The biblical record of Jesus’ life on earth informs readers that he died by crucifixion, was buried by believers and raised from the grave by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 1:1-4)

Following his resurrection, some were in his presence without recognizing him. Mary Magdalene was the first to see him alive, but didn’t know him until he told her his identity. (John 20:14) Luke tells us of two men who had heard of some women who said they had heard from angels that Jesus was alive, but others who went to the tomb found it empty but failed to see him. 

Instead of giving even a partial list of appearances, Luke, later a “fellow worker” of Paul (Philippians 1:24), describes one appearance fully in Luke 24:13-32, because, as one author suggested, “[It] ... depicted what was going on in [some of] the hearts of the Savior’s followers on that day, and how Jesus, by word and act, as he appeared to them, removed all their pangs of despair.”

Jesus rose from the dead, but the two men who walked along the seven-mile route from Jerusalem to Emmaus didn't recognize him. They had been discussing the things which had happened at Jerusalem when "Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him." (Lk 24:15-16) The savior was risen from the dead, but, again, not recognized. 

They had heard about the empty tomb and the women who went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body, but it seems they didn’t connect the story with his return to life. When asked what they were talking about, Cleopas talked about “Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all 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 this happened.” 

“But we had hoped ....” Cleopas’ use of the past tense was tragic because their hope had apparently been disappointed. Burton Coffman suggested, “Their implied question was, “How could a dead prophet redeem Israel?” It was then Jesus admonished them for their lack of faith. “O foolish men, 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?”

Later, as the three sat together eating, “their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.” (Luke 24:31) Their disappointment disappeared and their joy reigned supreme! Later, when Jesus left them, they said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:31-32)

When they understood who he was, they went to the apostles and other believers in Jerusalem and shared their story with them.

May the Lord open our eyes every day to the blessing of his presence in heaven and with us, and help us share this good news with others! Amen!