Stroll through Scripture for April 27, 2025

Based on Luke 24:13-35

The Road to Emmaus story in Luke is one of my favorite passages of Scripture.  The story keeps building on itself.  This is part of Luke’s Resurrection Narrative.  If you recall the beginning of Luke 24, which is what we read on Easter, has no appearance of Jesus.  It’s just an empty tomb with two men in dazzling clothes saying that Jesus isn’t at the tomb, instead he is among the living.  Everyone is confused.  

This week’s passage picks up where the confusion left off.  And it’s a bit of reversal of what had taken place leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion where many of Jesus’ followers abandon him and run away.  

There’s five parts to the Road to Emmaus story.  The first part is two disciples walking towards Emmaus talking about what all has happened.  They must have felt alone and confused.  Jesus comes alongside them and asks the question – What are you discussing?  Jesus sees them and walks along with them.  

The question causes them to stop in their tracks.  Cleopas asks the stranger if he is the only one that doesn’t know what’s going on.  And Jesus prompts him to offer more, which he does.  The second part happens here – Jesus hears the disciples and offers them what they need to hear.  

The disciples reach their destination, and Jesus looks like he is moving on.  But they extend an invitation to him to stay.  The third part is they are not alone.  Jesus stays with them.  He has seen them and heard them.  They know they are not alone.  

The fourth part is in the breaking of the bread.  Not only do they then recognize him, but they are given something else – hope.  We hear it in their statement: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”  

Lastly, they get up and go.  That’s the fifth part – It’s a “Let’s Go!” moment.  Never mind that it’s getting late, and it is the end of the day.  They have good news to share.  And good news is contagious.  

Questions for further reflection:

• How has the risen Jesus encountered you?  How has Jesus seen you, heard you, helped you to see you were not alone, and offered you hope?  How have you been moved to get up and go share good news?