The Emmaus Road

by Rev. Arron Gust

Rev. Arron Gust

On that first day of the resurrection it must have been a long, slow seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. That is, for Cleopas and the other guy. We don’t know much about the other guy, but some believe Cleopas to be the brother of Joseph—Jesus’ uncle, so to speak. What we know for sure is they had become dismayed about the death and resurrection of Christ and considered it time to go home.

Along the way, they talked about what happened over the past week: the arrest, the trial, the crucifixion, the burial, and the odd news from the women about the open empty tomb. Not to mention the angels and the reports of Peter and John. But alas, it was now the third day and there was no sight of Jesus.

They had all the parts of the puzzle. They had all the promised words of Christ fulfilled. “But Him they did not see.” In the midst of their grief and disappointment they wanted more. They wanted to see Jesus or they were going home. Along the way a stranger caught up with them. It was Jesus, but notice what He did. He intentionally kept their eyes from recognizing Him.

Why did Jesus do this? Answer: He is still the Teacher. He wanted to hear from their own lips what they believed about Him. What they revealed was that their problem lay not in their eyes (“Him they did not see”), but in their hearts. Jesus responded, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” They were being foolish, that is, faithless, with hearts slow to believe.

Friends, our hearts suffer the same disease. The symptoms are often not recognized until you find yourself on a road, like the one to Emmaus. The layoff notice, the neglected marriage, the news from the doctor that starts with, “I need you to sit down.” These roads are personal and you know them better than anyone. Or maybe your road to Emmaus is more like it was for Cleopas and his friend. You may know the Gospel of Christ inside and out. You may have just finished attending every Lenten midweek service, as well as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Resurrection of our Lord. However, you find yourself going down a road where you are so concerned over the moral decay of society and the threats against the Church that Christ crucified and risen from the dead is only an image disappearing in the rearview mirror.

Our hearts suffer the same disease. The symptoms are often not recognized until you find yourself on a road, like the one to Emmaus. The layoff notice, the neglected marriage, the news from the doctor that starts with, “I need you to sit down.”

Our hearts do not naturally believe the promises of God. They must be made new. They must be softened by the Word and enlivened by the Spirit. The Good News for you this day is Jesus does for you as He did for Cleopas and the other disciple: “Beginning with Moses and the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.” He taught them that the Scriptures were about Him, and how powerful they are when read through His death and resurrection. He taught them where to go when their hearts were hurting, doubting, or too focused on themselves instead of Him.

Our hearts do not naturally believe the promises of God. They must be made new. They must be softened by the Word and enlivened by the Spirit.

The Lord kept Cleopas and the other disciple’s eyes closed for just a bit longer as He went on to reveal Himself in the breaking of bread. Only then were their eyes opened and they recognized Him. But “where did He go?” As quickly as He revealed Himself, He was gone. Interestingly they didn’t ask where He went. They didn’t have to. They knew where they could find Jesus, and you do too. With your hearts washed clean in the waters of Holy Baptism and enlivened by the Spirit, faith knows where to cling to Christ. No matter how joyous or troubling your Emmaus walk may be, you may be certain of knowing where Jesus is most Saviour for you—in the Scriptures and in the breaking of the bread. Or as Lutherans like to say it, in the Word and Sacrament.

No matter where you are on the road to Emmaus, Christ promises never to leave you nor forsake you. And even though your eyes may not see Him now, by faith He is clearly revealed for you—for the forgiveness of your sins, for life and salvation, so that you may delight in His will and walk in His ways to the glory of His holy name.

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Rev. Arron Gust is First Vice President of the Central District of Lutheran Church–Canada.

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