Luke 24:13-24 (ESV)

¹³ That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, ¹⁴ and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. ¹⁵ While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. ¹⁶ But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. ¹⁷ And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. ¹⁸ Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” ¹⁹ And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, ²⁰ and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. ²¹ But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. ²² Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, ²³ 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. ²⁴ 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.”

Jesus was sentenced to death by the Jewish religious leaders, handed over to the Romans for crucifixion, and then executed. His corpse was placed in a tomb, which was then sealed with a stone. Everyone in Jerusalem knew what had happened. The hopes of those who followed Jesus were shattered. Now what would they do? Go home? Jesus’ disciples left the cross and the Passover festivities that year absolutely broken. They really thought he was the One. A pair of Jesus’ followers returned to their hometown of Emmaus, a small and obscure village. As they walked, they questioned everything that happened. None of it made sense in their minds. They just weren’t able to connect the dots. One of these men was Cleopas, while the other was unnamed. As they mentally wrestled through all that transpired, someone joined them along their way. Luke reveals to the reader that it was actually the resurrected Jesus, but the two disciples remained clueless. Jesus blinded them to who he was and asked them, “Why the intense conversation? What’s up?” Cleopas and his friend literally stopped dead in their tracks. They couldn’t hide their sorrow. Cleopas asked, “Seriously? Are you a visitor here? Haven’t you heard?” Jesus played along. “Heard about what?” Cleopas responded, “Heard about Jesus, who was a prophet. Our religious leaders crucified him. We really thought he was the Messiah.” They accused Jesus of not “knowing” what happened, but in reality, they were the ones “clueless,” as Jesus would soon reveal.

Jesus specifically met up with Cleopas and his companion. He knew what they were thinking. He knew how broken and discouraged they felt. Emmaus wasn’t a significant village, yet these two disciples from a trivial community were very important to Jesus. Do you ever feel unimportant and obscure? If you are a follower of Jesus, you are just as important to him as an entire multitude. Even though you may be insignificant in the eyes of man, you are priceless in the eyes of the Lord. If you feel downcast or distressed, be encouraged today! Jesus knows exactly where you are. Think about his teaching and his words. Believe all that he said and taught. Those who trust in Jesus will never be put to shame. He has conquered death, overcome the world, and is able to strengthen you for all that he has called you to endure too.