April 15, 2020

In this passage we see two disciples on their way to the village of Emmaus. While they are on their way there the risen Jesus appears to them, and we see a few things take place:

  • They are, mysteriously, kept from recognizing Him at first. We see this as a recurring theme in multiple gospel accounts (see John 20:14-16; John 21:4-7)
  • Jesus explains the Old Testament Scriptures to them and how they all point to Him
  • Jesus eats with them and they finally recognize Him when he breaks the bread
  • They run back to tell the other disciples what happened

Luke 24:13-35

On the Road to Emmaus

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.

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?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

In verse 32 these two disciples say that their hearts burned within them as Jesus explained to them how the Old Testament Scriptures were all about Him. As believers, we have all been made a part of God’s story, and that story started long before Jesus took on flesh and was born of the virgin Mary. In order to understand the fullness of who Jesus really is and how we fit into His story, we have to immerse ourselves in the story God is telling throughout the entire Bible.

Why is it important that we understand the storyline of the Old Testament as a backdrop for understanding who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish?

How can we you use the time God has given you during this season getting more familiar with the overall story of the Bible and how it all culminates in Jesus?

19 thoughts on “Luke 24:13-35”

  1. I’ve been using this season to work through Chuck Missler’s Bible in 24 hours video series.

    Today’s devotional perfectly tied into what I’ve been learning from the Old Testament

    “The New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed; the Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed.”

    Understanding how the OT consistently points forward to Christ has deepened my faith and walk.

  3. I like this from Micah: “The New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed; the Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed.”

  4. I have used this time and taken the opportunity to share God with those I come in contact with, more boldly than ever! I have the time, and so do they, to pursue a greater depth and exposure.

    Whether I plant, water, or help to sow the seed, what I am seeing is that people are responding to my openness, vulnerability, and transparency. God is using this time in a mighty way. He is using me because I seek Him and share what I know…in my own way and meeting those around me right where they are. The love and joy continue to multiply in my heart! That is what He does! He stokes the fire within❤❤❤❤

  5. These two men were not well known followers ( just believers). Yet not only did Jesus spend 8 to 10 hours walking with them, teaching them and staying at their home.
    It is very obvious Jesus loved these followers, as Jesus loves and cares for you and me. BUT, Jesus gave us His Spirit 24/7. What an awesome God we serve !

  6. I am growing everyday in my faith.. I feel such a sense of contentment when I read about Jesus.

  7. For my current seminary class, I just started a book last night called “Christ Centered Preaching” by Bryan Chapell. It’s funny because the book is about faithfully pointing every sermon to the cross, and it’s mostly based on Christ’s words in Luke 24:27 where he explained how all the Scriptures pointed to him. I was thankful to read about it last night and be reminded of it during this morning devotional 🙂

  8. The OT is the foundation, the road being prepared for our need for Jesus, and our hopelessness apart from the forgives of sins he brings into the world. Without his perfect life, death and resurrection, we have no power over sin and death. The prophesies made in the OT, only strengthen our faith, giving us a reasoned, logical argument for our trust in the scriptures and God himself. Our faith is not blind, but fulfilled in the NT, when Jesus does what the OT said he would do. I continue to read the word daily, but I think I may reread some books by NT Wright, CS Lewis, etc., to get a fresh view of things I have studied in the past.

  9. Jesus gives us the key to reading all the Scriptures… It’s Himself! This was the best Bible study every conducted, Jesus teaching these two disciples how all the Scriptures point to Him!

  10. Two ordinary guys were chosen by God to hear the full explanation of the gospel from Genesis to this moment of revelation…. As Jesus tore the bread and gave thanks, they suddenly recognized him. But Jesus immediately disappeared from their sight. They quickly returned the seven miles to Jerusalem (probably grabbing some of the precious blessed bread to sustain them on the journey) to tell the disciples about their amazing encounter with the risen Jesus!

  11. I have a question: Why did they only recognize Jesus after he broke bread? I’m going to look this up, but if anyone wants to chime in, I’d love to hear! Thanks 🙂

  12. Oh, to be a fly on the wall during the moment they realized it was Jesus! I am excited to do these devotionals. I can’t wait to learn more details that I’d previously overlooked.

  13. The Old Testament is important because it foretells the coming of Jesus our redeemer. In the New Testament we see those stories come true. Jesus came as he promised and fulfilled the story’s given by the prophets in scriptures. Praise God for always keeping our best interest at heart.

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