Have you ever lost something, but only to realize it was right there with you the whole entire time?
I remember one time I was speaking to my wife on the phone—we were just talking about random things—when suddenly, I fell into a panic. I frantically started searching and told my wife, “Emily, I lost my phone; where is my phone? I lost my phone!” I began looking around for it, but not long after, I realized, feeling a little ashamed of myself about what had just happened... with a very awkward laugh, I told Emily that I had it with me in my hand the entire time (and I was still searching for it). Emily responded by saying, “It’s okay, you had a long day today.”
This is a very similar experience to where some of Jesus’ disciples found themselves Sunday after his crucifixion. Taking ourselves back to the Friday when Jesus was crucified...
In the late afternoon, when darkness lifted from Golgotha and the sun fully shone upon Jesus, he cried out in triumph and breathed his last. However, those close to Jesus and the people gathered around the cross did not recognize his victory. As Jesus hung motionless on the cross, the followers began leaving the scene, overwhelmed by grief. They were so consumed by despair that no one even considered the possibility of resurrection. After the third day, the women found the tomb empty, yet still, none suspected that Jesus had risen again. Peter also checked the empty tomb and walked away in confusion. All of Jesus’ disciples and his followers remained in despair, perplexed by the recent news of the empty tomb.
The story picks up as we see that two disciples of Jesus were on their way to a village named Emmaus, located about 7 miles from Jerusalem. One of them is named Cleopas, while the other remains unnamed. They were on their journey, and the Scripture tells us that they were talking and discussing everything that had happened.
The Greek word for talking and discussing indicates that they weren't just having a casual conversation; they were engaging in something profoundly emotional... debating and contemplating everything that had transpired—the death and burial of Jesus, the kinds of things they believed Jesus would do, along with the news of the empty tomb—everything felt so difficult to understand.
But it was at that moment that Jesus himself drew near to them and began walking with them. What’s striking here is that the two people’s eyes were kept from recognizing Jesus. It wasn’t that the two followers of Jesus didn't recognize him; of course, they would have recognized their teacher’s face and voice. God deliberately kept them from acknowledging him. They could not know that it was him, even though he was right in front of them. We will see the reason for this shortly.
As Jesus approached them, he asked, “What is this conversation that you are having with one another?” He noted, "I see that you two were having an emotionally charged discussion, and I want to know about it..." As soon as Jesus said that, the two stood still, looking sad... (Because the disciples thought, how could you possibly miss everything that happened recently?)
Cleopas responds, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened?" And once again, Jesus, seemingly clueless, replies, “What things?” (I don’t know anything that’s happened recently.) In reaction to Jesus’ obliviousness, Cleopas responds in a very depressing and sarcastic manner, “Are you the only one who does not know?” Then, Jesus poses the question, “What things are you talking about?” Their response reveals a glimpse of their confusion, which uncovers a very profound truth... They reply, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the rulers have delivered him to death by crucifying him... verse 21 – we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.
Verse 21 is the core of the issue – because it ultimately reveals why the disciples were so confused and how they perceived Jesus until that moment. They expressed, concerning Jesus, that they had hoped he was the one to redeem Israel. This indicates that the disciples had their own interpretations of him; they viewed Jesus as a political figure who would finally overthrow the Roman Empire occupying Israel at the time and bring freedom and liberation to their country.
No matter how often Jesus shared his mission, identity, and purpose on earth with his disciples, they failed to see that... they failed to see Jesus for who he was... instead, they perceived Jesus through the lens of their own personal desires and aspirations. Rather than seeing Jesus Christ as the Son of God – whose life was given as a ransom for many – they viewed him as a political messiah – one who would usher in a free nation of Israel.
Even after the death of Jesus, the disciples’ desire to escape from the Roman authorities remained prevalent in their thoughts. In verse 21, the portion translated into English as “We had hoped” is actually in the Greek imperfect tense, making it more accurately translated as "we were hoping..." (indicating the ongoing nature of this desire). They wished that Jesus was the political Messiah who would free them from Roman rule; they still wish that he would! They are left feeling sad and confused that things didn’t unfold as they expected.
So, going back to the question, “Why does God deliberately make Jesus’ disciples unable to see him in that encounter?” (And what does that mean for us?)
