Lord’s Library contributor Lonetta Key wrote this concise commentary on the walk to Emmaus Scriptures in the Bible with key verses and commentary. Check out Lonetta’s blog: Living Before God’s Face. Lord’s Library’s Ministry Leaders Series is a collection of contributed articles written by ministry leaders on key Christian topics.
Luke 24:13-32 relates the story of Jesus encountering two disciples as they were walking from Jerusalem to their home in Emmaus: “And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.”
Walk to Emmaus Scripture in the Bible
I find these verses to be so rich and full of many nuances of meaning. I want to focus on two main points:
First, the three were walking and talking for a considerable period of time, discussing the events of the Messiah’s death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus was sharing insights with them based on Old Testament prophecies to help clarify the recent happenings for them. But they had no clue who was accompanying and conversing with them.
It was not until they invited Him into their home that He revealed Himself—that the realization of the identity of their new acquaintance dawned on them. After Jesus’ abrupt disappearance while they were eating they admitted “was not our heart greatly moved and burning within…” They had felt a unique special aura surrounding them but the substantiation of their sense of something uncommon was not brought to fruition until they entreated Him to come inside.
Oh dear friend, how often do we miss the complete revelation of the Lord’s presence because we fail to welcome Him in to live—to abide—not only in our hearts and souls but into our daily living—the routine and the ordinary. It is only when that request is issued that we receive the complete unveiling and replete aspect of His divine companionship.
Remember Jesus did not suggest He be a guest at their dinner table. And so it is with us. The Lord will never inaugurate entrance into our spirit. He longs to reside in our very existence but He waits for us to initiate the proposal.
Second, we never know who we may meet. The couple on the road had no idea they were walking and speaking with Jesus. They invited a total stranger into their home—they showed hospitality and later realized they were hosting the Lord. Hebrews 13:2 says: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” This also suggests to me that it behooves us to check our words and actions since we never know whom we are addressing.
I would also propose that showing hospitality to strangers is not limited to entertaining them in our homes. As we were leaving our place of worship Sunday my husband offered assistance to a homeless lady. In my opinion, that was definitely being hospitable. Her gratitude was overwhelming and this encounter brought to mind the passage in Hebrews. You just never know.
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