Luke 24:13-49 (NRSV)
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Verse 13Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, Verse 14and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. Verse 15While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, Verse 16but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. Verse 17And he said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?" They stood still, looking sad. Verse 18Then 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?" Verse 19He 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, Verse 20and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. Verse 21But 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. Verse 22Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, Verse 23and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Verse 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him." Verse 25Then he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Verse 26Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" Verse 27Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. Verse 28As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. Verse 29But 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. Verse 30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Verse 31Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. Verse 32They 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?" Verse 33That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. Verse 34They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" Verse 35Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Verse 36While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." Verse 37They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Verse 38He said to them, "Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Verse 39Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." Verse 40And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. Verse 41While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" Verse 42They gave him a piece of broiled fish, Verse 43and he took it and ate in their presence. Verse 44Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you-that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled." Verse 45Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, Verse 46and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, Verse 47and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Verse 48You are witnesses of these things. Verse 49And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
Devotion
Some news is just too great not to share right away. "We're getting married!"—"I got the job!"—"We're going to have a baby!" These are the events that shape and change our lives.
When Cleopas and his friend realized that Jesus has just had dinner with them, they had to tell someone. Even though it was already evening, the day was nearly over; they strapped on their sandals and headed back to Jerusalem to tell everyone that Jesus was alive.
It changed their lives. It has changed ours, too. How might this good news of new life move you today?
Prayer
Risen Savior, we pray that we will be moved to share the good news of your resurrection. Lead us to people and places where your love and grace may be received well and where we may encounter your living presence among those we meet along the way. Amen.