Two disciples were on their way to Emmaus from Jerusalem. Their village was only a short distance away. They were slowly and painfully walking back home after witnessing the tragedy of the day before. They were confused, discouraged, depressed and somewhat fearful. Their beloved Master had been crucified. What were they to think? They along with hundreds of others had come to believe that this man was the Chosen One of God. That He really was the promised Messiah and would free the land from their Roman oppressors, bring peace to the world and usher in a new kingdom. Now all of that had ended at the cross.
They had heard the report of Simon Peter and John as well as some women, that the Master’s tomb was empty. There was talk that an angel had appeared to the women but women aren’t to be believed. They are full of tales and stories. The two men didn’t know what to make of it all. They argued over the details of what the Master had told them while He was still alive. They were trying to piece the incongruous pieces together.
There, suddenly, appeared with them another man. They didn’t seem to recognize him. Mark says that Jeshua (Jesus) appeared in a different form (16:12). Cleopas and his friend, simply assumed this man to be another Pilgrim who had attended the Passover celebration in Jerusalem and was returning home. Some say that their eyes were blinded because of unbelief that Jesus had risen. However, Luke says ( 24:16) that their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. The Jewish reading of the text says that God prevented their eyes from recognizing Him.
Jesus comes on the scene….not as a spirit, an angel, or in a vision. He comes in flesh and bones but in a different form. Also remember that the Mary Magdalene didn’t recognize Him either. She thought He was the gardener. The disciples, fishing on the lake, mistook Him as a stranger on the shore, and even as they ate with Him they did not dare ask Him who He was! They intuitively knew it was the Master but they didn’t recognize Him visually. Jesus was able not only transcend time and space but also could change his appearance.
So what does this mean? I haven’t reached any firm conclusions, but only that Jesus came back in a living form……real flesh and real bones. Is this how we will be in the heavenly realm? Although we don’t see Him now…….”For now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face: now I know in part but then I shall know, even as I am known.” (1 Cor. 13:12)
AbideLines 