3rd SUNDAY OF EASTER-YEAR A

I Reading: Acts 2:14.22-33: It was impossible for him to be held in the power of Hades.
II Reading: 1Peter 1:17-21: Your ransom was paid in the precious blood of a lamb without spot or slain, namely Christ.
Gospel: Luke 24:13-35: They recognized him at the breaking of the bread.

Jesus’ Appearance to Two Believers on the Road to Emmaus:
An Immortal Journey, Lk 24:13-35

This is one of the most beloved accounts of the resurrection story and it is found only in Luke. Three points come to mind: the courtesy of the travellers in inviting the stranger to dine with them; the significance of the breaking of bread and searching of the Scriptures.
It is an account of Jesus’ helping two ordinary persons who had lost hope and fallen into the pit of sadness and despair. Their experience was an immortal journey. 
1. Scene 1: Taking a lonely but thoughtful walk (v.13-14)
a. They had heard about the resurrection: “that same day”
b. They thought about and discussed the events
2. Scene 2: Considering three critical questions (v.15-27)
a. Jesus drew near, but he was unrevealed
b. Question 1: What are you talking about?
1) A gloomy look
2) Answer: The things that have happened
c. Question 2: What events?
a) He was a great prophet
b) He was crucified 
c) He was thought to be the Messiah
2) Jesus’ prophecy of three days 
3) Jesus’ empty tomb and perplexing reports
a) Reports of visions
b) Reports of Jesus’ being alive
c) Reports confirmed
d. Question 3: Did not the Prophets predict the Messiah’s death and resurrection? 
1) A mild rebuke
2) His death and resurrection were necessary
3) He explains the Scripture
3. Scene 3: Experiencing the burning truth-Jesus is risen; He is alive (v.28-32)
a) The two sought to hear more: invited Him to stay with them
1) He accepted the invitation
2) He blessed the food
b) Jesus opened their eyes: They knew the Lord
c) They had experienced conviction: A burning within their hearts
4. Scene 4: Proclaiming the immortal witness (v.33-35)
a. The two rushed to the disciples
b. The exciting meeting, the immortal witness: Christ is risen
1) Had been seen by Simon
2) Had been seen by the two from Emmaus

Thought: These two were seeking to understand the death and empty tomb of Jesus Christ. Jesus was the subject of their conversation. They were seeking the truth; therefore, Christ drew near them.
The problem with the two from Emmaus , as it is with so many today, was there short-sightedness and unbelief.

Thought: The greatest of all tragedies is that some still do not accept and believe the Lord’s death and resurrection despite the irrefutable evidence.
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