GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
The Resurrection of Jesus
The Way to Emmaus: Luke 24,13-32
As we discovered in the overview, we are reading Emmaus beginning on "the same day" in verse 13 and ending in verse 32 because verse 33 says at "the same hour". We will see that 24,32 forms an excellent conclusion.
Telling a story is the best way for Luke to make his point. He therefore gives this story of the two disciples on their way to Emmaus and their encounter with the risen Jesus. It is a story which prepares for the Acts of the Apostles, as more eyewitnesses become ministers of the word.
See how the theme of the journey is developed through the story and how this echoes the Gospel story. See also 9,51; 10,38; 13,22.
Now look at how the story unfolds in four stages and the verses for each stage. Note the speakers and what they say.
A look at my response will help now.
What follows takes the story step by step. Nonetheless, the flow of the story needs to be maintained.
Setting the Scene: 24,13-19a
Verse 13 opens the story with a reference to time and to a journey. Where symbolically are the two going? Note what they are not called.
Even so, in verse 14 it is clear they are aware of what is going on. Reflect on why the two did not recognise the stranger in verse 16.
Who begins the conversation in verse 17?
Verse 18 then recalls verse 14. Note how verse 19 begins.
The Reply: 24,19b-24
The reply is packed full of information. Much of it will be familiar; it can be briefly reviewed without too much detail.
In verse 19, what is Jesus called? For the prophet, see 7,16. See also Acts 7,22 and Dt 18,15.
Verse 20 refers to the events in chapters 221 and 23. Note the adjective.
Consider the implications of verse 21. See Acts 1,6 and Is 43,14.
How are the women regarded in verses 22-23. Is "vision" the right word for their experience in 24,4?
What is the conclusion in verse 24. What is missing in all this?
The Response: 24,25-27
A lesson then follows from the stranger. A stranger for the disciples that is, but the evangelist has already told us in verse 16 this is Jesus. What follows comes with his authority.
Following the rebuke in verse 25, verse 26 includes the word "must" as also in 24,7 and 24,44.
A full explanation is then follows as in verse 27, an opening of the Scriptures.
Recognition: 24,28-32
Note the time in verses 28-29
For Jesus' actions in verse 30, see 9,16 & 22,19
What is the role of hospitality in this story? See also 5,29; 14,15-24; 22,14-22.
Reflect upon the response in verse 32. See verse 25.
Now look at my response.
We now move onto the Jerusalem and the third part of the chapter, Lk 24,33-53.