That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.
Luke 24:13-15
Friday, all their hopes and dreams had been shattered. Life had changed in a moment as they saw their Rabbi and Lord die on a Roman cross.
Reaching For Redemption
Imagine that first Easter morning, two days later. Rumors are circulating. Jesus is dead – or is he alive? The tomb is empty. Where did his body go? Some talk of angels. Is it just wishful thinking? How does one move on from that?
Two exit Jerusalem that day, heading west to the town of Emmaus. Their discussion quickly turns to Jesus and their confusion. Then a stranger walks up beside them, inquiring about their conversation. They explain what had happened to Jesus and how they had “hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21).
The Greek word lytroō (redeem) translates the Hebrew words padah and ga’al. When God rescued his people from Egypt, he said, “I will redeem (lytroō/ga’al) you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment” (Exodus 6:6). Ga’al involves buying back a family member who fell on hard times. We often criticize the Jews of Jesus’ time for just wanting political freedom. While that was part of it, it was more all-encompassing. Political freedom and spiritual freedom go together. God had to bring the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt in order for them to be free to serve and worship him fully.
The stranger then explains how the Messiah had to suffer and die. Walking through the Scriptures, he expounds on God’s plan for redemption. Luke only summarizes the conversation. Wouldn’t it have been great to hear the discussion, ears opening to the Scriptures in new and exciting ways?
Reaching their destination, they invite the stranger to stay with them. As they sit down to eat, the stranger picks up the unleavened bread, blesses God for it, breaks it, and gives it to them. “And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight” (Luke 24:31).
Have you ever had something happen where afterward you slapped your forehead for missing something so obvious? Jesus had been the one walking with them the entire time! He is alive! At that moment, everything changed. Did they set a new world record running back to Jerusalem that evening to tell Jesus’ disciples? What was their conversation like on the return trip? Or were they hurrying too fast and too excited to exchange words?
To Ponder…
Have you ever had a moment in your life that changed everything? It could be a tragedy: an accident, a poor diagnosis, losing a job, or the loss of a loved one. Or it could be the opposite: the birth of a child, an encouraging word, healing, or the embrace of someone you love. Life can change in a moment, for good or bad. However, we serve a risen Savior who seeks to redeem this broken world. That changes everything.
Who is walking beside you right now, acting like Jesus and bringing healing into the brokenness of your life? Who can you walk beside to pass on Jesus’s redemption? How have you seen God at work in your life?
I will turn their mourning into joy;
Jeremiah 31:13
I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow
