Loving Your Neighbor: The Emmaus Disciples

If you’re at all familiar with the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), which record the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus, you can likely guess where our story picks up in Luke 24 – the last chapter of Luke’s gospel account. Nonetheless let’s go ahead and orient ourselves with where we’re at in the life of Jesus and meet the people we’ll walk alongside on their journey.

Read: Luke 24:13-19a

1. HISTORY – When did the events take place? What was going on in history at that time?

“Now that same day” (Luke 24:13)

What day?

Right away we know that we’re missing some information. And the best way to discover what that is is to read the immediate context – what came right before this? Since the story of the Emmaus disciples begins in the middle of chapter 24, it would make sense to at least go back and read from the beginning of the chapter. But when you do, you’ll realize that you need to go back even further to grasp what is going on.

Read as much context leading up to our story as you’d like, but at the very least read:

Luke 22:1-2, 23:32-33, 23:46. What was going on at the time?

Luke 23:54-24, 1. When did these events take place? 

Luke 24:1-12. What had taken place early in the morning on the same day our story picks up? 

It had been Passover week, where Jews from all over traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate (Luke 22). It was during this time that Jesus suffered a brutal death between two criminals as He was crucified on a cross. His crucifixion took place on Friday, which was known as ”preparation day” (Luke 24:54) when Jews would prepare for the Sabbath, a day of rest that took place every Saturday (Luke 23:56). The Sabbath had prevented a group of women among Jesus’ followers from preparing Jesus’ body for burial, so they went on the third day after Jesus was crucified. It was Sunday, the first day of the week–resurrection morning. Jesus had risen from the dead!

It’s also worth noting that the people that had been visiting Jerusalem for the Passover were likely heading home after Sabbath. At least that’s the situation we find our two main characters in.

2. HISTORY – Who was it written about? How does the Bible describe them?

Who are the two people we find walking from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus in Luke 24:13? Once again, we need more context. Check out:

Luke 24:9-10. What can you learn about these two people? Who were they associated with?

Luke 24:13-18. How does the text describe them? 

Now that we know WHEN this interaction took place and WHO it’s about, we may start to wonder WHY – why did Jesus appear to these two disciples on such a significant day?

3. HISTORY – Why was this message given to those people at that time? 

From what we can gather in the four gospels, on the day Jesus rose from the dead He appeared to some of His closest disciples, including Mary Magdalene and several other women, as well as Peter and most of Jesus’ 11 disciples (John 20:11-25, Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 24:34).

One of the other detailed accounts of an encounter with the risen Lord on resurrection Sunday is with Mary Magdalene.

Read John 20:11-18. What similarities do you see in the way Mary is described and the two Emmaus disciples? Why do you think Jesus appeared to them on this day?

Emotions were high. Jesus’ followers were grieving His death. Earlier that morning there were reports that the tomb was empty and that Jesus had risen and now these two disciples were heading home trying to make sense of it.

4. APPLY – Ask: What do you learn about God – His character, attributes, or desires?

It’s remarkable that Luke is the only gospel writer that tells the story of these two Emmaus disciples (minus a brief mention in Mark 16:12). One is named Cleopas, perhaps he was the husband of one of the women who had been with Jesus when He died on the cross (John 19:25), and the other is unnamed. Because we know nothing else about these two unknown disciples other than what we read here in Luke’s gospel we might think they did not play a significant role in Jesus’ ministry. Yet, on this historic day, the very day He arose from the dead, Jesus appeared to these two disciples.

What does this tell you about Jesus? How does this apply to you?

5. HISTORY – What worldview, cultural, religious, political factors and experiences were a part of their world and how did that influence them?

On a seven mile walk there would be plenty of time for conversation and that’s exactly what we find these two doing – processing all that had taken place over the past couple days. It would not have been uncommon for strangers, especially fellow Jews, who were traveling home after the Passover to walk together and talk along the way.

How does Jesus approach and interact with the two disciples in Luke 24:15-17? 

LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR TIP

DO LIFE TOGETHER.

Jesus saw their discouragement. He heard their frustration. But instead of trying to “fix it,” He chose to walk alongside them in their grief and confusion and He invited them to tell Him about it. Part of being a good friend, a good neighbor, is simply doing life together and walking alongside others as they go through difficult times or wrestle with doubts or faith.

LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR TIP

INVITE PEOPLE OUTSIDE YOUR FAITH TRADITION TO STUDY THE BIBLE.

As a Gentile, Luke was an outsider. He didn’t share the same religious upbringing, teachings, or culture as Jesus and His 12 Jewish disciples. We don’t know when or how Luke became a Christ follower. Did Jesus’ miraculous healings capture this physician’s attention (Colossians 4:14)? Did his careful investigation of Jesus’ life and ministry lead him to believe (Luke 1:3)? However it happened, Luke decided to look into Jesus. This is a powerful reminder that there are people who are curious about Jesus and about the message of the Bible that may not come from your same faith tradition. Don’t be afraid to invite your neighbor to study the Bible! You never know how God may be working in their life.

10. APPLY – Reflect: What specific questions do you have upon further reflection?

Have you ever been surprised by someone who showed interest in the Bible, who you didn’t expect? What, if anything, is holding you back from studying the Bible with someone who believes differently than you? 

11. AUTHOR – Structure/Related text: What is emphasized by Questions and Answers?

These two disciples had a lot to process. We can almost imagine ourselves walking next to them and hearing their confusion and frustration. Yet Jesus talks only twice in the first eleven verses of this story. 

What do you notice about both times Jesus speaks in verses 17 and 19? 

LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR TIP

ASK QUESTIONS.

Jesus knew these two travelers. He knew what they were arguing about. And He obviously knew what had taken place in Jerusalem the past few days. Even we can see that Jesus had all the information necessary to clear up their confusion and turn their heartache into joy. But He didn’t solve their problems. Not yet. He walked alongside them and asked them questions, inviting them to make their own discoveries. When engaging our neighbor, ask questions, just like Jesus did here, to get a better sense of where they’re at, what they believe and to determine how best to engage with them.

12. APPLY – Reflect: What specific questions do you have upon further reflection?

Do you think people learn best through being instructed or through personal discovery? What about Jesus’ interaction with the Emmaus disciples stands out to you as something that could help you guide a friend to discover Jesus for themselves?

Read: Luke 24:19b-24

13. RESEARCH – Observations & Questions: What observations or questions do you have? What stands out to you when you read Luke 24:19-24? 

What do the Emmaus disciples do? 

What does Jesus do? 

One simple question and it gives Jesus the perfect opportunity to sit back and listen.

14. HISTORY – What was their understanding of God at that time? 

When we listen to the disciples explain all that had happened we hear their confusion over who Jesus was. 

How do the disciples describe Jesus in verse 19? How does the connective word “but” in verse 21 reveal that they had hoped for something or someone else? 

This interaction helps us see that a misunderstanding of who Jesus is can lead to crushing disappointment. These disciples were hoping that Jesus was the Messiah – the One who would redeem and rescue Israel from their enemies (Rome at the time). But Jesus died. Their own people, their religious leaders, crucified Him. This just didn’t add up. What they wanted was a conquering King. What they got was a suffering servant. And now their hope that Jesus was the Messiah was crushed.

LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR TIP

LISTEN FIRST.

Asking questions and listening go hand-in-hand. Jesus could have addressed the disciples’ confusion right away, but He would’ve missed the opportunity to reveal where their hearts were and where their disappointment stemmed from had He not listened first. Jesus could now explain that it was necessary for the Messiah to die and that’s exactly what He did next (Luke 24:25-27). Resist making assumptions that you know what is wrong before listening to better understand where a person is coming from. By listening first you’ll gain better discernment on how to help or encourage them. This is always recommended, but especially the less you know someone or when they don’t share your experiences, culture, beliefs or worldview.

15. APPLY – Reflect: What specific questions do you have upon further reflection?

How valuable is advice from someone who doesn’t take the time to ask questions and listen to what is going on?

16. RESEARCH – Translations: Does another Bible translation add perspective or clarity on what the original language was trying to communicate? 

Look up the following verses in a few different Bible translations. If needed, download the YouVersion Bible app on your phone or access Biblegateaway.com online for free access to multiple different Bible translations.

What do you learn about the disciples’ response to the women who had reported that Jesus was alive? 

Luke 24:22 (Hint: check out NIV, CSB, NASB)

Luke 24:11 (Hint: check out NIV/CSB and ESV/KJV)

17. HISTORY – What worldview, cultural, religious, political factors and experiences were a part of their world and how did that influence them? 

Women were not considered a credible witness in Jesus’ day. The IVP Bible Background Commentary says, “many men considered the witness of women nearly worthless, because they regarded women as unstable and undependable.” Yet the risen Jesus chose to appear to women!

Read Luke 24:10. Why do you think Luke (and the other gospel writers) named several of the women who were by Jesus’ side during His crucifixion and that witnessed the empty tomb?

