“The Emmaus Encounter”

The Road to Emmaus ~ Introduction

This experience occurs on “Resurrection Sunday”

The women had brought spices to Jesus’ tomb early that morning hoping to anoint the body, as was their custom

*RECAP* after the Sabbath, they prepared themselves, they were there early…on the way, they were having a conversation about “Who’s going to roll the stone away?”

When they got there, the thing they had been worried about was already handled! They went right in!!!

2 men in white apparel...

When they told the then 11 disciples, they didn’t believe them

Later That Day

2 of His disciples, one named Cleopas, the other one is not identified, are walking from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus, about 7 1/2 - 9 miles away. (Threescore Furlongs)

Transportation was usually by foot (feetwashing)

They were having a conversation about the events over the past few days v. 14

The trial of Jesus

The crucifixion and burial of Jesus

The resurrection of Jesus - was not the day of celebration we enjoy now

It was a time of great uncertainty and fear…tension was in the air

V.15 - While they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them

JESUS Himself appears to them - uncertain, fearful, confused - Jesus shows up! He shows up “Just when I need Him most” “Show Up” “He’s an on-time God, Yes He is!”

V.16 - Their eyes were holden that they should not know Him. His true identity was hidden from them.

V.17 - He asked them “What are you talking about?” “Why are you sad?”

Cleopas replies “are you the only stranger in Jerusalem?

He recalls the events of the past few days

Jesus of Nazareth, a mighty prophet

Chief priests & rulers delivered Him up and crucified Him

We trusted that He was going to redeem Israel

On the 3rd day, today, the women went to the sepulcher and He was not there!

Jesus’ response to their skepticism was kind of stern - “fools” slow of heart to believe what the prophets have spoken.

Goes all the way back to Moses and expounded on how the OT prophets and scriptures were all pointing to Him.

His purpose was to encourage them, remind them, stir up their faith

How epic to get a Bible Study Lesson straight from Jesus! The WORD teaching the WORD!

I’ve known and heard some great preachers, teachers, theologians in my day, but there’s nothing like hearing directly from Him!

“The Revelation”

V.28 - When they drew nigh to the village…they constrained Him to stay!

V.29 - “Abide with us!” - we want His presence to abide with us, stay here!

V.30 - As He sat at meat with them (dinner), He took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave it to them

V.31 - And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him and He vanished out of their sight!

V.32 - Their reaction - “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us by the way and opened up the scriptures to us???”

For every action, there is a reaction - Newton’s Third Law of Motion

When Jesus showed up there was a reaction to His presence, His words, His actions...

V.33 - And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem!

and told the 11 disciples that JESUS was alive! Ans as they spake