13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. 16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. 17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? 18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: 20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. 21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. 22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; 23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. 24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. 29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. 30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? 33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, 34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. 35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. (Luke 24:13-35 KJV)
On the Road to Emmaus
This appearance of Christ to the two disciples going to Emmaus is briefly mentioned in Mark 16:12, but here it’s detailed fully. It happened the same day Christ rose—the first day of the new world that rose with him. One of the two was Cleopas, said by some early writers to be the brother of Joseph, Christ’s supposed father. The identity of the other is uncertain. Some think it was Peter, but that’s unlikely since the two returned to the eleven, among whom Peter was counted (Luke 24:33-34). Also, Peter—known for speaking up—would likely have led the conversation, not Cleopas. It was likely one of the broader circle of disciples (Luke 24:9).
They went to Emmaus, a village about seven miles from Jerusalem (Luke 24:13). Whether they were going for business, to visit a friend, or returning home in disappointment isn’t clear. The morning reports of the resurrection had seemed like idle tales, and they may have felt the cause was lost. As they walked, they talked about everything that had happened (Luke 24:14). They hadn’t spoken much about it in Jerusalem for fear of the Jews, but once away, they began to reason things out. Their talk centered on Christ—his death, and rumors of his resurrection—encouraging one another in the process.
While they were discussing these things, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them (Luke 24:15). They were likely debating—one more hopeful, the other more skeptical. Christ joined them as a fellow traveler, a reminder that when two come together to speak of him, he comes among them (Malachi 3:16; Matthew 18:20). Though he was with them, they didn’t recognize him (Luke 24:16), their eyes somehow restrained—either by divine will or by his changed form. Christ intended for them to learn from his words, not merely his physical presence.
He asked, “What are you talking about, and why are you sad?” (Luke 24:17). This wasn’t a rebuke, but a gentle invitation to share their grief. They were clearly downcast. First, they had lost their beloved Master and their hopes with him. Second, though he had risen, they either didn’t know or didn’t believe it. Even believers can be sad when they have every reason to rejoice, due to weak faith. Still, they talked about him. When Christ is in our hearts, he will also be in our conversations. Godly companionship helps us bear sorrow. Though grieving, they walked together and talked things through, which helped prepare them to recognize Christ.
Christ asked about their sorrow not because he didn’t know, but to engage them. Though now glorified, he was still concerned with his disciples’ comfort. His question echoes that of Joseph in Genesis 40:7: “Why are you sad today?” Christians should be kind and approachable. Christ joined these strangers and made himself pleasant company. We, too, should take notice of our friends’ sorrows and try to comfort them.
Cleopas answered, asking if Jesus was the only one in Jerusalem who hadn’t heard about recent events. His response was respectful—he didn’t dismiss Jesus as a meddler, but rather shared openly. Love hopes all things, even with strangers. Cleopas was full of thoughts of Christ’s suffering and found it hard to believe anyone hadn’t heard. Those unaware of Christ’s death are, in a sense, strangers to Jerusalem. Cleopas took the opportunity to explain, eager for further conversation. Believers should always be ready to speak about Christ, and those who do are often taught more by him.
Christ asked again, “What things?” (Luke 24:19). Though he had suffered greatly, he made light of it, viewing it in the joy of his resurrection. His question invited them to share their understanding before he revealed the truth. Before Christ teaches, he often asks what we know, preparing us to receive more.
They described Jesus of Nazareth as a prophet, mighty in word and deed before God and people—approved by both. Despite his divine favor, the chief priests and rulers condemned him to death (Luke 24:20). They expressed disappointment: “We had hoped he was the one to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21). Their hope was crushed by his death, even though it was actually the foundation of redemption. They were confused: “It’s the third day, and we expected something, but nothing’s happened.” Reports of his resurrection had surfaced, but they were skeptical (Luke 24:22-24). The women saw angels who said he was alive, and some disciples found the tomb empty—but Jesus they did not see.
Jesus rebuked them gently: “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” (Luke 24:25). Their fault wasn’t in doubting the women or the angels, but in not believing the Scriptures. If they had been more familiar with prophecy, they would have expected both his suffering and resurrection. Jesus showed that the Scriptures clearly taught that the Christ must suffer and then enter his glory (Luke 24:26). It wasn’t just foretold; it was necessary—God’s plan all along. His glory would come through the cross.
Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself (Luke 24:27). This was likely the most enlightening sermon they ever heard. It showed that Christ is the unifying thread of Scripture. Every part of the Old Testament points to him—through promises, types, prayers, and prophecies. The Scriptures need to be explained. Even the educated Ethiopian eunuch couldn’t understand Isaiah without help (Acts 8:31). But now that Christ has come, the veil is lifted. Jesus himself is the best expositor of the Bible. He didn’t invent new doctrines, but demonstrated how he fulfilled Scripture.
As they reached the village, Jesus acted as if he would go farther (Luke 24:28), testing their desire for more of his company. He would have continued if they hadn’t invited him. He waits to be welcomed. “Abide with us,” they urged (Luke 24:29). Those who have tasted his fellowship will long for more. As the day ends and night approaches, it is fitting to ask Christ to stay and fill our minds with himself. He accepted their invitation and went in to stay. Christ is ready to give more to those who make good use of what they have (Revelation 3:20).
At supper, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them (Luke 24:30). This simple act opened their eyes—they recognized him (Luke 24:31). Though not a miraculous or sacramental meal, it reflected his familiar way of blessing food. Even in ordinary moments, Christ makes himself known. Then he vanished from their sight—not merely left, but became invisible. His body, though the same, now had glorified properties. These brief views of Christ are what we have now, but in heaven, they will be uninterrupted.
They said to one another, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32). They hadn’t just learned—they had felt. Christ’s words had stirred and warmed them even before they knew who he was. They knew then it had been Jesus.
They returned to Jerusalem that same hour, despite the late hour and long journey (Luke 24:33). They couldn’t keep the news to themselves. Their joy sent them running back to share it. When Christ comforts us, we must comfort others. They found the others already gathered and rejoicing: “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5). Peter didn’t boast of it himself, but the others proclaimed it. The two disciples then shared their experience—how Jesus had walked with them and was made known in the breaking of bread (Luke 24:35). Sharing such encounters confirms the truth and strengthens faith. When Christ’s followers share what they’ve seen and heard, all are encouraged.