That same day, two disciples - one was called Cleopas, the name of the other is not recorded - made their way to a village by the name of Emmaus. On the way they talked about the events that had taken place. Then the Lord Himself approached them, but they did not recognise Him. He asked them what they were discussing.

They told Him of the events of Good Friday, and the news of the women that Jesus had supposedly risen from the dead, and that several of the disciples had also found the tomb empty. But the two had not seen the Lord in person.

He explained everything to them

Then the Risen One explained everything to them using the biblical statements of Moses and the Prophets. When they were close to their destination, the Lord made as if to go further, but the two disciples urged Him to remain with them. So it was that they sat down to at the table together. Then "He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, 'Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?'"

Back to Work

That very same hour, the two disciples began making their way back to Jerusalem. There they met up with the apostles, who had locked themselves in a room for fear of the Jews. The apostles let the two disciples in and told them that the Lord Jesus had in the meantime appeared to Apostle Peter: "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then the two reported what they had experienced.

Peace to you

In the meantime, evening had settled. While the two disciples told their story, the risen Son of God Himself appeared in the midst of the assembled group and said: "Peace to you." The disciples and apostles were frightened at first. But the Lord spoke to them, and showed them His hands and feet. They were so happy that they could scarcely believe what they saw, so He asked them to bring Him a piece of broiled fish, and ate some of it as they looked on. Then He spoke to them and explained the Holy Scriptures of Moses and the Prophets to them. Thereby they gained deep insight and finally understood that these old traditions were referring to Him, Jesus Christ.

Also see our text on Easter