Knowing The Word in Luke 24:28-35, Emmaus

Having been quite impressed with his teaching, these two invite him into what is likely one of their homes. Because of their gracious invitation he accedes to their wishes. Taking and blessing and breaking the bread is normally what a host would do. Instead Jesus takes the place of the host, and in this activity the disciples understand they are with Jesus. Remember that these two were not present at the Last Supper, so they would most likely not make an association with it and assume they are part of the first Communion service. Somehow God helped them to recognize Jesus. And then he vanishes. Recalling his teaching on the road, it seems that Jesus had done similar teaching before. Immediately they return to tell the others in Jerusalem.

Luke 24:28-35

28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Prayer

Lord Christ, who said, “Do this in remembrance of me”: help us at every communion service to look back, and remember your death for us on the cross; to look up, and know that you are the risen savior among us; to look around, and rejoice in our fellowship with one another; and to look forward in hope to the coming of your kingdom and the heavenly banquet. For your name’s sake.

Llewellyn Cumings