By Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read: Luke 24:13-53

By Rev. Ron Purkey

“And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.” (Luke 24:31)

First, Communion (Luke 24:13-32). Cleopas and his companion were two disappointed men; for in the death of Jesus, all their hopes for Israel had been dashed (notice verses 21 and 1:68; 2:30-32, 38; 21:28, 31). Emmaus was about eight miles northwest of Jerusalem, and they were returning home to decide what to do next. As they walked, they conversed about the recent events and discussed what they might mean. They did the best they could with the limited knowledge they had, but they lacked the key that would unlock the prophetic scriptures: the Messiah must suffer and die before he could enter into his glory. It was this key that Jesus provided as he walked and talked with them on the road.

These two men were “slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.” They believed the promises about Messiah’s glory, but they could not accept the prophecies about his suffering (1 Peter 1:8-12). Jesus opened their eyes and hearts to understand all the scriptures, and this brought a warmth to their hearts (verse 32). They saw the Messiah in the scriptures, but they did not realize he was walking with them! It was not until he blessed their simple meal that Jesus revealed himself to them personally. What a revelation! It transformed them from discouraged pilgrims into enthusiastic witnesses!

Second, Confirmation (Luke 24:33-45). Excited about their good news, the two men rushed back to Jerusalem only to learn that Jesus had appeared to Peter (1 Corinthians 15:5; Mark 16:7). We do not know when this meeting took place on that first Easter Day, but it brought Peter back into fellowship with his Lord. Later, Jesus restored Peter to his discipleship (John 21).

Then Jesus himself appeared in the Upper Room, locked doors notwithstanding (John 20:19-25). Instead of welcoming him and rejoicing, the believers were terrified, afraid, and troubled; so Jesus assured them that it was he and that he was alive. The wounds (not “scars”) on his hands and feet (Psalm 22:16) and in his side (John 20:20) were identification enough. By eating some fish and honey he proved that he was not a phantom. His resurrection body had flesh and bones (verse 39) and yet could appear and vanish and even go through solid closed doors.

Third, Commission (Luke 24:46-53). But the disciples were not to keep their knowledge of the word to themselves. Starting at Jerusalem, they were to be both preachers and witnesses of what the Lord had done for them and said to them (Acts 1:8). But how could this small group of men and women ever hope to reach a whole world with the message of redemption? Only through the power of the Holy Spirit. The early church did not possess the financial and technical resources that we have today, yet they got the job done.

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.