Luke 24:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

One must demonstrate strength in both action and word ‘before God,’ and subsequently ‘before all men.’ It is essential to gain God’s favor before seeking to be as blameless as possible in the eyes of others; one should not prioritize pleasing people over God, nor succumb to worldly temptations, but should strive to balance both, as the wise man advises, ‘Consider it well before God and men.’ Paul echoes this sentiment (2 Cor. 8:21).

They lamented, "But we had hoped that He was the One who would redeem Israel" (see Luke 24:13-21). Their hope was indeed well-founded, for in Him lies the salvation of Israel. Yet, they were impatient, seeking to elevate Him as king (see John 6:15). This desire is further highlighted when His disciples questioned Him about the restoration of Israel's kingdom, saying, "Is it not at this time that You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6). Their eagerness to establish the kingdom was evident; the desire to place Him upon the throne was clear. However, He responded to them, for He had not yet ascended alone, stating, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons which the Father has set by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:7-8). "You wish for an immediate kingdom; let Me first gather what I will establish. You hold onto the lofty aspirations, yet true elevation comes through following Me in humility."

The identity of the other traveler remains unknown. Both were journeying from Jerusalem to Emmaus, a village situated 60 stadia away. They departed before the news of the Lord’s appearance to Mary Magdalene was made known. During their walk, they discussed the recent events that had unfolded in Jerusalem. The disgraceful death of Jesus had shattered their hopes of His role as the Restorer of Israel. The Lord, modifying His appearance in part (Mark 16:12) and partially concealing their vision (Luke 24:16), approached them and engaged in conversation, demonstrating that it was essential for the Messiah, the Restorer of Israel, to endure suffering according to the Scriptures, as this was the path to His glory. Through this reasoning, they were led to understand that if they regarded Jesus as the Messiah, His death should not be perceived as the end of His mission, but rather that they should anticipate the glorification promised in Scripture through His resurrection. Jesus spoke at length (the journey was not short), explaining the significance of the prophetic texts regarding the Messiah, His suffering, and His resurrection. The Evangelist does not specify which passages the Lord referenced, but undoubtedly they were the same ones later cited by the disciples and by apostles Peter and Paul in their teachings and letters. It was a joy for the disciples to hear these words, igniting their hearts. When they reached their destination, the companion wished to continue on, but they urged Him to stay and share the evening meal. At this moment, He made His identity known to them in the breaking of the bread; perhaps the disciples noticed the wounds on His hands, yet He suddenly vanished from their sight. This realization assured them that they had indeed encountered someone extraordinary, prompting them to return immediately to the Apostles in Jerusalem.

Instead of fulfillment, they faced profound disappointment, leaving them devoid of faith and hope. Despite this reality, skeptics claim that the apostles and all Christ’s followers were so enamored by the idea of His Resurrection, that the visions they experienced in their troubled minds were misconstrued as the reality of His Resurrection.

Despite His disgraceful death on the cross alongside criminals, they still recognize Him as a ‘prophet,’ a remarkable messenger from God, the likes of whom had not been seen by the Jewish people for many years, aside from John the Baptist. They openly express their faith in Him, acknowledging His prophetic role to the traveler they meet. According to them, His prophetic authority is demonstrated in His powerful deeds, accomplished through miraculous works that affirm His divine mission, and in His teachings, which were revealed directly from God. Both God and the people have attested to His power in actions and words.

The travelers inform the stranger, whom they honor, of a significant disagreement between themselves and the leaders of the people regarding this prophet. While the leaders condemned Him to a disgraceful execution, they, the Emmaus travelers and other disciples, had ‘hoped’ He was the one destined to redeem Israel. They do not elaborate on what form this redemption might take or the nature of their hopes, leaving it unclear whether their expectations were more political or spiritual. However, they believe that these hopes, whatever they entailed, remain unrealized, as they do not comprehend the unfolding events. They note that it is ‘now the third day,’ reflecting on everything that has transpired—His crucifixion, death, and burial—while lamenting their unfulfilled hopes. The Lord had spoken to His disciples of His resurrection on the third day, but at that moment, they failed to grasp His words. It appears they anticipated something extraordinary, which indeed occurred, yet they did not understand its significance. It seems these two men were caught in deep uncertainty, neither fully believing nor completely disbelieving. Their statement, ‘we hoped that He would deliver Israel,’ betrays a lack of faith, and the mention of ‘now is the third day’ suggests that they were close to recalling the Lord’s promise of resurrection—‘on the third day I will rise again.’ However, taken together, these phrases truly reflect individuals engulfed in doubt, as they find themselves bewildered by the remarkable nature of the resurrection.