(a) Relate Luke's account of Jesus' appearance to the men going to Emmaus. [11 marks] (b) State two lessons that can be derived from this encounter. [4 mark...

Answer Details

(a) Luke's account of Jesus' appearance to the men going to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)

On the day of the resurrection, two of the disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, discussing all the things that had happened. While they talked, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.

He asked what they were discussing. One of them, named Cleopas, answered in surprise, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" They spoke of Jesus of Nazareth, a prophet mighty in deed and word, whom the chief priests and rulers had crucified, adding, "We had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel." They also reported that some women had found the tomb empty and had seen a vision of angels who said He was alive.

Jesus said to them, "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?" Then, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

As they drew near the village, He appeared to be going further, but they constrained Him, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening." So He went in. When He was at table, He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished out of their sight. 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?" That same hour they returned to Jerusalem and told the eleven how the Lord had risen and was known to them in the breaking of bread.

(b) Two lessons from this encounter

1. The risen Christ is present with His people: Jesus draws near to believers, especially in their moments of confusion and discouragement, even when they do not immediately recognize Him.
2. Understanding of Christ comes through the Scriptures and fellowship: The disciples' hearts were opened as Jesus expounded the Scriptures and as He broke bread with them, showing the importance of God's word and Christian fellowship.