The travellers who found Jesus walking beside them

After Jesus was crucified, two of his followers left Jerusalem and began walking towards a village called Emmaus. They were confused, disappointed and trying to understand what had happened.

As they walked, Jesus came alongside them, but they did not recognise him. He asked what they were discussing, and they told him about their lost hopes, their grief and the reports that his tomb had been found empty.

Jesus listened and then helped them understand how his suffering, death and resurrection fitted within God’s larger story. Although they still did not recognise him, something within them began to change as he spoke.

When they reached the village, they invited the stranger to stay with them. As Jesus broke bread at the table, they suddenly recognised him. Then he disappeared from their sight.

The two travellers immediately returned to Jerusalem and told the other disciples that they had seen the risen Jesus. The journey that began in confusion and disappointment ended with renewed faith, hope and a return to Christian community.