And to that, I respond by asking you another question – if the two disciples could recognize Jesus on the road to Emmaus, how would they have seen him? They would still have seen him as they pleased; they would still have seen him through the lens of their own desires and aspirations... as a political messiah... It wasn’t until the Scripture was opened to them… It wasn’t until Jesus, the Word of God incarnate, opened the Scripture and explained the Scripture, the written Word of God, that they finally understood and saw him for who he was...
And this points to a crucial reality – a moment of reflection – because if even the disciples saw Jesus as they pleased, that begs the question: Are we seeing Jesus the way we should? Are we recognizing Jesus Christ for who he is? Are we following and submitting to Jesus Christ based on what the Scripture reveals about him?
Or do we follow him as a means to achieve different ends – our personal aspirations?
- Are we viewing Christ through the lens of our personal desires?
- Are we perceiving Jesus as the one who will prosper us by making our retirement funds grow or by bringing healing?
- Are we seeing Jesus as the one who will bring political change as the new election cycle approaches?
- Are we viewing Jesus as the one who will provide the right job or spouse?
- Or, are we seeing Jesus merely as a means to a successful career? A successful ministry?
That’s what’s at stake here with the disciples! As they explain to Jesus (who they still don’t recognize), it revealed what was truly in their hearts – through the lens of their personal aspirations… they saw Jesus – and their confusion was because things didn’t happen as they thought they should… So, Jesus says in verse 25 – “oh foolish ones!” – Right? He’s not saying, you idiots! But he is pointing out their lack of understanding, their inability to see Jesus for who he is! He also says “slow of heart.” – Here, heart doesn’t just mean emotions or feelings – it refers to everything that makes you who you are – your inner commitments, dispositions, and attitudes... The disciples’ commitments, dispositions, and attitudes were not aligned with Jesus... Their inability to see Jesus stems from their failure to embrace the ways of God...
But what is most important is that Jesus now, having called out the disciples for their slowness of heart, takes the time and effort to bring new light to the Scriptures. As they continued on their path to Emmaus, Jesus began to explain everything in the Scriptures—the things concerning himself. This was the exegetical heaven! The Logos, the Word of God, explaining the written word of God.
I am sure that he did not touch upon every text that alluded to him; otherwise, they would have never reached Emmaus! Yet, he interpreted the whole Scripture. How wonderful would it have been to hear from Jesus himself—interpreting the sacrifice of Isaac in Genesis 22 as a symbol of his substitutionary atonement and a hint towards his resurrection! Or to hear Jesus interpret the Passover and how it relates to him as the lamb.
As the Scripture was opened to them, the disciples began to understand more and more the role of the true Messiah and what he would do! But still, they don’t recognize that the one standing before them is Jesus. However, now they have seen him in the Scripture, and I believe they are ready.
As they neared Emmaus, Jesus pretended to continue on his way – but the disciples strongly urged him to stay with them. So, Jesus did, and as they gathered together to eat. Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them – and immediately, the disciples’ eyes were opened... Scholars suggest that perhaps the moment of recognition came when the disciples saw Jesus’ nail-pierced hands as he broke the bread. Regardless, the veil covering their eyes was lifted, and they recognized him for who he is! Then, just like that, he vanished.
Earlier, when they viewed Jesus through their desires, the disciples came to Emmaus feeling sadness and gloom – but now, having seen Jesus for who he truly is, as written in the Scriptures, they return with great joy and a new sense of identity and purpose.
And this is how the story wraps up—As we reflect on this passage, the key pivot occurs when Jesus explains the Scriptures concerning himself. Seeing Jesus Christ through the Scriptures is essential! When we see and understand Jesus according to our own desires, we not only alienate ourselves from God, but we also lose our purpose and meaning. However, when we see Jesus Christ for who he is and submit to his will and authority, our sadness turns to joy, our foolishness becomes wisdom and understanding, and our slow heart—our heart of stone—transforms into a living heart that beats in harmony with the heart of Jesus Christ.
Granted, because of our sinfulness and fallen nature, we are prone to seeing Jesus through the lens of our personal desires, and we find it difficult to wholly submit ourselves—our will, words, and actions—to him. But my dear friends, that’s precisely why he was crucified and raised again! So that we may see him for who he is. Just as the Scriptures were opened to the disciples, enabling them to see Jesus for who he is, we have the Holy Spirit in our hearts who will illuminate the Scriptures concerning God’s Son, Jesus. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live in full submission. As we come to an end, may we see Jesus for who he is—our Lord and Savior—and fully give our lives to him.
