What glorious news! The resurrection! Jesus, the One who died for sinners, has come forth out of the grave. Now we know that God is completely satisfied with the work of redemption. He was “raised again for our justification” (Rom. 4:2525Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:25)).
V.6-7 A great surprise to those faithful women who came early on the first day of the week.
V.11 In spite of the story of resurrection, the message was not believed. But Peter runs all the way to the grave, and finds their story to be true.
V.13-35 Two discouraged disciples are met by the Lord, and He warms their heart by speaking of those things which were really so dear to them.
V.27 Three things get opened in this wonderful story. Here is the first — the Scriptures are opened to them by the Lord. What an experience it must have been for them as they walked those six miles of mountainous roads from Jerusalem to Emmaus. No wonder their heart burned in them (v. 32).
V.28 The Lord does not invite Himself to their home. Their hearts have been so warmed by His company, that they won’t let Him go.
V.31 Here is the second thing He opened — their eyes. They recognize Him! The Lord Jesus! What a moment awaits those of us who know this same Lord Jesus as our own Savior, when we hear His call to come up (1 Thess. 4:15-18). Probably today!
V.33 Notice where they go.
V.36 The presence of Jesus! What a joy to their hearts.
V.45 The third thing gets opened — their understanding. This didn’t happen when the first two were opened. Why? Because it was only when they were at the right place. Our understanding is not opened either until we are obedient. They had acted and returned to Jerusalem when the second thing had been opened. No one told them to return! When we separate then He gathers.
V.47 The message of repentance and forgiveness should begin at Jerusalem the very city where He had been rejected and hated and cast out.
V.49 They were to wait at Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came upon them, which we read about in Acts 2.