Our scripture this week is Luke 24:13-35.
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Luke 24:13-35
Jesus appeared to many of his followers, not just the twelve. In this passage we are introduced to Cleopas and his friend who are on their way to the village of Emmaus when they are joined by the risen Christ. They don’t recognize Him (like Mary at the tomb, we don’t know for what reason) and He engages them in conversation as they go.
This scripture reinforces the fact that Jesus came for all of us, not just the select few. We hear often of His interactions with the twelve, of visits with Mary and Martha, but in this reading we are made aware of His wider connection to others that may not be recorded in scripture. Again, it was important for those who knew Jesus in the flesh to see Him raised.
Those who were closest to Jesus needed to be able to testify faithfully after His Crucifixion that they had seen the Lord. If they were to be able to carry on His ministry, they had to be absolutely certain of His presence with them as they were sent out in His name. Jesus gave them this assurance as He assures us today and He is with us always.
Loving Lord, we rejoice in Your presence, aware of Your guiding spirit to sustain and strengthen us. Help us to be the witnesses needed to share Your love with all the world. Amen.