The Gospel of Luke
Emmaus: Lk 24,13-32
The Gospel of Luke is dominated by the journey of Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem, begining at 9,51 with the final arrival some ten chapters later at the end of 19. Emmaus repeats this theme of teaching while journeying in miniature as it where and it a new context.
Thus we find references to the journey in 24,15.17.28.29.32.33 and in the following episode 24,35.
The story begins with a setting of the scene as the two disciples discuss what has happened followed by an initial exchange with the stranger, 24,13-19a.
In 19b, "they replied" and that follows: 24,19b-24.
To this reply the stranger responds, 24,25-27.
The meal and recognition follow, 24,28-32, with the concluding excalmation in 24,32.
Reading this step by step will bring out how the journey of discovery unfolds.
Let us now return to the main page
Setting the Scene: 24,13-19a
Verse 14 is set "on the same day" so already rumours were going around if the two are discussing events. At this point, the two are not called disciples and there is some symbolism in their journeying away from Jerusalem.
One reason they did not recognise the stranger in verse 16 is that they had no reason to expect Jesus to be joining them. Despite the rumours, they think he is still dead.
Cleopas then tells the stranger about the events the two had been discussing in verse 14. There is much speculation about Cleopas' companion. Mrs Cleopas perhaps.
The further question by the stranger in verse 19a then leads into their detailed reply. When he says "what things?", we the readers do of course already know what they are.
The Reply: 24,19b-24
In verse 19, he is Jesus "of Nazareth". Neither Lord nor Messiah are used.
Prophet though is commonly used of Jesus as 7,16. Stephen in Acts 7,22 calls Moses a prophet mighty in word and deed and this recalls Dt 18,15. There Moses says that God will raise up a prophet like him.
In verse 20, they speak of "our chief priests"
Expectations have not changed about the Messiah, as Acts 1,6.. He would be the one to redeem Israel and in a military way as Is 43,14.
Whilst the women's experience is reported accurately, it is nonetheless downgraded. Men have to go to the tomb as in verse 24. A missing body, but no one is asking where it is.
Thus they are saying a great detail with accuracy in this reply to the stranger. What is missing is resurrection and with that, faith.
The two are now eye witnesses but they yet to become ministers of the word.
The Response: 24,25-27
In verse 25, "not-understanding" is the Greek word rendered by "foolish". The heart is the centre of the human.
"Must" in verse 27 is God's plan for our salvation which is summarised in verse 27.
We note there is no reaction from the two at this point.
Recognition: 24,28-32
It is said in verse 29 that the day is nearly over. A new day may be about to start at sunset but this day of resurrection will continue until Jesus leaves them at the end of the chapter.
As at the last supper, 22,19, and the feeding of the crowd, 9,16, Jesus' actions in breaking the bread point towards what became the great Christian meal, the Eucharist.
The meeting of the disciples thus comes to a climax with a meal. Hospitality leads to faith. Luke's Gospel is a gospel of meals. The examples I gave were that of Matthew after being called (5,29), one of the banquets of chapter 14, and then the Last Supper itself (22,14-22).
Faith then becomes a matter of seeing or not seeing, verse 23 has led to verse 31. With recognition comes understanding in verse 32, a complete change from verse 25.
It is typical of Luke to ends scenes with a saying or comment. That of verse 32 forms a strong ending to the Emmaus story.
Cleopas and his companion have therefore become ministers of the word to which they will now witness as they return to the community.
Let us now return to the main page