Advent Readings: Luke 24

Luke 24

Here is the last chapter of the Gospel of Luke, here is the last advent devotion. This is the chapter of resurrection – Jesus overcame the sin, death, and the devil! The glory proclaimed by the angels to shepherds in the very beginning now is fully realized, comes to fruition. The scene of the open tomb could’ve been the last one. Yet, Luke, just like he wrote an introduction to the story (chapter 1), wants us to know the “epilogue.”

Two guys are walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. This is a very common name for Near Eastern village, it should be translated along the lines of “Hot Spring(s).” Think about Springfield – almost every state in the United States has one. Even the Simpsons live in one (which led to whole geographical debate on their context). Luke points out that the distance was 60 stadia (ESV immediately translates it into 7 miles, Luke 24:13; and I am not going to start commenting on “seven as a perfect number”). What is important is the fact that they reached their destination, verse 28. Accompanied by Jesus, Whom they did not recognize, having fun in theological discussion, they came where they wanted to be. They even invite Jesus to stay, that’s where one of the phases from our Evening Prayer setting comes from:

“Stay with us Lord, for it is evening    

And the Day is almost over” (Luke 24:29, LSB )

And then He took the bread, blessed it (or gave thanks), broke it and gave to them. Just like He did before! Then their eyes were opened… Then they remembered that their hearts were burning while they discussed the Scriptures with Him (Luke 24:32). And then something even more interesting happens. Instead of focusing on their reflection, they rise and walk back all the way to Jerusalem – through the night (remember, stay with us Lord, for it is evening…). They want to share the news of resurrection with other disciples (Luke 24:35). Again, as the shepherds seeing with their own eyes the Messiah in the manger went to share the news, the disciples of Jesus could not stop teaching, preaching. And breaking the bread in His memorial.