The Road to Emmaus is a post-resurrection story included in the Gospels. It is a beautiful story of Jesus’ appearance to two of His followers as the walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus, a journey of about seven miles. The Risen Lord gives an all-time lesson on the Messianic scriptures through the writings of Moses and the prophets.
As they reach Emmaus, the followers beg Jesus to stay with them because it is late, too late to go on. As they eat the evening meal, Jesus’ actions of blessing and breaking bread cause their eyes to be opened to Who was with them! Immediately Jesus disappears from them.
What a startling situation! As they remember the Scripture lesson they heard walking the road, they each recall their hearts burning within them. Within the hour they are headed back to Jerusalem to find the disciples and followers, and share what they had seen and heard.
The story goes on with the miracle which happens after they reach Jerusalem. But I want to pause and look at the actions of these two followers. Within the hour after Jesus reveals Himself, they are headed back to Jerusalem. I imagine they are going at a pretty good clip but this is not your chip-sealed four-lane highway. This is a rutted, dirt road in the dark. They don’t have headlamps to light their way. And there are dangers abounding for any traveler from thieves and bandits – even in daylight times were dangerous. Remember they had begged Jesus to stay the night with them because it was already late. So this is probably a 3+ hour trip in the pitch dark.
Yet, they don’t wait for the safety of daylight. Their NEED to share with the other disciples and followers is compelling and impelling. They undertook a dark, dangerous journey of several hours, in order to share this amazing, unbelievable news.
Wow. What am I willing to risk to tell others about the Risen Lord? Am I willing to run towards danger and dark, to bring light and joy? Or am I waiting for safer and more convenient?
Just Sayin' 