“0 foolish ones”

Luke 24:13-33

It is the day after Sabbath, the first day of the week and two of them are traveling to Emmaus, a village about seven miles from Jerusalem.  Dr. Luke gives this insight into the two men, one is named Cleopas and the other name is not given.  So what do we know about Cleopas, that his name is Greek, and that’s it, and that both of these men were disciples of Christ, and were part of the group that was present when Mary Magdalene and her group of women returned with the report the grave is empty and the angels have told us He has risen.

We do not have any understanding of the importance of this trip for these two men, it was dangerous times for a disciple of Jesus and yet they are going to Emmaus, and on that seven mile journey they encounter a stranger who inquired as to what they were talking about.  It would seem they were having the conversation where he could hear, in that we have this response to his question,

“And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But 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 happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”  (Luke 24:17-24 ESV)

Have you had a road to Emmaus conversation with the living Christ?  Mine was in Victoria, Texas, at the age of 27 and it took place in my hotel room, that is the neat thing about Jesus He is willing to met you at the place of your need and will supply all the faith you need to trust Him with your very life.  I’m a witness for it happened to a wicked man like me, full of self, fear, and greed.  And Jesus addressed them correctly by calling them “0 foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!  Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”  It seem wise to state Jesus was talking to disciples, to followers, not to men who did not believe when He address them as, “0 foolish ones” and the same Jesus is addressing you and I in the same manner.

Dr. Luke tells us Jesus began with “Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”  Many a person has run to commentators, pastors and teachers to experience what was being given to these two men on the road to Emmaus, and Jesus is still saying “0 foolish ones", did I not promise to send the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.

As he drew near to the village Jesus acted as if He was going on but they urged him to stay and at the table Jesus took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.  “And their eyes were opened and they recognized him.  And he vanished from their sight.”  What happen to these men was too wonderful to not share with the other disciples, so in the same hour the plans had changed and they were returning to Jerusalem.  If you’ve encountered the risen Lord, are you sharing it with others?

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice