Exploring the Scripture

The text for today is one of several stories that occurred during the 40 days between the Resurrection and Ascension, which describes the resurrected Christ appearing to his disciples. In this post-resurrection story two travelers are walking to the village of Emmaus. We know little about these travelers except they were followers of Jesus as revealed in verses 22–24.

Jesus appears in verse 15 and joins the travelers. As they walk he listens to them discussing the awful events of the past few days in Jerusalem. They were seemingly so lost in their own sorrow and pain and journeying with no expectation of seeing the resurrected Christ, they did not recognize the one walking beside them.

In verses 17–19 Jesus asked what had occurred in Jerusalem. Why? Surely Jesus knew what had happened. But he listened as they described in verses 21–24 their disappointment, disillusionment, and frustrations.

Could it be that Jesus wanted to hear not only their versions of the weekend, but what was on their hearts? Maybe before these travelers could lay claim to Jesus’ words of comfort and reassurance, they had to give voice to their disappointment and pain.

What might this say to us today as disciples who at times carry pain and disappointment? This text can help today’s worshipers understand the first step to healing is talking about what they are feeling. The best teachers do not immediately tell struggling students the process for solving a problem. The effective teacher will first ask the students to talk about their struggles. These two were traveling away from Jerusalem. Maybe they wanted the pain of the weekend to be behind them. However, in doing so they were also turning their backs on the Resurrection. We assume they were traveling back home, maybe back to old ways, old habits, and the old lifestyles they knew before Jesus came into their lives.

There are times when our plans fail and we become disappointed and disillusioned and go back to old ways. What about us, people who are present this morning who, like the travelers, are overwrought with difficult issues in our lives? What about those who are on the verge of going back to the “old village”? How might this text speak to them?

In verse 28 it appears that Jesus will be parting company with the two travelers. However, they extended him an invitation to come and dine with them. He accepted their gracious hospitality, and as he broke bread and offered a prayer, they recognized him as Christ. The Resurrection had occurred many hours before this meal, but for these travelers it was in those moments, as he broke bread and blessed it that they experienced the Resurrection. Simple acts of invitation and hospitality opened their eyes. Their experience at the table with Jesus prompted them to return to Jerusalem and testify of the Living Christ.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. The Living Christ invites us to share our pain, frustration, and disappointments in life with him.
2. Grief and pain can disorient and blind us if not addressed.
3. Hospitality is a primary principle of the mission of Christ.
4. As followers of Christ, we are called to always live in a spirit of expectation.
5. Cleopas and the other travelers are ordinary people. God reveals God’s self to ordinary people.

Questions to Consider

1. Is this congregation asking Christ to “come in” and be present? Or would it be more comfortable for the group if Jesus would continue walking down the road?
2. What is the focus of this congregation at this time? Is it the Living Christ or secondary things that blur people’s vision?
3. How can this congregation be more effective in inviting others to come and share in Christ’s mission?