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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3
Now they know that they have been walking and talking with the
risen Redeemer. Their eyes had been clouded so that they had not
before discerned him, although the truths he uttered had sunk deep in
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their discouraged hearts. He who had endured the conflict of the gar-
den, the shame of the cross, and who had gained the victory over death
and the tomb—He, before whom angels had fallen prostrate, wor-
shiping with thanksgiving and praise, had sought the two lonely and
desponding disciples, and been in their presence for hours, teaching
and comforting them, yet they had not known him.
Jesus did not first reveal himself in his true character to them,
and then open the Scriptures to their minds; for he knew that they
would be so overjoyed to see him again, risen from the dead, that their
souls would be satisfied. They would not hunger for the sacred truths
which he wished to indelibly impress upon their minds, that they might
impart them to others, who should in their turn spread the precious
knowledge, until thousands of people should receive the light given
that day to the despairing disciples as they journeyed to Emmaus.
He maintained his disguise till he had interpreted the Scriptures,
and had led them to an intelligent faith in his life, his character, his
mission to earth, and his death and resurrection. He wished the truth
to take firm root in their minds, not because it was supported by his
personal testimony, but because the typical law, and the prophets of the
Old Testament, agreeing with the facts of his life and death, presented
unquestionable evidence of that truth. When the object of his labors
with the two disciples was gained, he revealed himself to them that
their joy might be full, and then vanished from their sight.
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When these disciples left Jerusalem, to return to their homes, they
intended to take up their old employment again, and conceal their
blighted hopes as best they could. But now their joy exceeded their
former despair. “And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn
within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to
us the Scriptures?”
They forgot their hunger and fatigue, and left the prepared repast,
for they could not tarry in their homes and hold their newly found
knowledge from the other disciples. They longed to impart their own
joy to their companions, that they might rejoice together in a living
Saviour risen from the dead. Late as it was, they set about retracing
their way to Jerusalem; but how different were their feelings now