The Road to Emmaus

The Gospel of Luke tells the story of two disheartened friends traveling on the road to Emmaus. A stranger greets them on the way and compassionately inquires about their troubles. The disciples speak to him about Jesus and his untimely death. “But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel,” they inform the traveler, dejectedly.

But we had hoped. It is what we all say on the road to Emmaus when life interrupts our plans. In our walk with the Lord, we have certain expectations, and when they are not met, we become disillusioned.

The Jews expected a triumphant Messiah, one who would usher in the Kingdom, and free them from foreign rule. What they got was a crucified would-be Christ (so they thought), and Rome was still in power. But we had hoped.

A word of advice for Emmaus-bound travelers, do not walk alone. Remember, there were two disciples traveling on the road that day. “Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ,” the apostle declares. Do not travel alone, disciples and do not let others walk alone either. Troubled travelers may not feel God–but they will feel your presence as you walk with them on the road to Emmaus.

A word of encouragement, sojourners to Emmaus, you do not walk alone. Jesus joins you in your travels. Although the Lord’s felt presence might elude you, he is closer than you think. Our despairing disciples did not expect Jesus to die, but neither did they expect to meet him on the road to Emmaus.

Lastly, enlightenment awaits you at journey’s end. Reaching Emmaus, the disciples encourage the stranger to remain, and he accepts their invitation. The visitor joins them at their table, and gives thanks for the bread. After he breaks it, he presents it to them and “then their eyes were opened, and they recognized [the risen Christ].” On the road to Emmaus, we often do not understand why we had to travel that way. However, God makes himself known to us in a way we would never have known before had we not traveled on the road to Emmaus.

After recognizing Jesus, the disciples hurried back to Jerusalem to testify, "It is true! The Lord has risen."

He is risen, indeed.