If the gospel writers were making this up, they would not have made women the first witness of the risen Lord! This would’ve been nonsense to the original audience! The gospel writers used the eyewitness testimony of known women not to tell a believable story, but a true one.

15. APPLY – Reflect: What specific questions do you have upon further reflection?

How valuable is advice from someone who doesn’t take the time to ask questions and listen to what is going on?

16. RESEARCH – Translations: Does another Bible translation add perspective or clarity on what the original language was trying to communicate? 

Look up the following verses in a few different Bible translations. If needed, download the YouVersion Bible app on your phone or access Biblegateaway.com online for free access to multiple different Bible translations.

What do you learn about the disciples’ response to the women who had reported that Jesus was alive? 

Luke 24:22 (Hint: check out NIV, CSB, NASB)

Luke 24:11 (Hint: check out NIV/CSB and ESV/KJV)

17. HISTORY – What worldview, cultural, religious, political factors and experiences were a part of their world and how did that influence them? 

Women were not considered a credible witness in Jesus’ day. The IVP Bible Background Commentary says, “many men considered the witness of women nearly worthless, because they regarded women as unstable and undependable.” Yet the risen Jesus chose to appear to women!

Read Luke 24:10. Why do you think Luke (and the other gospel writers) named several of the women who were by Jesus’ side during His crucifixion and that witnessed the empty tomb?

If the gospel writers were making this up, they would not have made women the first witness of the risen Lord! This would’ve been nonsense to the original audience! The gospel writers used the eyewitness testimony of known women not to tell a believable story, but a true one.

LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR TIP

FOCUS ON CURIOSITY, NOT CRITICISM.

The disciples did not believe the women’s report that Jesus’ tomb was empty and that angels had told them Jesus was alive. They thought they were telling idle tales of complete nonsense and it’s not hard to imagine them letting the women know it (Luke 24:11). There may very well be times that you think your neighbors beliefs are nonsense (and they may think the same of yours!).  Rather than criticize them, focus on curiosity. Ask genuine questions that help you understand where they’re coming from, how they came to that belief and why it is important to them.

18. APPLY – Reflect: What specific questions do you have upon further reflection?

How can you use curiosity to further a conversation with someone you don’t agree with? 

Up to this point Jesus had spoken very little. He gives us a remarkable example of what it looks like to walk alongside someone in their faith journey, to ask questions and to listen – allowing both the speaker and the listener to process and gain insight into the heart of the issue. Now Jesus speaks to the very thing most needed – surrounding the identity of the Messiah Christ.

Read: Luke 24:25-27

19. RESEARCH – Observations & Questions: What observations or questions do you have? What stands out to you when you read the passage? 

When Jesus talked about what all the prophets have spoken in Luke 24:25, He was referring to the entire Old Testament – beginning with Moses, a prophet and the author of the first five books of the Bible.

In Luke 24:25 what problem did Jesus highlight? How much of the Old Testament prophets were the disciples to listen to?

The disciples didn’t pay attention to or understand ALL that the prophets had said about the Messiah. They took the parts they liked or could grasp and left the rest. By doing so they didn’t have a complete understanding of what to look for in the coming Messiah and they just about missed Him! This is why Bible Context is so important, and that’s exactly what Jesus gave them.

20. CONTEXT – Bible: Does my interpretation hold true throughout the rest of the Bible? 

Jesus explained all the major prophecies that spoke of the Messiah, such as Isaiah 9, 11, 53, and Psalm 22.

How is the Messiah described in the following messianic prophecies? (Hint: think big picture – what type of Messiah would the Jews have been looking for from these passages?)

Isaiah 9:1-7

Isaiah 53

Can you see why there might’ve been confusion?  The Messiah would be a king who would reign on a throne and govern His people with justice and righteousness, but also a person who had no beauty to attract us to Him and who would be pierced for our transgressions and suffer. Some of these descriptions are more easy to accept than others.

Bible scholar Warren Weirsbe said, “As they read the Old Testament, they saw the glory but not the suffering, the crown but not the cross.” 

When there’s confusion or discomfort we tend to gravitate toward what we hope for and what is comfortable–scripture that fits our worldview. And we risk treating the Bible like a buffet, taking what we like and leaving the rest.

The story of these two Emmaus disciples is a powerful example of why that is dangerous – we can end up with misplaced expectations and false hopes, and of greatest concern, a misguided understanding ofJesus!

