The Jesus Journey Series

Luke 24:13–24 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. 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?” 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. 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.” 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. 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?” (ESV)

On this labour day long weekend, many are taking this last summer opportunity to get away. Some travel this weekend as a capstone to a summer of destinations reached. Yet for others, due to finances, work or weather, they weren’t able to get away as they had wished. The fact remains that regardless of how well we plan our journey, there are often circumstances beyond our control that interfere with our expectations and bring disappointment.

For the disciples of Christ in Luke 24, after misunderstanding Jesus’ words and purposes they left Jerusalem disillusioned and disappointed. Many hoped Jesus would establish His kingdom immediately on earth and vanquish their foes. When He was crucified, with this, many had their expectations and hopes dashed, and they left dejected and disappointed. In yet another display of grace and the renewal of hope, Jesus met His disciples on the road to Emmaus.

The journey to Emmaus in Luke 24, is as the journey of life. We continue along a path before us not knowing what to expect or who we will meet. We search for meaning and understanding. Often what we expect doesn’t turn out, we ask why, and we wonder what to do. Since we can’t control what will happen, it makes no sense to fret over what will come. The only answer is to look to the one who does control what’s happening and trust in Him. To understand His will and His way, we need to look to His word and see Him work.

To answer the questions of our Journey, in Luke 24:13-30, Jesus opened the Old Testament Scripture to His disciples and dispelled their darkness and confusion about Him with the light of truth. The story of this encounter, like our own journey of faith, may be viewed from three perspectives: 1) The Need for understanding (Luke 24:13–24), 2) The Source of understanding (Luke 24:25–27), and 3) The Response to understanding (Luke 24:28–32).

In the journey of faith there is:

1) The Need for Understanding (Luke 24:13–24)

Luke 24:13–24 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. 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?” 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. 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.” 25 And he 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. (ESV)