The Road to Emmaus – A Conversation with the Risen Christ

Happy Easter 2025

Two disciples, Cleopas and another, are walking the dusty road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Their faces are downcast, their steps slow. A stranger approaches and walks beside them.

Jesus (unrecognized):

“What are you discussing as you walk along?”

Cleopas (sadly):

“Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know what’s happened these past few days? About Jesus of Nazareth—a prophet mighty in word and deed. We had hoped He was the one to redeem Israel… but they crucified Him. And now it’s the third day. Some women amazed us—they said the tomb was empty and angels told them He was alive.”

Jesus (gently):

“Oh 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? (Luke 24:26)

Let me show you. From the very beginning…”

Jesus (teaching tone):

“In the Law of Moses, do you remember how the blood of the lamb saved your ancestors on Passover night?

‘It is the LORD’s Passover… when I see the blood, I will pass over you.’ (Exodus 12:11,13)

I am the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

And what about the bronze serpent lifted high in the wilderness, healing all who looked upon it?

‘Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.’ (John 3:14–15)

Isaiah foretold My suffering.

‘He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities… and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.’ (Isaiah 53:5–6)

Even David spoke of Me:

‘You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.’ (Psalm 16:10)

And again in the Psalms:

‘They pierced my hands and my feet… they divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.’ (Psalm 22:16,18)

Jonah spent three days in the belly of the great fish—

‘So will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.’ (Matthew 12:40)

Do you show your wonders to the dead? Do their spirits rise up and praise you? (Psalm 88:10)

And do not forget the promise of the Prophet like Moses:

‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.’ (Deuteronomy 18:15)

I am that Prophet.

From the tabernacle to the temple, from the priesthood to the feasts—every shadow points to Me. I had to suffer, just as it was written, so that I could rise and bring life.”

As the stranger spoke, something stirred inside them—hope, wonder, awe.

They reached Emmaus. The sun dipped low.

Cleopas:

“Stay with us—it’s nearly evening.”

They sat at the table. The stranger took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them.

“Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him—and He vanished from their sight.” (Luke 24:31)

“Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:32)

“When He opened the Scriptures to us, and our hearts burned as He spoke…”