The question these disciples needed to ask is the same question we need to ask when we read and interpret the Bible: Does my interpretation hold true throughout the rest of the Bible?

We must keep in mind that the Bible cannot contradict itself. To do so would go against the nature of its divine Author, God Himself (2 Timothy 3:16).

21. CONTEXT – Bible: How does this passage fit into the big story of the Bible? 

Did the Messiah really have to die? Can’t you imagine Jesus’ disciples wrestling with this question even though He told them in advance that it would happen (Luke 9:22, 18:31-33)!

What message was repeated to these witnesses of the risen Lord: 

The women (Luke 24:5-8)

The Emmaus disciples (Luke 24:25-27)

The Eleven disciples and those gathered with them (Luke 24:44-46) 

Over and over we see Jesus emphasize that it was necessary for Him to die and rise on the third day in order to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies. Luke made sure to capture this important point in his gospel – as it wasn’t something to be missed.

LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR TIP

READ THE BIBLE ON ITS OWN TERMS.

The Emmaus Disciples would have been familiar with the Old Testament scriptures that foretold the Messiah. But they understood it through the lens in which they were hoping the Messiah would come – a warrior that would redeem Israel from being underneath Roman rule. They brought their biases and assumptions to the text rather than understanding it for what it really was saying. Oftentimes we can do the same thing when we read the Bible. Instead we need to put aside our presuppositions to hear the message of the Bible for what it’s really communicating.

Read: Luke 24:28-35

22. AUTHOR – Structure/Order: What is emphasized by the order of events, ideas, people, etc.?

What was the order of events that took place in order for them to recognize Jesus? At what point did they understand who Jesus was? 

These disciples didn’t get it right away. Jesus explained how He was the fulfillment of scripture and yet it took them the entire trip and breaking bread with Jesus to finally get it. Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of the bread, an interesting detail mentioned twice as this story wraps up (Luke 24:30-31, 35). For the past 2000 years Christ followers have broken bread together in remembrance of all Christ has done, as Jesus instructed His disciples at their last supper (Luke 22:19). This tradition reminds us who Jesus is and all that He accomplished in the context of the Bible. At the breaking of the bread these disciples recalled all the scripture that Jesus had explained to them and they recognized Him.

LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR TIP

BE PATIENT.

Jesus had just explained everything to the disciples and their hearts burned within them as they listened, but they still couldn’t put it all together. Jesus didn’t get frustrated or give up on them. Instead He allowed them to sit with ambiguity as they processed all that He said. It’s worth noting that if Jesus had offended them they would not have urged Him to stay with them. Be patient and honor others’ faith journey by giving them the freedom to process new ideas and perspectives on their own timeline.  

23. APPLY – Reflect: What specific questions do you have upon further reflection?

What might it look like for you to walk alongside someone in your life as they explore Jesus?

24. HISTORY – Why was this message given to those people at that time? 

While there are many unknowns as to why Jesus’ identity wasn’t revealed right away, what we do know is the disciples would have had an entirely different experience with Jesus if they had immediately recognized Him.

How might this story have played out differently if the disciples would have recognized Jesus right away? 

When we believe we have the answers we stop asking questions. Jesus wanted these disciples to know Him, but they needed to know Him through scripture.

25. APPLY – Reflect: What specific questions do you have upon further reflection?

Have you ever wrestled with confusion or doubt in your faith? Where did you turn for answers? Does Jesus’ interaction with the Emmaus disciples inspire or challenge you? 

We watched these disciples ask questions and wrestle with confusion and doubt and Jesus patiently walked alongside them and helped them find the answers – leading to a true understanding of Jesus, one that brings lasting hope and life transformation.

26. AUTHOR – Structure/Related Text: What is emphasized by Questions and Answers?

These disciples had questions and Jesus had the answers. The question that remains is, how did they respond?

What did the Emmaus disciples do once they recognized Jesus in Luke 24:33-35? (Hint: make sure to note the time of day and length of journey)

This news and seeing Jesus alive would have been very impactful! The disciples couldn’t contain themselves and “that very hour” headed back the 7-mile journey to Jerusalem to tell the others.

Sound familiar? This was the same response as the woman at the well in John 4, who was inspired to go tell others immediately after realizing who Jesus was.

27. APPLY – Reflect: What specific questions do you have upon further reflection?

Has a growing understanding of Jesus led you to action? 

28. APPLY – Pray: “Lord, what do you want me to learn and how should I apply this to my life?”  

What is your biggest takeaway from Jesus’ encounter with the Emmaus disciples?