One of my favorite Bible stories is about Jesus’ conversation with two of his disciples as they walked from Jerusalem to a nearby town called Emmaus. You’ll find it in Luke’s Gospel (chapter 24). It includes a bit of humor and a lot of inspiration. The first 12 verses recount the first part of the Easter resurrection story. I call the rest of the chapter “the Emmaus Experience”. It can actually be summarized by using phrases from the text referring to five body parts of the disciples – their faces, hearts, eyes, minds and hands. Let’s take a look…
Downcast Faces
This passage (v.13-24) begins with confusion and sorrow. We read that their faces were “downcast” (v.17). The two disciples do most of the talking as they try to make sense of recent events in Jerusalem which have shocked and saddened them. Suddenly, they meet a “stranger” who joins their conversation.
Jesus simply asks questions: “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” When one of the disciples (Cleopas) asks him if he is the only one in Jerusalem who doesn’t know about the things that have just happened, Jesus asks “What things?” Can you see the incredible irony here? Today we call this “playing dumb”. Jesus was obviously at the very centre of those recent events but he wanted to know how these two disciples understood them. If you happen to be downcast about something in your life right now, look up. The answer might be closer than you think!
Burning Hearts
In the next passage (v.25-27), the conversation shifts from the disciples to the “stranger”. Jesus now does most of the talking. He stops asking questions and (after a gentle rebuke) begins to explain to them from their Scriptures (our Old Testament) all the prophecies about why the Messiah had to suffer and die.
The two disciples just listened, and when they reached Emmaus they urged the stranger to stay longer. Later they described their experience as having “burning hearts” (v.32). Many centuries later, John Wesley (the missionary evangelist and founder of Methodism) would use similar words to describe his conversion: “My heart was strangely warmed”. Can you recall a “burning heart” experience in your life? If not, look up. The fire might be closer than you think.
Opened Eyes
In this passage (v.28-36) the two disciples finally realize who the stranger is. During suppertime, Jesus breaks some bread before them and “their eyes were opened” (v.31). They return immediately to Jerusalem (a lot faster I expect than their stroll to Emmaus) to tell their fellow-disciples. They would meet Jesus later the same day but this time with the eleven disciples and others present. Can you think back to a time when your eyes were opened spiritually? If not, look up with the open eyes of faith.
Opened Minds
The verses in this passage (v.37-49) last 40 days. During this time, Jesus “opened their minds” (v.45) to spiritual truth. He explained to them his true identity (that he was more than a prophet). He explained to them his true mission (that salvation is spiritual, not political). He explained to them the true and completed Gospel (that salvation is free, not earned). Has your mind been opened to the spiritual truth about Jesus, his mission, and his will for your life? If not, look up with an open mind.
Lifted Hands
In our final passage (v.50-53), Jesus ascends to heaven as the disciples worship him. Jesus “lifted up his hands” (v.50) to bless them and I expect the disciples did the same as they worshipped and said goodbye. Lifted hands are biblical (although not very Baptist!). Have you ever lifted your hands to God in prayer or worship? If not, try it. Heavenly hands are waiting to bless you.
This passage began with confusion and sorrow, and now ends with clarity and worship. The answer to a downcast face is a burning heart, opened eyes, opened mind and uplifted hands. My friend, this is the “Emmaus Experience” and it can be yours today.
Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor who loves Easter.
