Cleopas and another disciple listened carefully to Jesus expound Scripture concerning himself, the Messiah and the Son of God. Jesus started at Genesis, the first book in the Bible, written by Moses, to Malachi, the last book of the Prophets and the Old Testament. Jesus conducted a personal exposé of the Old Testament. Jesus finished the Bible study when the disciples reached their destination, the village of Emmaus.
Jesus acted as if he was going to continue walking. I wonder why he did this. Perhaps he sincerely was going to leave them. However, Luke used the Greek verb “prospoieo” meaning “acted” and “make as though”. So, it seems he wanted to stay with them a little longer. So, perhaps Jesus was testing his disciples.
The disciples begged Jesus to the point of force to stay with them. After one encounter with the Messiah, many have sought to live out eternity with Jesus. Indeed, being with Jesus is a disciple’s one begging desire. Jesus said, “Forceful men lay hold of the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 111:12) I can personally say this is a true statement.
Jesus consented. Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them to eat just as he had done during the Last Supper. This was the first Sunday morning service; a message and fellowship with the breaking of bread.
As Jesus said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:23) The disciples remembered Jesus. Just then, Jesus disappeared from their sight (31), mission accomplished.
Together the disciples agreed, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened Scriptures to us?”
