It was the first day and the women went to the tomb. Finding it empty they saw two angels who told them that Jesus was risen. That lays the groundwork for what happened shortly thereafter. How did two depressed travelers find hope on the road to Emmaus? They came face to face with the risen Lord. Their life would never be the same after this encounter with Jesus. Faith which had been only a thought, now became the reality of their very existence.
Luke 24:13 (NKJV)13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was [e]seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.
Were They not Told?
Notice first, they were walking away from Jerusalem. They had like all the others heard Jesus say this was what was going to happen. Matthew 26 tells us as they were walking toward the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said, “31 On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”
Why were these disciples kept from recognizing him for that moment? They were going the wrong direction. Yet, Jesus went to bring them back; but they did not recognize Him—not yet at least. Much like us. How often do we march on in our sadness, heading the wrong way and never realize He is with us.
Depressed without Hope on the Road to Emmaus
Luke 24:17 And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you ]walk and are sad?”
Jesus may even reach out to our hearts through the Holy Spirit and ask the same question, “Why are you sad?” Do you not know, have you not heard, Jesus is the very source of your joy? Yet here He gently asks and waits for their answer.
Luke 24: 18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered. And said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem? H ave You not known the things which happened there in these days?”
19 And He said to them, “What things?”
Notice Jesus meets you right where you are. He asks you, “What is it that you see? How are you? Do you not understand?” Did I not tell you, child there would be trials but be of good cheer I have overcome the world?
Knowing, yet Walking Away from Hope on the Road to Emmaus
So, they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people. 20 How the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22 Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23 When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24 And certain 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.”
Did they not hear even their own words? They heard that He was risen; but were still saddened because things had not gone as they thought best. Often is that not just who we are? We do not see God’s hand working nor trust that it is because we had a different view of what we thought was going to happen. They had wanted Him to begin the final kingdom—to set up rule. That part of the prophecy is what they clung tight to. Therefore, when it was not that. Well they, like us doubt the plan. We do not want to hear about the journey, just transport us to the final glorious destination now. However, the journey is how we get ready to maximally enjoy the destination.
All of Scripture Revealing Hope on the Road to Emmaus
Luke 24;25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He [g]expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
Every book, every part of the Bible tells the story of our Savior. From the creation through revelations. Much has been fulfilled; but much is yet to come. After all, Revelations begins with: “1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must [a]shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.”
All of history is really HIS STORY. That is all that really matters. So, when Jesus testified of Himself, He told the story from all parts of the Old Testament Scripture. (Much like the sermon of Stephen in Acts 7 which I do urge you to read). Knowing this confirms your faith, grows your strength, and turns the sorrows into glorious songs of praise. I have nothing to fear when I understand all that He has accomplished and focus on all that is yet to come.
Eyes Opened to Hope on the Road to Emmaus
28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He [h]indicated that He would have gone farther. 29 But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them.
30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.
32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 So they rose up that very hour. Returned to Jerusalem and found the eleven. and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was [i]known to them in the breaking of bread…
The Scriptures Opened
44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you. That all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.
46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, [l]and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city [m]of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”
Hope on the Road to Emmaus- concluding thoughts
What is your Emmaus Road? Why have you turned to walk away sad? Is it the cares of this world? The Sorrows of watching all the turmoil around us. Or is it the stress of each day, not knowing what it may bring. Perhaps, it is the sorrow of watching the moral decline in this nation and feeling so helpless. After all, it does appear that evil is winning; but is it? Whatever it is that brought your heart to grieve. Look up. Remember what Jesus Said, “the victory is won. He cried out from the cross, “It is finished”.
Regardless of what we may think, turn back to the scripture. Study His words and all of prophecy. We win. Therefore, hold fast to His joy. The joy that is set before us will strengthen us to endure whatever cross we face today.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
Poetry Books Available
If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon
Previous
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits
New King James Version (NKJV)