Knollwood Community Church: Burke, VA

On The Road - Again!

by Brian Conaway on September 12, 2011

It isn’t known exactly how many appearances Jesus made, and to how many persons, during the 40 day period between His resurrection and ascension. Depending on how you count them, the New Testament lists between 10 – 12 separate encounters, the two on the road to Emmaus being one of them.

It is generally believed that the Emmaus in Luke’s account was located approximately 7 miles west, northwest of Jerusalem in the foothills of Judea. Jerusalem sits at approximately 2500’ above sea level. The road between the two was hilly and the hike not easy, especially in sandals. In normal conditions, it would take a person 2 – 2.5 hours or so to make the trek. It would take that person longer in the dark especially after having just made the journey a few hours prior.

It was likely around 10 pm when the two entered Jerusalem and found their way back to where the disciples were staying. The Gospel of Mark devotes two verses to this event, “Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either. “ These verses seem to contradict those found in Luke 24:33-35, “They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.” But as usual clarification is found a few verses later in Luke’s account. In Luke 24: 36 – 38, Jesus says, “While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?"

There among those assembled together with the disciples were those that believed Jesus had risen and many more that did not believe it yet, even when Jesus Himself stood among them. The two from Emmaus encountered both groups when they returned to Jerusalem after their personal encounter with Jesus. Mark records their encounter with the unbelievers and Luke those that believed. Both accounts are accurate.