In the immediate days following a tragedy, we are at first in shock.
Bewilderment is a common expression along with questions of why and how this tragedy could have happened.
The followers of Jesus experienced all of this after his crucifixion on a cross. (Luke 23:26-49)
But then something remarkable happened that caused even more bewilderment.
The women who went to anoint his body with spices according to their burial customs discovered an open and empty tomb. (Luke 24:1-3)
Angels appeared and informed the women that Jesus was alive, so they went and told the disciples and others. (Luke 24:4-10)
But the apostles did not believe the women. (Luke 24:11).
Peter, investigating their report, discovered things just as they said, but no angels appeared to him at the tomb. Thus, he then went home marveling at what this meant. (Luke 24:12)
Luke then turns his attention to two followers of Jesus, who left Jerusalem for Emmaus, sharing that Jesus joined them on their journey. Neither of these two were part of the lead apostles.
The question is, why did Jesus walk to Emmaus with these two followers?
Why Did Jesus Walk to Emmaus?
A Bible Study on Luke 24:13-35
On the Road to Emmaus
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened.[1]
What were these two travelers discussing? (see Luke 23:26-24:12)
15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”[2]
What do you learn about the travelers in their response to Jesus’ question?
19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.[3]
What destroyed these travelers’ hope?
Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” [4]
What puzzled these travelers further?
25 And [Jesus] said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. [5]
What does Jesus mean by the phrase “slow of heart to believe?”
How does Jesus affirm the necessity of his suffering on the cross?
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but 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.[6]
Why did Jesus act as if he were going father?
30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”[7]
The travelers invited Jesus as their guest, yet he assumed the role of host by taking the bread, blessing it, breaking it, and then giving it to the travelers. Why was this important for them to recognize him?
33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. [8]
Why did Jesus join these travelers on their walk to Emmaus?
Why Did Jesus Walk to Emmaus?
Personal Application
Reflect on a tragedy you have experienced. Describe your initial reaction to the tragedy.
Is there anywhere on the path since you experienced your tragedy that you can say Jesus came and walked with you through it? Why or why not?
If the tragedy is still very fresh, it may be difficult for you to see Jesus is walking with you.
What resources are at your disposal, according to the passage studied above, for you to find Jesus amidst your tragedy?
If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you know I am currently healing from the tragedy of my husband’s decision to end his life in July 2024.
It is hard to fathom that it has already been nine months since this happened.
Do I still have tough days where I vacillate between shock and grief? Absolutely.
Do I still ask God and Jesus why? Sometimes.
There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss my earthly husband.
But I know the Lord Jesus is walking with me through this journey every day.
Why?
Because the Bible tells me so.
How will you share the good news about Jesus with others in the week to come?
Blessings,
Barbara Lynn
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 24:13–14.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 24:15–18.
[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 24:19–21.
[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 24:21–24.
[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 24:24–27.
[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 24:28–29.
[7] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 24:30–32.
[8] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 24:33–35.
One might wonder was Jesus’s body in perfect form (no piercings in hands or feet or dried blood from crown of thorns. As he walked with these men from Emma’s? But then in elsewhere Jesus instructs one of his deciples to see he side and hand wounds.
Just kinda makes you wonder what Jesus’s resurrected body really looked like? Some things are just not too clear or explained in the Bible..