The Road to Emmaus

On the day of the resurrection, two disciples traveled from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus, located sixty stadia away (Luke 24:13). As they discussed recent events, Jesus approached and walked with them, though their eyes were prevented from recognizing him (Luke 24:15-16). When Jesus asked what they were discussing, they stood still with sad faces. One of them, named Cleopas, asked if he was the only visitor in Jerusalem unaware of the things that had happened there (Luke 24:18). They described Jesus of Nazareth as a prophet mighty in deed and word, noting that the chief priests and rulers had delivered him to be condemned to death and crucified (Luke 24:19-20).

The disciples explained their hope that he was the one to redeem Israel and mentioned it was the third day since these things occurred (Luke 24:21). They reported that certain women from their group had amazed them by finding the tomb empty and seeing a vision of angels who said he was alive (Luke 24:22-23). Jesus responded by calling them foolish and slow of heart to believe all the prophets had spoken, asking if it was not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things to enter his glory (Luke 24:25-26). Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures (Luke 24:27).

As they neared Emmaus, Jesus acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him to stay since it was toward evening (Luke 24:28-29). While at the table, he took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. At this moment, their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight (Luke 24:30-31). They remarked to each other that their hearts had burned while he talked to them on the road and opened the Scriptures (Luke 24:32). They immediately returned to Jerusalem to find the eleven disciples and reported how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread (Luke 24:33-35).