The Bible tells us that the Risen Jesus remains on earth for 40 days and appears to more than 500 believers:

“After His suffering, He showed Himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the Kingdom of God.” Acts 1: 3 … “He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared also to me [Paul].” 1 Corinthians 15: 6-8

One of my favorite stories about the Risen Jesus occurs in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 24: 13-35). Cleopas and another unnamed disciple are making their way to a village called Emmaus, which is about seven miles from Jerusalem. The two disciples are discussing everything that has occurred – the arrest, the trial, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection – when Jesus shows up alongside them:

“While they were walking and discussing together, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing Him. Jesus asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?'” (Luke 24: 15-16).

The disciples are surprised that anyone coming from Jerusalem would not be aware of the events leading up to and following the Crucifixion of Jesus. So they share the things that they have observed — and those things that they do not understand. As they walk and talk, Jesus helps them to understand what has happened:

Jesus said, “‘Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.'” Luke 24: 26-27

When they arrive at the village of Emmaus, the disciples invite this new friend to stay with them, as evening is approaching. Later on at dinner, Jesus reveals Himself fully, and the disciples recognize Him:

“When He was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, and He disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” Luke 24: 30-32

What do the disciples do when they realize it was Jesus there with them? They go running back to Jerusalem, to share what has happened with the other disciples.

I love this story for so many reasons. I’ve written about it before on my blog.

I love this story because it helps me to understand the empathy and compassion that Jesus has for all of us. He never seems to lose patience with us.

I love this story because Jesus leads His disciples back to Scripture — the inspired Word of God — for the answers they seek about their present circumstances and the Kingdom of God to come. Things are constantly changing in this world, but not Scripture. Proverbs 12:19 reassures us that truthful words stand the test of time, while lies are soon exposed. Because God is good and steadfast in His Love (Psalm 34: 8, Psalm 100: 5, Romans 8: 28), we know and trust that His Word is steeped in goodness and designed to satisfy and inspire us with His Love still today.

What I love most about this story is observing Jesus’ readiness to meet us where we are — and as we are — in our faith journeys. Jesus is drawn to Cleopas and his traveling companion because He observes them genuinely seeking answers about His Life, Death and Resurrection. Each traveler shares bits of their faith with the other, trying to figure out what the events of Jersusalem mean for them.

Jesus is drawn to those who seek Him:

“‘You will seek Me and find Me; when you seek Me with all your heart, I will be found by you,’ says the Lord.” Jeremiah 29: 13-14

And so we pray:

My dearest Jesus, help us always to seek You first, in good times and in bad times. Help us to study Your Word — and to trust completely that You will fill in any gaps for us. Holy Spirit, create within us a yearning and hunger for Jesus that cannot be quenched. Help us to realize that Jesus is ALIVE and accessible to us still today, just as He was and remains to His earliest disciples. Help us to trust, Jesus, that when we seek You with our hearts wide open, we can and will be found by You, Merciful Savior and Loving Friend.

For Jesus teaches us:

“‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness1, for they shall be satisfied.'” Matthew 5: 6

1According to St. Paul, the state of righteousness comes as a free gift from Jesus Christ. Righteousness is the conformity of our hearts and lives to God’s Divine law — or said another way, righteousness is being right with God. Philippians 1: 9-11

Note: The painting above is titled, “The Way to Emmaus.” It was created in 1877 by Richard Zǜnd, a Swiss landscape painter.