Now the same day (Sunday), two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus Himself came up and walked with them but they were kept from recognizing Him. Luke 23:13-16
Two travelers walked the road to Emmaus from Jerusalem, discussing the events of the crucifixion and the excitement of the resurrection sightings. We know that one of the travelers was Cleopas, related by marriage to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. It is speculated by some that the other traveler may have been his wife, Mary, who was at the crucifixion and the burial site of Jesus and who was one of the women who returned on the third day to find an empty tomb. But regardless of their identity, these were not two uninvolved travelers, speculating on the news of the day but believers who knew what it was like to be in the living presence of Jesus. Yet, when Jesus joined them, even when He explained to them the scripture concerning Himself, they did not recognize Him until He broke bread and prayed with them. Whether His appearance had changed or their eyes were closed, we do not know. But it speaks to us to be aware, to be ready on our own “Road to Emmaus” for the presence of the Savior.
How is Christ revealed to us today? How do we encounter the Living Lord? To the women we have considered in this study, His encounters were purposeful - for healing, for forgiveness, for redemption and compassion. In a culture dominated by men, He brought inclusion, recognized strength and honored faith.
In the same way, in the troubles and triumphs of our lives, Jesus is there, providing strength and healing, giving us courage, bringing us grace. On our road to Emmaus, we, too, meet Him face to face. He calls us to serve in the way God has gifted us to serve, with awareness and compassion. His encounter with us is daily, in the quiet of our study and in the confusion of life. He gives us value and asks us for service. He gives us comfort and asks us for compassion for others. He recognizes in us our own individual gifts and opens our eyes to the needs of those around us. He invites us into His presence and we know that we are loved and we are His.