He is Risen: A Reflection on the Road to Emmaus

A couple of Sundays ago, we celebrated the glorious truth that Jesus is alive. He is risen! Amen! This is a truth we can celebrate every single day. Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on what happened after Jesus rose from the dead, as recorded in the Bible. The resurrection ministry of Jesus Christ is a powerful testament to His victory over death, and the Scriptures provide us with many accounts of His appearances during the 40 days He remained on earth in His resurrected body.

The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 15 that Jesus appeared to over 500 brethren at one time. On the morning of the resurrection, He appeared to Mary Magdalene and to the women who left the tomb. Later that day, He appeared to His disciples—though Thomas was not present—and to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. These moments are treasures in Scripture, and today, we’ll dive into one of those passages: the encounter on the road to Emmaus, found in Luke 24:13–35. This passage is a beautiful reminder that Jesus walks with us, even when we don’t recognize Him.

The Road to Emmaus: Luke 24:13–35

Let’s read from the Word of God, beginning in Luke 24:13:

“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. But their eyes were restrained, so they did not know Him. And He said to them, ‘What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?’ Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, ‘Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?’ And He said to them, ‘What things?’ So they said to Him, ‘The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.’ Then He said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?’ And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, ‘Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.’ And He went in to stay with them. Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, ‘Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?’ So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, ‘The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!’ And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of the bread.”

Thank You, Lord, for Your Word. Thank You for this beautiful passage where we read about these two disciples on the road to Emmaus. We never know when You’re going to show up, and how they were making that journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus, and You came walking right beside them. Thank You, God, for how You walk right beside us too, even when we don’t know it.

Lessons from the Road to Emmaus

This passage is rich with lessons for us today. Let’s unpack a few key truths that can encourage and challenge us as we walk with Christ.

1. Don’t Reason, Just Believe

As the two disciples walked, they were conversing and reasoning (verse 15). The Greek word for “reasoned” here, syzeteo, implies arguing or questioning. They were trying to make sense of everything that had happened: Jesus’ triumphal entry, His crucifixion, and now the reports from the women that He was alive. But they hadn’t yet believed. Their sadness (verse 17) and their reference to Jesus as a prophet (verse 19) reveal their doubt. They were hoping He was the Messiah (verse 21), but they hadn’t embraced the truth of His resurrection.

Jesus lovingly rebukes them: “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe” (verse 25). They were trying to reason it all out, but faith doesn’t require us to understand everything. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). It doesn’t say we have to figure it all out. God is God, and all things are possible with Him (Matthew 19:26). Romans 10:9 tells us, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

If you’re here today and haven’t surrendered your life to Jesus, don’t try to reason it all out—just believe. And for believers, when life’s circumstances feel overwhelming, don’t try to reason your way through. Trust God. There’s always hope with Him, no matter how hopeless things seem. Keep praying, keep trusting, and know that nothing is impossible with God.

2. Recognize His Presence

One of the most striking parts of this story is that Jesus was walking right beside the disciples, but their eyes were restrained, so they did not know Him (verse 16). They were talking about Jesus, questioning if He had risen, and He was right there, yet they didn’t recognize Him.

How often are we like these disciples? God promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5), but sometimes we’re so busy, worried, or consumed by our problems that we miss His presence. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” We need to slow down and be still to experience God’s presence. In Mark 1, Jesus had a busy day—casting out demons, healing the sick—but the next morning, He rose early and found a solitary place to be alone with the Father. If Jesus prioritized time with God, how much more should we?

Our thought life matters. When we’re overwhelmed with worries or anxiety, it can drown out our awareness of God’s presence. Ephesians 6 reminds us to put on the full armor of God to stand against the enemy’s attacks. Let’s not let busyness or worry keep us from recognizing that Jesus is right beside us.

The poem Footprints in the Sand beautifully illustrates this truth. In the lowest and saddest times, when we see only one set of footprints, it’s not because God left us—it’s because He was carrying us. Don’t miss out on His presence. He’s with you right now, through every burden and worry.

3. He Reveals Himself Through His Word

As the disciples walked, Jesus opened the Scriptures to them: “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (verse 27). He showed them how the Old Testament pointed to Him—His suffering, death, and resurrection. Through the Word, their hearts were softened, and they began to understand.

The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself to us. It all points to Jesus, our Lord and Savior. As believers, we must turn to the Word for answers, not the world. In Scripture, we learn the truth about God’s character and nature. We see that He is the Savior of the world. If you’re seeking direction or encouragement, get into the Word. Join a Bible study, like our “Through the Bible in a Year” study, currently in 2 Chronicles. When we dig into God’s Word together, it blesses us and reveals more of who He is.

4. Abide with Him

As they neared Emmaus, the disciples urged Jesus, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent”(verse 29). They didn’t want their time with Him to end. When we’re in God’s presence, there’s a fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Have you ever had a moment with God where you didn’t want it to end? We should crave that daily.

When Jesus sat with them, He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. In that moment, their eyes were opened, and they knew Him (verse 31). Perhaps they remembered the Last Supper or saw His scars—whatever it was, they recognized Jesus. And then He vanished. But their response is powerful: “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” (verse 32). Being in God’s presence blessed them. Their hearts burned with passion and awe.

If you’re hurting, depressed, or anxious today, take time to be in God’s presence. It will bless you. Push aside the to-do list and prioritize time with Him. As the song says, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.” His presence brings hope, peace, and joy.

5. Tell Others What He’s Done

After Jesus vanished, the disciples didn’t wait. They rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem (verse 33), traveling seven miles back to tell the others what they had experienced. They couldn’t keep it to themselves. They declared, “The Lord is risen indeed!” and shared how Jesus was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

When God works in your life, tell others. Share what Jesus has done for you. It might be the opportunity to share the Gospel, leading someone to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. When you testify about His work, you give Him glory and honor. And who knows? Your story might be the spark that draws someone closer to Christ.

A Call to Respond

As we close, let’s reflect on this passage. Jesus is alive, and He walks with us. Don’t miss out on His presence because of busyness or worry. Take time to be with Him—it will bless you. And when He works in your life, tell others.

Are you saved today? If you haven’t given your life to Jesus, today is the day to believe. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved. For believers, let’s commit to staying in His Word, abiding in His presence, and sharing His love with others.

Father God, we thank You and praise You for all that You’re doing. Thank You for the joy of getting into Your Word—it lifts our spirits. We pray that Your Word pierces hearts today. Work in each of us, and if there’s someone here in need of salvation, may today be the day they call on You. We love You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.