Read | Luke 24:1–35
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.
“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. “He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” And they remembered his words.
Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went away, amazed at what had happened.
Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. But they were prevented from recognizing him. Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”
“What things?” he asked them.
So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.
They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
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Jesus is risen; he is risen indeed! Read this passage paying special attention to the words, exclamations, and comments of Jesus’ followers. What emotions do you see his followers wrestling with as they encounter the risen Jesus?
The Emmaus road disciples exclaim that their “hearts were burning within” them as they heard Jesus explain how the Old Testament Scriptures pointed to himself. As you reflect back on the study you have engaged throughout the Old Testament text this week in theFormed.Life (Genesis 17, Genesis 22, Exodus 12, Leviticus 19, Psalm 23), which day of your study stuck out as the most unexpected, challenging, or unique?
How has your study led you to deeper worship of your Savior this week?
Focus
View this work of art, titled In the Breaking of Bread, by Maximino Cerezo Barredo, connected to Sunday’s sermon passage.
Visio Divina, or ‘divine seeing,’ is a way of praying and reflecting through art. As you look at this artwork, take a few quiet moments to notice details, colors, or emotions that stand out to you. Ask God what he might be saying through the image, and listen for his insight in your thoughts, feelings, or prayers.
Commentary:
Maximino Cerezo Barredo is a Claretian priest and liberation theologian who has traveled extensively through Latin America and worked closely with poor and oppressed communities. His work as a painter has become a part of his ministry, and he is quoted as saying, “The painter and the priest in me came to an agreement…I realized that art could be a vehicle for the proclamation of the Gospel.” You can learn more about him and his work here.
The disciples gaze with tenderness and wonder at Jesus, who in turn gazes at the viewer, who occupies a third presence at the table. Cerezo Barredo has painted the scene of the supper at Emmaus numerous times, and each time he renders the unnamed disciple as a woman. Perhaps she is Mary, the wife of Cleopas (or Clopas) who is one of the three Marys who stood at the foot of the cross in John 19. We are reminded by her presence that Jesus’ followers were a diverse community of men and women from various backgrounds and life experiences.
As you gaze at the work, imagine yourself at the table, with the intimacy of Christ’s gaze turned upon you. What might he be inviting you to today?
Art Source: In the Breaking of Bread, Maximino Cerezo Barredo, 2001, Claretian Provincial House, Oak Park, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Pray
O THOU MOST HIGH, Creator of the ends of the earth, Governor of the universe, Judge of all men,
Head of the church, Saviour of sinners;
thy greatness is unsearchable, thy goodness infinite,
thy compassions unfailing, thy providence boundless,
thy mercies ever new.
We bless thee for the words of salvation.
How important, suitable, encouraging are the doctrines,
promises, and invitations of the gospel of peace!
We are lost: but in it thou hast presented to us a full, free and eternal salvation;
weak: but here we learn that help is found in One that is mighty,
poor: but in him we discover unsearchable riches,
blind: but we find he has treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
We thank thee for thy unspeakable gift.
Thy Son is our only refuge, foundation, hope, confidence;
We depend upon his death, rest in his righteousness, desire to bear his image;
May his glory fill our minds,
his love reign in our affections,
and his cross inflame us with ardour.
Prayer edited from: The Valley of Vision, “The Gospel”
Going Deeper
If you are also following the BibleProject’s One Story That Leads to Jesus reading plan, complete today’s reading.