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The Road to Emmaus
by Fr. Reid Hensarling
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:13-35 is one of the most vivid and a dramatic account about Jesus and Luke tells the story with great skill and drama. Luke emphasizes four things: 1) the geographic journey, 2) Jesus' gradual revelation of himself, 3) Christology and fulfillment of Old Testament prophesy, and 4) the meal scene. The Emmaus journey is full of irony and reversal. Two disciples are despondent that the prophet and redeemer of the nation has been crucified. How can God possibly work through a crucified Messiah? The travelers lament that Jesus has not been seen even though the tomb is empty. Unknown to them, the answer appears before them in the person of Jesus. For Luke, appearances are the most decisive proof, since they remove all doubt about resurrection.
As the three walk and talk, the travelers reveal their disappointment over Jesus' death and their curiosity over the empty tomb. Since their sight is veiled, they do not initially recognize Jesus when he joins them. God has seemingly thrown a cruel curve at his people. The entourage's third member says that all is not lost. He rebukes the other two for lack of understanding, since there is another way to look at the events. He begins to explain how the Scripture teaches the necessity of Christ's glorification through suffering. Jesus is the fulfillment of all of the Old Testament. There is a necessity to God's plan. These events are no surprise in God's plan but should be believed. God's word and work come together to show his vindication of Jesus. God proves to us that his word is true. As the group nears their destination, the two ask their friend the stay the night. What the reader already knows is made clear at the meal: the man is Jesus and he has been raised from the dead. The travelers are overjoyed at being with Jesus and understanding God's plan as revealed in the Scriptures. Jesus' resurrection thus receives confirmation through his appearance to them. What fantastic and glorious news!
The two are transformed by the knowledge of Jesus' resurrection and victory. They are so excited that they go out to tell the group in Jerusalem. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, they find the Eleven gathered together. They are ready to give their good news, but another report comes before they have the chance. Jesus has appeared to Simon Peter. The report shows that Jesus is really among them, no matter where they are. Not only did Jesus provide evidence for his resurrection on the road; he did it in Jerusalem too. Failure becomes fulfillment. Remorse is reversed in resurrection.
For Luke's reader the account functions as a summary to provide assurance about the resurrection. God can work through crucifixion because it is followed by resurrection. His promise remains, and their hope has been renewed. The Lord Jesus is risen. He lives and is in their midst. God's plan has not been thwarted. The disciples are not abandoned by God, but later commissioned by Jesus. The resurrection means that Christians can know that God is at work, that Jesus is alive in glory, and that death is not the end. A life of purpose and unending relationship with God through Jesus is possible because Jesus is among us. All that is needed is to believe what God has promised.
The key is Jesus, who in resurrection reveals that life is worth living. He reveals that life is found in him. If God is at work in saving Jesus, then he is a work in his message about Jesus as well. From faith should follow faithfulness and service. God's word of promise to us should become a proclaimed word of hope and eternal salvation to others.
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