The Living Lord

KEY VERSE: “Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” —Luke 24:27

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Luke 24:13-35

THESE VERSES TELL about two of Jesus’ disciples who, on the day of Jesus’ resurrection, were walking toward the village of Emmaus, a distance of about ten miles from Jerusalem. Verse 14 says, “They talked together of all these things which had happened” concerning their Lord and Master, Jesus, who had been unfairly tried and put to death just days before. They were discouraged and confused, wondering what the reason and purpose was for this tragic turn of events.

As the two continued to walk and discuss these things, Jesus joined them. (vs. 15) Although they acknowledged their new traveling companion, they did not perceive that he was none other than their resurrected Lord. He then proceeded to inquire of the two as to what they had been talking about, and why they appeared sad. One of the two, Cleopas, could scarcely believe that anyone would be ignorant of the events that had taken place, unless he was just a visitor to the area. So he asked, “Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?” (vs. 18) They then began to explain to this supposed stranger the things that had recently occurred.

In verses 19-24, these two followers of Jesus poured out their hearts to their companion. They explained that this Jesus was he whom they thought would be the Redeemer of Israel, their Messiah, but their own leaders condemned him to death, and crucified him. Now, just days after his death, his body was gone from the sepulchre, and conflicting reports were given as to what had happened. Some said he had been stolen away; others said that he was still alive; some saw only the empty tomb. After listening intently to the two rehearse these things, Jesus—still unrecognized—spoke to them.

He began to tell them (vss. 25-27), that all these things had been foretold by the prophets, and chided them for having a lack of faith in these. Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he showed them that it was necessary for Jesus to die as the Redeemer, not only for Israel, but for Adam and all his posterity. Salvation could only come through a ransom or corresponding price—a perfect man’s life for a perfect man’s life. This, he explained, had been foretold by Israel’s own faithful prophets. Additionally, the prophets had indicated that this Redeemer, after having faithfully carried out this work, even unto death, would not remain in the grave, but would be raised from the dead by the mighty power of God, exalted to the divine nature.

By this time they had arrived at their destination. As this unknown stranger made as though he would leave their midst, the two invited him to share supper and spend the night with them. They were, no doubt, anxious to hear more from this keen-sighted man. Finally, as they sat to eat, the stranger took bread, blessed it, and brake it. (vs. 30) It was at this moment that they immediately recognized him as their Master, the Lord Jesus, and he vanished out of their sight. These two rejoiced at this experience, and went quickly back to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples of their dramatic encounter with the risen Lord. Truly they could now say, “The Lord is risen indeed”!—vs. 34.

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