Luke 24:31 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.

NIV: Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

NASB: And then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight.

CSB: Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight.

NLT: Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!

KJV: And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

NKJV: Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.

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.

Luke 24:28–35 describes how the two men traveling to Emmaus finally recognize Jesus. They had been discussing Jesus' death when Jesus, keeping His identity hidden, asked what they were talking about. They told Him, and He explained how the events fit with the Old Testament, both the Torah and the Prophets (Luke 24:13–27). When they invite Him to eat, He breaks the bread and they realize it's Him. Jesus disappears and the two return to Jerusalem to tell the disciples. It turns out, Peter has seen Jesus, too. Only Luke authentically records the interaction between Jesus and the two disciples.

After Jesus is executed and buried (Luke 23:52–53), the women who had followed Him from Galilee come to improve His burial condition. They find an open, empty tomb and angels. The disciples are informed. Two of them spend time speaking with a stranger while walking, only to realize it was Jesus Himself. Jesus appears to His followers, eating fish and explaining how His role as Messiah was predicted in Scripture. Jesus then ascends to heaven while His disciples worship.

Luke 24 describes how Jesus' followers learned of His resurrection. Luke 23 recorded His legal trials, crucifixion, death, and burial. Acts chapter 1, also written by Luke, explains how Jesus' followers prepare for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the church. Luke 24's theme is the fulfillment of prophecy from Jesus and the Old Testament prophets. Once Jesus' followers understand, He returns to heaven. Matthew 28 includes how the Sanhedrin bribed the guards. John chapter 20 adds Thomas coming to believe while chapter 21 records Peter's reconciliation with Jesus.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.