Jesus at Emmaus
149
This mighty conqueror of death, who had reached to the very
depths of human misery to rescue a lost world, assumed the humble
task of walking with the two disciples to Emmaus, to teach and comfort
them. Thus he ever identifies himself with his suffering and perplexed
people. In our hardest and most trying paths, lo, Jesus is with us to
smooth the way. He is the same Son of man, with the same sympathies
and love which he had before he passed through the tomb and ascended
to his Father.
At length, as the sun was going down, the disciples with their
companion arrived at their home. The way had never before seemed so
short to them, nor had time ever passed so quickly. The stranger made
no sign of halting; but the disciples could not endure the thought of
parting so soon from one who had inspired their hearts with new hope
and joy, and they urged him to remain with them over night. Jesus did
not at once yield to their invitation, but seemed disposed to pursue his
[213]
journey. Thereupon the disciples, in their affection for the stranger,
importuned him earnestly to tarry with them, urging as a reason that
“the day was far spent.” Jesus yielded to their entreaties and entered
their humble abode.
The Saviour never forces his presence upon us. He seeks the
company of those whom he knows need his care, and gives them an
opportunity to urge his continuance with them. If they, with longing
desire, entreat him to abide with them he will enter the humblest
homes, and brighten the lowliest hearts. While waiting for the evening
meal, Jesus continued to open the Scriptures to his hosts, bringing
forward the evidence of his divinity, and unfolding to them the plan
of salvation. The simple fare was soon ready, and the three took their
position at the table, Jesus taking his place at the head as was his
custom.
The duty of asking a blessing upon the food usually devolved upon
the head of the family; but Jesus placed his hands upon the bread
and blessed it. At the first word of his petition the disciples looked
up in amazement. Surely none other than their Lord had ever done
in this manner. His voice strikes upon their ear as the voice of their
Master, and, behold, there are the wounds in his hands! It is indeed
the well-known form of their beloved Master! For a moment they are
spell-bound; then they arise to fall at his feet and worship him; but he
suddenly disappears from their midst.