04/19/2026
Luke 24:13-35 The Road to Emmaus
After the resurrection and before the ascension to heaven, Jesus appeared 10-12 times over a 40-day period. He appeared to prove he was alive and to instruct his followers. Remember Jesus encouraged and instructed. There are amazing things that happened on the road to Emmaus because Jesus showed up.
The first thing to happen is the disciples were talking, in deep conversation, with each other. They were in despair over Christ’s death. From the scripture reading, I’m sure you noticed grief and confusion from the previous week.
We know the one disciple’s name is Cleopas, the other is unnamed. We can identify with that unnamed person and put ourselves in their place walking on the road to Emmaus. Just imagine, you are walking with your friend, a fellow disciple in Christ, sharing with each other what had happened about the crucifixion and death of their beloved Jesus. The disciples were in deep thought, thinking and talking.
The second amazing thing in this story that happens is suddenly another man (Jesus) there listening to them talk about what happened. The disciples did not recognize Jesus, they were in doubt, their eyes were spiritually closed, This was intentional. Jesus wanted their faith to be based on the Word, not just sight. Their eyes would be opened at the right time.
They were talking to him, they could see a man, but not Jesus. Then, Jesus asks them, “what are you talking about?” The disciples said. “Are you the only one who doesn’t know about the things that have happened?”
This could be compared to you and your friend talking about 9-11 and someone walks up and says: "What are you talking about? You would say, where have you been?"
It is hard to believe 9-11 happened 25 years ago. Dateline had a 2-hour special episode going back speaking with many of the EMT’s, first responders, police that were first on the scene. They could not believe what had happened. It was a huge tragedy.
To many involved, the death of Jesus was a huge tragedy. All their hopes and dreams of a Messiah coming to redeem Israel were gone. They felt all hope was lost, even though they were told many time, Jesus had to suffer.
Jesus knew what the two disciples were talking about, what had happened. He wanted them to talk about it, he gives them space, he listens. You know Jesus is a great listener. He also asks questions, he gives us room, room to think on our own, figure it out, look at our mistakes, explore, and learn. In order to find the truth, we must seek the truth. Seek and you shall find.
Most of all, Jesus gives us mercy. That is a big word there, mercy.
Next, they told Jesus all about it. They were so disappointed. They were looking for the Messiah. Jesus was the one who was supposed to redeem Israel and now he was gone, and his body was gone. Where was his body, what was going on? We all have disappointments in life. There is an old saying, you may have heard it, everything is good until it isn’t right?
We are concerned about the war in the Middle East, the economy, government, and gas went up thirty cents a gallon this past week. The world is not perfect. This life is not perfect. However, this life is not all there is. We must rely on God, not on ourselves. God has taken care of us our whole lives, he is not going to stop now.
These men were looking for Jesus, and he was right there, right there beside them and they didn’t even know it, right now, Jesus is right beside us, do we know it? Are we saying where is God in the war, when is he going to stop this? God is right here, right here among us and He has control over everything happening. But remember, people have free choice. He is in control, but only if we let him by. We must give our will over to God. Before we plan, pray according to God’s Will. Lord’s prayer, every Sunday. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done!!
Next, I really like this part, the scriptures were opened to them, Jesus opened the scripture and started talking and reminding them what the scripture said: “Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” Jesus was teaching them again like he always did, that they would believe. He wanted them to seek instruction and belief. He wants us to do the same thing. Seek instruction and believe. Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you". God gives wisdom and understanding to those who ask.
Next, the disciples then offered Jesus a place to stay, this stranger with them, they said stay with us, have a meal, they no do doubt wanted to hear more of what this man had to say. Hospitality, they openly cared for a stranger, had a meal, he stayed, and visited.
Then the best part of this passage of scripture. EXCITING
When they broke bread together, then and only then, they realized it was Jesus, their eyes were opened. His physical body left; however, he was still with them in their sacred meal. They broke the bread, had a meal together, a sacred meal, (spiritually) a common meal in memory of Jesus. The despair over Christ’s death, turned to faith in His resurrection.
Jesus’ true identity was revealed while breaking bread. These two men struggled to understand what just happened. The crucifixion was God’s plan all along!!
The crucifixion was not a chaotic disaster, JESUS IS ALIVE!!
Just like the Last Supper was spent with his disciples before Jesus was crucified. This was the Emmaus First Supper in remembrance of Jesus. This was the presence of Jesus in the First Supper. The significance on the Emmaus Road is outstanding. And led to the First Supper with Jesus. The Eucharist, Holy Communion and we have been celebrating Communion ever since.
The First time they broke bread during the Last Supper, the Passover Meal, there was the gloom of death, hanging over their heads. The second time they broke bread with Jesus, was the glory of the resurrection.
Embrace the resurrection and let the reality of the risen Christ change your life and fill you with hope. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we should seek Jesus in our daily lives, especially through Scripture and communion.
Go out and tell others about the resurrection. We are called to share the Gospel.
Jesus walks as a friend with us on our journey, our road in life. He listens to us and he spends quality time with us as he heals us. Always remember, have faith that Jesus is always with us. Matthew 28:20 “ And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Let us pray
Even though you have not seen Jesus, we have assurance of his presence and his love with us. The promises of God are always true. God is with us, in the resurrection of Jesus, in our journeys, in our lives. Praise be to God. AMEN.