Friday, April 13, 2007
Luke 24:13-15 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them.
THE FACTS OF THE RESURRECTION -- THE TESTIMONY OF THE EMMAUS DISCIPLES
After the appearance and witness of the angels, Jesus began to appear to His followers. First Mary Magdalene at the tomb, the other women on their way back to Jerusalem, and also to Peter. On Easter afternoon Jesus also appeared to two of His followers as they were traveling out of Jerusalem after they had heard some of the talk concerning the disappearance of Jesus' body.
Luke tells us that "beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He [Jesus] expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself" (Luke 24:27). While they journeyed together, Jesus taught these two disciples. When the two men knew it had been Jesus they said, "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road . . ." (Luke 24:32).
The same Jesus who had with powerful words proclaimed the message of the Gospel to the people during His ministry was now alive and speaking the same powerful Word, teaching in a way that only He could.
These disciples were so filled with joy when they understood that Jesus was alive that they immediately returned to Jerusalem that night to tell the other disciples: He is risen indeed!
Abide with us; with heavenly gladness
Illumine, Lord, our darkest day;
And when we weep in pain and sadness,
Be Thou our Solace, Strength, and Stay.
Tell of Thy woe, Thy victory won,
When Thou didst pray: "Thy will be done."
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 194:3)
