MPV Commentary

Two of Jesus' followers were walking to Emmaus, a village about seven and a half miles from Jerusalem. They probably lived there and were returning home after the Passover.

As they walked, they discussed and debated all that had happened in Jerusalem. One of them was Cleopas (Luke 24:18), but we don't know who the other one was.

A stranger joined them as they walked, coming up behind them from Jerusalem. They didn't recognize him because he looked different, and it seems their own vision may have been affected too. If he hadn't known about Jesus' recent actions in Jerusalem, he must be a visitor; if he did know, how could he think they would be talking about anything else?

The stranger asked them what was wrong, and one of the men began to explain the main events surrounding Jesus. He spoke as if it was a relief to finally share his thoughts with someone, which is exactly what our Lord wanted.

They had trusted in Jesus for deliverance, but now His death seemed to have crushed their hopes. Not only that, but He had been dead for two days already, and this was the third day. They mentioned some women who claimed to have seen angels at the empty tomb, saying Jesus was alive, and a few of their group members confirmed this. However, they hadn't actually seen Him themselves.

The stranger responded by calling them foolish and lacking understanding. He explained that Christ had to suffer and die in order to enter into His glory. They believed in His glory, but these very sufferings were the predicted path to it. The stranger also reminded them of Moses and all the prophets, who spoke of "Himself."

As they continued walking, the stranger seemed to be unaware of their surroundings, as if he was being led by someone else. He asked them to invite him in for a meal when they arrived at Emmaus.

When it came time to eat, the stranger took his place at the table and blessed the food. As he broke bread, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him – their Risen Lord! They were about to greet Him, but He vanished from sight. It was enough for them.

The two men then told each other how their hearts had burned within them as they listened to the stranger's explanations of Scripture. Now that they understood, it all made sense: the glow of self-evidencing light and love that had ravished their hearts. They couldn't rest; they had to go back and tell the others.

When they arrived at Jerusalem, they found the eleven disciples gathered together. Before they could share their story, someone announced that the Lord was risen indeed and had appeared to Simon. This news was especially significant because it was Peter who had denied Jesus earlier. We don't know what happened during their private meeting (see Mark 16:7). The two men from Emmaus then shared their own experience with the others.

As they compared notes about Jesus' appearances, He suddenly stood among them. What a wonderful encouragement to doubting and dark-hearted disciples!