith.

In Genesis 32:22-32, we see a vision where Jacob wrestles with God all night long, and demands a blessing before he’s willing to stop wrestling.

Moses didn’t understand fully when he was sent back to Egypt, but he was faithful and God revealed more as Moses was ready.

In this encounter, Jesus waited until the perfect moment to reveal His true identity, when they were sharing a meal together.

Only then did He break bread, and their eyes were opened to recognize the risen Lord.

This teaches us that God's timing is perfect, and His ways are not our ways.

He knows exactly when to reveal truth, and we can trust in His patience and guidance.

This observation about God's nature encourages us to be patient and trusting in our own journeys of faith.

When we're struggling to understand or feeling disappointed and confused, we can remember that God meets us where we are and guides us gradually.

He may not always immediately open our eyes to the fullness of revelation, but He is always present, walking with us, and waiting for the perfect moment to reveal truth and guidance.

Jesus Opens Our Eyes to Understand Scripture

Luke 24:25–27 ESV

And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

The statement "all of Scripture is about Jesus" may seem bold, but it's a foundational understanding of the Christian faith. T

he Bible is a cohesive narrative that points to Jesus Christ as the central figure.

The Old Testament tells the story of God's relationship with His chosen people, Israel.

It's a narrative of promise, prophecy, and preparation. Through the patriarchs, prophets, and kings, God was setting the stage for the arrival of the Messiah.

The Old Testament:Foretells the coming of a Savior (Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 53)

Establishes the need for a redeemer (Exodus 20, Leviticus 16)

Prefigures Jesus through types and shadows (Passover lamb, tabernacle, sacrifices)

Reveals God's character and His plan for humanity

The New Testament introduces Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah.

It's a story of fulfillment, redemption, and revelation. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God's plan is revealed:

Jesus is the embodiment of God's love and redemption (John 3:16)

He fulfills Old Testament prophecies and types (Matthew 5:17-20)

His death and resurrection provide salvation for humanity (Romans 3:24-25, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

The New Testament epistles (letters) explain the significance of Jesus' life and teachings

In Luke 24:13-35, Jesus walks with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, explaining how the Scriptures point to His death and resurrection.

He shows them how the Old Testament prophecies and types find their fulfillment in Him.

This encounter illustrates how Jesus is the key to understanding the Bible:

In this way, Jesus not only interprets the Scriptures, but he IS the interpretation.

Jesus Reveals Himself in the Breaking of Bread

Luke 24:30–35 ESV

When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 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?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

The Lord's Supper is a sacrament that holds great importance in church life, as it commemorates the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and creates unity and fellowship with other believers ¹.

Here are some reasons why the Lord's Supper is crucial to church life:

Remembers Christ's Sacrifice: The Lord's Supper is a reminder of Christ's body and blood, which were given for the forgiveness of our sins (1 Cor 11:26).

Unity and Fellowship: The Lord's Supper symbolizes our unity and fellowship with other believers, strengthening our bonds and reinforcing our commitment to the body of Christ. (1 Cor 10:17)

Nourishment and Spiritual Growth: The Lord's Supper provides spiritual sustenance, enabling us to grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with God. (John 6:53-56)

Following Christ's Command: Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper during the Last Supper with His disciples, commanding them to "do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). By observing the Lord's Supper, we obey Christ's command and honor His legacy.

Application and Conclusion

As we reflect on Jesus' encounter with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, we're reminded of three vital truths:

Jesus meets us in our disappointment:

When we're struggling with doubts and fears, Jesus draws near to us, just as He did with Cleopas and his friend.

Let's prayerfully invite Him into our darkest moments, trusting that He'll bring hope and guidance.

Jesus opens our eyes to understand Scripture:

Just as Jesus explained the Scriptures to the disciples, He desires to illuminate our understanding of His Word today.

Let's seek His wisdom through reading the Bible, through Christian podcasts or sermons, gaining insight as we read and apply Scripture to our lives.

Jesus reveals Himself in the Lord's Supper:

As we participate in the Lord's Supper, we're not just remembering a historical event; we're experiencing the real presence of Jesus among us.

Let's approach the table with reverence and expectation, knowing that Jesus is revealing Himself to us in a unique and powerful way.

As we embrace these truths, may we:

Find comfort in Jesus' presence during our darkest moments.

Grow in our understanding of Scripture and its application to our lives.

Deepen our relationship with Jesus through the Lord's Supper and other means of grace

May Jesus meet us, open our eyes, and reveal Himself to us in powerful ways, that we may be transformed by His grace and love.

AMEN

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of Jesus, who meets us in our disappointment, opens our eyes to understand Scripture, and reveals Himself to us in the Lord's Supper. May we continue to encounter His presence and power in our lives, and may our faith be strengthened as we walk with Him. Help us to share the Good News of His love and redemption with those around us, and may our lives be a testament to His grace and mercy. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.