The Path of Understanding 

Cleopas and I were plodding along the deserted Emmaus Road, reminiscing about all that had happened in Jerusalem over the past week. A thick haze of dust hung in the air as we walked, each step stirring up more fine particles until they completely shrouded us. The murky cloud eventually dispersed, revealing the scenery and one traveler two stadia behind us.  

Cleopas continued to share his thoughts, but I could not keep up. His words spilled over as his mind raced. As he spoke, I saw glimpses of what he was thinking and would occasionally interject or clarify a point. He said with an infectious enthusiasm that carried us both away, often making me forget what we were talking about in the first place! Now and then, he would pause for breath just long enough for me to slip in a comment or two before being carried along by the current of his words once more. With every sentence he uttered, I felt my mind opening as if suddenly being filled with ideas hidden away until this moment. Though I listened intently, my mouth moved as though of its own accord, adding details or expanding upon his points without conscious thought. 

Fear was palpable throughout the City of Jerusalem as we resolved to venture through the streets despite the lateness of the hour. Our unrest had been rising due to the recent series of tragic events – Jesus of Nazareth, whom we believed could be the Messiah to save us all, had been arrested and cruelly tortured, abused, and crucified by our rulers and priests. We left in shock and confusion – how could He be the Messiah if He were dead?  

The risk seemed great to venture through Jerusalem, but we knew it was necessary. The air, still thick with fear, as we traversed the city in search of any signs or clues that might point us down a new path, hoping for new answers or insights into our current predicament as God’s chosen people.  

The traveler caught up to us. It was astounding how quickly he managed to catch up. I realized just how distracted my mind was for not noticing him sooner – for he had managed to close the gap with us quickly as Jerusalem was only three stadia behind us. He wore a dusty cloak worn thin. He covered his mouth to ward away the dust that had kicked up from our hurried steps. As he joined us in our journey, he briefly nodded in acknowledgment before falling into stride beside us.  

Cleopas was walking along and still talking, unaware of the other Jew that had joined our company. I looked on, wondering if this stranger had any information about Jesus. Have we introduced ourselves? Did I miss a proper introduction? What shameful behavior. I will beg his forgiveness.  

To whom was Cleopas speaking? I could not tell if he was conversing with me or with our new arrival. My mind was swimming as I tried to keep up with him, struggling to make sense of everything. The way Cleopas kept talking without pausing led me to believe that his words were not directed at anyone, maybe not even at us two listeners, but rather himself. He seemed lost in his thoughts. He was trying to understand the situation himself. It made me wonder what news we might hear from our new companion. 

This morning was an emotionally charged one. Mary had been particularly affected. Her grief was palpable and intense. But sorrow to the point of hallucinating? Her sadness had become so strong that it drove her to hallucinate scenes and visions. But…this was not just true for Mary. Three daughters of Rebekah reported seeing the same thing, agreeing on details. Three daughters of Sarah!  

What did they testify? The women approached the tomb, confusion in their minds. How could this be? Is it possible that Jesus has risen from the dead? It is an absurdity. How could it be a vision? The tomb is empty.  

More so, Jesus’s body is missing! That is a serious “what the what?” Where did it go? Who would take it? The Sanhedrin? What dishonor! What a shame! What benefit would that serve them?  

These women are honorable. Could it be possible that Jesus has risen from the dead? That is absurd! People do not rise from the dead.  

But Jesus rose Lazarus from the dead. And that girl he said was sleeping, but she was dead. We all have heard her father’s testimony. What was her name? Could it be true for Jesus too? My ears are buzzing. Everything seems so far away from me. My vision is darkening…I am going to pass out! 

Our sojourner placed his hand on my shoulder, providing comfort and assurance. His warm touch was the only thing anchoring me as the world around me seemed to spin faster and faster. I tried to thank him as he stared at me with a peculiar grin. The landscape returned to focus, and I realized I wobbled for a half step.  

I had not even realized how close it was to planting season. I could only be grateful for the opportunity to compensate for the lost time. Our new companion is still looking at me and smiling. His smile reminds me of Jesus. That makes sense, given that Jesus is always on my mind.  

“Jesus, I miss You so much! How can this all work out for the best? Where is the faithful God of Israel? Can we ever be certain that everything will turn out all right in the end?” Cleapos and our sojourner cast a look of thoughtful concern my way. Had I just said those words aloud? 

Oh, Almighty Father. Jesus promised us we could address You as such – is this true? How could it be when He is dead? He said he was the Messiah. Did he say those words, or did our minds hear what we wanted? The God who comforts, comfort me now! What is the answer?  

Though I no longer know what a sign is, Jesus made it clear when he took the Bread of Affliction and broke it to become the Bread of Freedom. He proclaimed himself as being The Messiah – one like Moses! That was certainly enough for me to believe in him as the coming One. 

Then, He accepted the cup of deliverance, filled with the blood of the Passover Lamb. This act made it apparent that He intended to die for our redemption. But how could a King promised to rule with an eternal scepter be willing to sacrifice Himself?  

