On the road to Emmaus

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On the road to Emmaus:

Two disciples were going to the village of Emmaus (seven miles from Jerusalem)

They were speaking about what had happened

Jesus then came and walked along side them; but they didn't recognise him

He asked them what they were discussing

They stood still and their faces downcast

Cleopas asked him:

'Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know things that have happened here in these days?'

Jesus then asked:

'What things?'

They replied:

'About Jesus, he was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, they crucified him; but we had had hope that he was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.'

Jesus then said:

'How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory? And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the scriptures concerning himself.'

As they were coming to the village Jesus acted as if he was going further

The two disciples urged him strongly:

'Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.'

Jesus went to stay with them

When he was at the table he took the bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them

The two disciples finally recognised Jesus but he disappeared out of their sight

They asked each other:

'Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us?'

They got up and returned to Jerusalem

There they found the eleven and those with them, 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 recognised by them when he broke the bread