Two disciples walked on the road to Emmaus, they were having a conversation. Their main topic was a man called Jesus of Nazareth.
Many had hoped he would overthrow the Roman government and be crowned King of Israel. Instead, he had been arrested, tortured, and crucified… like an ordinary criminal.
Pilate had even set a watch at his tomb in an effort to prevent his disciples from stealing his body away and then declaring that he had been resurrected. Certain women of their company astonished the men when they reported His body missing from the sepulchre.
They had seen a vision of angels who said He was alive! Then certain others of their company visited the sepulchre and found it even so as the women had reported, but Him they did not see. As the two continue, Jesus comes alongside them, joining in their conversation.
“What manner of communications are these that you have one to another, as you walk, and are sad?†Cleopas answered, “Are you a stranger in Israel? Have you not heard of the recent events that have occurred in regard to Jesus of Nazareth, the one we hoped was the Messiah? The chief priests and our rulers delivered to be condemned to death and have crucified Him. Besides all this, today is the third day since these things were done.â€
The conversation became an opportunity for discourse from the stranger. As Jesus continued with them to on the road, He began at Moses and all the prophets expounding unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.
Upon arrival at Emmaus, the two disciples compelled Him to spend the night due to the lateness of the hour. He went in to tarry with them. But when Jesus blessed and broke the bread for the two, their spiritual eyes were opened.
They recognized Him. They had been walking and talking with the topic of their conversation. Immediately He vanished from their sight.
“Did not our hearts burn within us as He talked with us by the way, and while He opened unto us the scriptures?†And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those that were with them, “Saying the Lord is risen indeed and as appeared to Simon!â€
But these two with heartburn had seen Him with their own eyes and walked with Him on the road to Emmaus. The conversation, I imagine, was one they repeated to all who would listen.
On that third day, Jesus was still about the Father’s business. If He took up time with just two, He will do the same for me and you. A one on one conversation with Jesus will change your life forever.
“Behold now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation.†(2 Corinthians 6:2)
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Penny Gilliam Hagy is the pastor of Evangel Family Worship Center in Kingsport.
