What does Luke 24:31 mean?
Cleopas and his friend met a traveler as they were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Despite having seen Jesus many times, they didn't recognize that the traveler was Him. The traveler asked them what they were talking about. Cleopas told the story of how Jesus, their rabbi, had died and how His disciples had believed He was the Messiah. They spoke of the women's report of the empty tomb and the angels, and that Peter and John confirmed His tomb was empty. But the men weren't sure (Luke 24:13–24).The traveler responded. He explained that Jesus had to suffer these things. The prophets had said so. And then the traveler went over the Torah and the Old Testament prophets and explained that everything was right there and anyone who didn't understand was slow of heart (Luke 24:25–27). Despite having heard Jesus teach many times, they still didn't recognize the traveler was Him.
When Cleopas and his friend reached the place where they were staying in Emmaus, they invited the traveler to stay with them. The traveler broke the bread, prayed, and passed the pieces (Luke 24:28–30).
Before this, their problem wasn't a lack of evidence. It was a lack of faith. Jesus had said, "Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away" (Luke 8:18). Those who listen and believe will be given more truth. Those who can't believe what they are given can't understand more. The disciples didn't accept the Old Testament's—and Jesus'—messages about how the Christ would suffer and die. So, they couldn't fathom how Jesus could have risen from the dead. That truth was hidden from them (Luke 18:34).
At this point, "their eyes were opened" by the Holy Spirit who bore witness of Jesus (John 15:26) and guided them into truth (John 16:13). It is interesting to note this opening came when Jesus invited them into community with Himself, not when they had experience with Jesus but didn't know who He was, and not when they received evidence.
The grace of God refused to leave them in the dark. But, just as with Mary Magdalene, Jesus could not stay (John 20:17). He had to leave. There were more people who needed their eyes opened.
