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.
Luke 24:29
After Jesus’s resurrection, two of his disciples were walking to Emmaus. One of the disciples was named Cleopas. His wife was one of the women who had stood by the cross (cf., Luke 24: 18, John 19: 25). The two disciples were talking about Jesus’s crucifixion and the fact that some of their friends had found his tomb empty. They did not understand that Christ had risen. They were sad. They were putting distance between themselves and Jerusalem.
The risen Christ approached them and asked what they were talking about. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing him (Luke 24: 16). Why?
One possibility is that Jesus wanted them to focus on his words. As they walked, Jesus explained to them that the Old Testament had foretold all of the things that had happened to him. Their hearts burned within them as he spoke (Luke 24: 32). Would they have listened as intently as he talked—and later been able to share those lessons with others—if they had been able to recognize him? Would seeing him as he was have distracted them and kept them from appreciating his words?
Jesus knew what was best for their learning.
When they came to their village, Jesus acted as if he was going to continue walking. But they asked him to come into their home. No, they urged him. Strongly. They lived together. (Was the other disciple Cleopas’s child?) They set food before Jesus. He broke bread, and he gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and he vanished.
When they were approaching their home, Jesus did not impose on them. He did not insist. They wanted him to come in. He accepted.
The same opportunity that was before the disciples on the road to Emmaus is before us. Will we invite the risen Lord in?
(Recent discoveries by archeologists have led them to believe they have located the site of Emmaus: www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.MAGAZINE-israeli-archaeologists-may-have-found-emmaus-where-jesus-appeared-after-crucifixion-1.7774167)
Cleopas and his wife Mary( one of the women who attended to Jesus needs and had been at the tomb) were related to Jesus. Their son James the less also called the son of Alpheus (Cleopas) was a disciple one of the 12. Cleopas was a brother of Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father. They were heading home 7 miles to Emmaus exhausted, confused having discovered the tomb empty. I totally agree the words that Jesus spoke was the important point. Are we listening! Are we more concerned with getting our questions answered as they might have been? Do our hearts burn within us as we read the words of Jesus in scripture. Are we eager for the day when we will see Jesus face to face? It seems pretty obvious in the details of this account that Jesus, the resurrected Jesus was wanting to put their hearts at ease, to comfort them. That’s what he wants for all of us.
Sometimes when you have expectations about what a person is going to say or just who they are, you don’t listen effectively.
Sometimes an aunt or a good friend can tell you something that you have heard many times from your parents, and it can seem so enlightening coming from a different source.
The amazing thing is that I just had a practical lesson when I read this passage. Upon reading the opening paragraph, I had an expectation of what this passage was going to be about based on something I heard yesterday. It caused me to misread and misinterpret the passage. I tried to read it again without any preconceived notions.
The idea that Jesus knows what is best for our learning is a peaceful thought.
You mentioned, they did not understand, they were sad, they were contemplating and discussing the events that had just happened (Jesus’ death). Jesus answered them.
There is a Christian song that has the following verse “You are the peace when my minds at war.” I wonder if that is what they felt when their eyes were opened.
Thanks.
Great and easy reading. Thanks.