Third Sunday of Easter: Gospel, Luke 24:13-35                       

Luke 24:13-35

The road to Emmaus. Short trip. Fairly short conversation. HUGE implications. But just a couple things I want to focus our attention on today. I would recommend reading the entire selection from Luke 24. That will set the table in our minds and very literally will prepare us for the table at which Jesus will “officiate” later. 

Two disciples, possibly Clopas and Simeon, are taking the fairly short walk to Emmaus, a village a few miles from Jerusalem. Their minds are swirling when an “unidentified stranger” joins their trek. I love how Luke introduces the companion: “Jesus himself drew near and went with them” (v. 15). And this is the first point of focus. Jesus himself drew near. It’s post-resurrection and Jesus, true to His nature and mission, is still seeking. He does that with us, you know. Every day. Even when we belong to Him, He comes after us, step for step, again and again. God be praised! So that’s first.

Second is the focus of this stranger. The two disciples give the stranger a “once-over” because they are surprised that He asks them the subject of their discussion. They just couldn’t believe this man wasn’t aware. They had no idea just how aware He was. He immediately brings clarity to their musing by citing the writings of Moses and the Prophets. They listened intently and after the stranger’s rather miraculous departure, they commented, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (v.32)

Point one: Jesus draws near to them. Point two: Jesus leads them into, and opens to them His Word. It is always the way of Jesus. Placed in another setting perhaps, Jesus the Shepherd seeks His sheep and leads them to quiet waters. It fits, doesn’t it? Jesus is always there alongside us and His Word is where He wants us to dwell constantly. Contentedly. Questions are fine. Even doubts. But His presence and His Word will always provide His answers.