The Living Christ: Part 4

Luke 24: 13-21, 28-32

“13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place...  28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”

Tradition has it that Cleopas is the same man a Clopas.  As you may recall, Clopas was married to a woman named Mary who was one of the three Marys who were witnesses to the crucifixion.  It could be that it was Clopas and Mary who were walking on the road to Emmaus that day.

Neither of them recognized Christ as they strolled along talking about the crucifixion, trying to process everything they had seen and heard.  They did not recognize Christ until he broke the bread at their table, something they must have seen Him do hundreds of times before at meals.

As Christians, we believe that Christ is present in our worship, in our prayers, in our scripture study, in our rituals, and in our sacraments, and that through these things we can know and experience Him.

It is through these things that our eyes are opened and our hearts are made to burn within us for our love of Christ.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)