Luke 24:13-35
Read Luke 24:13-35
Helpful Background Information:
At the end of the Mark’s Gospel, after Jesus rose from the dead, we’re told that He appeared to two of His followers while they were walking in the country (Mark 16:12). This interaction is spelled out in much greater detail, though, at the end of Luke’s Gospel.
In the scene that Luke recounts for us, the two people that Jesus appears to were walking from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus, which was about a seven mile journey (v.13). It was as they were talking and arguing with each other about Jesus’ recent death and disappearance that Jesus Himself accompanied them (vv.14-15). As they were talking, though, they were prevented from recognizing who Jesus was (v.16). After expressing their deep disappointment (vv.17-24), Jesus skillfully articulated from the Scriptures why it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer before entering His glory (vv.26-27).
Upon arrival at Emmaus, the two travelers urged Jesus to stay with them despite the fact that they still couldn’t recognize Him (v.29). Reclining at the table together, Jesus took bread, blessed it, and broke it, before giving it to them (v.30). At that moment, as they were dining with Jesus, their eyes were opened and they finally recognized Him as the Risen Lord (v.31). Immediately after, they went straight back to Jerusalem to share the good news with the rest of the disciples (v.33). Only in hindsight, could they reflect on how their hearts were burning while they were with Jesus, and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread (vv.32, 35).
Reflection Questions:
It was through Scripture that Jesus reframed their understanding of His suffering and glory. How might a deeper engagement with Scripture reshape the way you interpret your own circumstances?
Only in hindsight did they recognize how their hearts were “burning” as Jesus spoke. Can you identify moments in your life where you later realized God was at work more than you initially saw?
Jesus didn’t just reveal Himself instantly—He walked with them through a process. How does this impact your expectations about spiritual growth and understanding?
Once they recognized Jesus, they immediately went to share the good news. What does your response to encountering Christ reveal about what you truly believe?