Reading through the Gospels #203

JESUS APPEARS TO TWO ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS

Luke 24:13-35, Mark 16:12-13

The same day that Jesus showed himself to the women at the tomb, He also showed Himself to two on the road to Emmaus, which is about 7 miles from Jerusalem. That is a long way to walk! Did He walk that far in one day? They were most likely returning home from the Passover. These two were followers of Jesus, but not the special 12 or 11 of Jesus. The two were talking about all of the things that had happened that day, so news sure did travel far and fast! Jesus drew near to them while they were talking and went (walked) with them. They did not recognize Jesus.

Jesus interjected Himself into their conversation asking what they were talking about. There was a pause as the two looked sad. Then Cleopas asked a question in reply as to whether Jesus knew of all the things happening in Jerusalem. Of course He knew! Instead of saying He knew, He asked, "what things?" The two replied telling about Jesus, a prophet, who is mighty in deed and word, who was condemned and crucified. The two had been so hopeful that He was the promised one to redeem Isreal, but it seems they were doubting that now, especially since He had been dead three days now. On top of that, some women at the tomb that morning said His body was gone, and that a vision of angels told them that He was alive. Others went to the tomb and confirmed what the women had said.

I asked Grandma Geile what her favorite hymn was on her death bed and she sang it to me and I did not know it. I memorized the words as she sang and then found it later.  It was the Easter hymn by C. Austin Miles in 1912 called “In the Garden.” The refrain, "And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known."

Jesus was with Mary Magdalene in the garden, and he walked and talked with the two on the road to Emmaus.

Lutherans do not sing this song. The lyrics focus on a personal and private encounter with Jesus whereas Lutheran theology emphasizes that God speaks to us through Scripture rather than individual spiritual experiences. I do get that, but on the other hand, I do believe God can speak directly to me, but also that the devil can speak to me in disguise too. The only way to know the difference is through God's Word, so it is good to deemphasize personal encounters that are often not as they seem. So the song fails doctrinal review to make it into a divine service hymnal. On the other hand, personal time with God does happen so the song is not all bad.  If you take out the phrase "Son of God," the song could be a romantic song about two young lovers meeting in a garden. The song is shallow in theology because it does not tell the Gospel that Jesus died and rose again, so we will live with Him forever.  I still love the song because my Grandma loved it, and I do love my garden too.

Jesus replies telling them they are foolish not to believe all that the prophets had told them. They were foolish because they were faithless and slow to believe.

Jesus, I hope that I always recognize You! The two saw Jesus with their own eyes but their facial expression was low as they still wished they too had seen Him, yet He was right there!  I recently chatted with a musician I really like who stated he wanted to focus his music style on God's presence. I let him know that I did not believe I needed to feel God's presence as my heart already knows He is always right near me. We live in a post-resurrection time and do not need to wonder if we are close to God or not because He is always close. Why would we ever question or wonder that He is near? However, even though I cannot physically see Jesus, He does show me himself through other means, such as His creation which sustains us, or circumstances, and I pray that I always recognize God and never doubt His goodness.

Lutheran language would use the phrase "God revealing Himself to us." I know He reveals us through the three "means of grace," that being God's Word, Baptism, and Communion (Lord's Supper), that is external means. These are trustworthy. However He also reveals Himself to me in creation and human conscience, but these are not trustworthy and should be treaded carefully. There is certainty in God's Word, but not so much in signs from above or internal emotions.

He asked them a question as to whether or not it was necessary for Christ to suffer these things to "enter His glory?" This is a key verse! Of course it was necessary for all people who sin which is everyone! Jesus suffered and died and enter His glory for all that they may live eternally with God.

Then Jesus interpreted all of what Moses and the prophets had said. That must have taken a long time to go through all of that Scripture on the old scrolls. Surely the men were familiar with what was written, but now having it all pointed out to them, it all began to click in their heads and understanding.
They were getting close to Emmaus now and Jesus indicated He was going to go further. The two urged Him to stay with them rather than going on because it was late in the day, so He went to stay with them.
At the table Jesus took the bread and blessed and broke it, and gave it to the two. It was at this moment the two's eyes were finally opened and they recognized Him. Then he vanished! We would say today, "vanished into thin air!"

Jesus reveals Himself to us in the Lord's Supper. This story seems as if it should teach us so much more than this simple statement, but Jesus revealing Himself to us in Lord's Supper is the whole point of the Emmaus road story. He did not reveal Himself to the men while walking with them on the road. I cannot personally see Jesus with my own eyes like the two on the road to Emmaus because Jesus is resurrected and our resurrection time is not yet here, but I can hear Him with my ears through His Word and I can receive Him with my mouth in the Body and the Blood of communion.  This is how Jesus reveals Himself to me and talks to me and tells me that I am His own.

The two inquired and pondered how they did not recognize Him during their long walk while He shared Scripture with them. How could they not have realized who He was all that time? That very hour they left and returned to Jerusalem. The found the 11 apostles/disciples and others gathered with them. They said, "The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon!" Then the two shared what they had witnessed firsthand.