We have longed for a Savior. We ache for redemption, and still, the answer remains elusive. Will there be any greater hope than this? How much more can we need in these desperate times?  

But hours later…Jesus is dead. The Pesach lambs were sacrificed at the temple, and at that very moment, the veil ripped apart. Nevertheless, does not Isaiah prophesy of a man who will take on our sins? He is crushed as an offering for us all. It is too much. I cannot make the pieces fit together. 

“I’m so glad I wasn’t there,” I said aloud. Though my voice was faint and brittle, I uttered these words as if I did not know how to handle the air pouring out of me. I am so thankful I was not there. 

“What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” (“Luke 24:17 ESV: And he said to them, “What is this conversation that …”) What was that? What did our new companion ask? What were we discussing? Is that what he asked? How can anyone set foot in Jerusalem and not hear of Jesus? 

Cleopas responded in utter confusion. “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 

“What things?” came the response. What things! What things? How can this person not know about Jesus?  

“Concerning Jesus of Nazareth,” Cleopas and I spoke in unison. We smiled at each other. I instantly felt guilty for smiling. Jesus was dead and missing. My friends were losing their minds. Now was the time for mourning. 

Cleopas continued, “a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. ” 

I squawked, “But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” My throat still felt constrained. 

Cleopas grabbed my shoulder affectionately, “Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. ” 

Again, I had to add to his account, “They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.” (“Luke 24 – and when they did not find his body, they came back saying …”) 

Cleopas looked forlorn, “Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” (“Luke 24:24-27 ESV – Some of those who were with us went to – Bible Gateway”) Tears ran down our faces as we tried again to comprehend all these events surrounding Jesus. I was so sure He was going to save us all.  

I found myself on my knees when I heard our fellow sojourner begin to speak, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” Did he chastise us? As Jesus did, come to think of it.  

The sojourner locked arms with me and helped me back up from the barren path as he continued, “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” His manner reminded me of my mother as she strove to connect Torah to life daily.  

My heart began to burn with hope as our newfound friend spoke as we walked to Emmaus. Where did he start? In the beginning. Listening to him connect all the Scriptures to the Messiah – To Jesus was marvelous. How could we not see? It is as it should be. Jesus must be alive! 

As we drew to Emmaus, our new friend continued to walk down the rest of the way into the valley. Surely, he was one of Jesus’ disciples, speaking as he did. I do not recall him, but such a large crowd followed. It was impossible to keep up with everyone.  

“Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” (“Luke 24:29 But they pleaded with Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly …”) Cleopas and I found ourselves pulling on our friend to come and stay and eat with us. Is it not an honor to welcome one into our home? It is a blessing to feed one as this man, who is undoubtedly a son of Ezra himself. I have so many questions I still need answering. Cleopas too. The sojourner relents and agrees to come with us.  

Our new friend and esteemed guest thanked God when we finally sat at the table. Every word out of his mouth was an honor to hear. We sought to bless him, and he continues to bless us. He took the matza and prayed.  

“Amen, Amen. We praise You, our Father, for You are the God of Salvation. You have proclaimed it from old. You are faithfully seeing it to completion.  

Thank you for breaking Your Son as I break this bread of Affliction. As he was buried, it was hidden. As he rises, so it returns. The afikomen becomes the bread of freedom. We break it now in the proclamation of Your Great Plan of Salvation.  

My eyes open, following up my hand as it intuitively reaches for the bread as I hear, “Eat this in remembrance of Me.” I look up, past the hand handing me the matzah into the face. On his face, I see everything all at once. I see his smile, his slight head cock to the left, but mostly it was in the eyes. I am looking at Jesus. Jesus was dead. Jesus is now alive.  

Cleopas is also locked in amazement. Our words are lost. Our breath is gone. Our compass is firmly anchored. And then he vanished. How do I explain this to anyone? Except I know what I saw. I turn and look at Cleopas. We talked over each other as we immediately got up and started trotting back toward Jerusalem.  

Jesus is the Star in the Star Prophecy

1. The introductory article on understanding Balaam’s last prophecy in Numbers 24:15-19, which is about Jesus, is here. This post and series is entitled “Jesus is the Star in the Star Prophecy.”
2. The second post, concerning the hermeneutic behind my exegesis, is here. This post is titled, “The Ostensive Hermeneutical Principle: Unlocking the Power of Fee’s Axiom.”
3. The third post is here. A short story, is meant to help clarify the context in Luke 24:13-32 by putting us in Jesus’ conversation with Him and His disciples.
4. Luke 24:13-27 as our hermeneutical signpost is the fourth post here. This post is titled, “The Way to Interpret the Bible Exampled in Luke 24:13-27.”

Jesus helps me understand the world. I am Iz. My goal is to share my daily fight in the hopes of being an example. An example of what exactly? Of someone who is trying live victoriously in Jesus. I fail often. Just as often, the Holy Spirit provides comfort as Jesus advocates for me before God the Father’s throne. It is my constant reality. It is a liberating reality.

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