The Gospel account opens on Easter Sunday with two of Jesus’ disciples walking away from Jerusalem (Luke 24:13).

However, the whole of Luke’s Gospel has been pointing to Jerusalem. Jesus goes to Jerusalem on a long journey, upon arriving there takes control of the Temple, teaches, goes through all the Paschal events, rises there and eventually tells His disciples to stay in the city until such time that the power from on high comes down upon you (Luke 24:49).

Their walking away from Jerusalem indicates they have had enough. They have thrown in the towel.

Then, they are joined by another as they walk, but they are unable to recognize him.

When he asks “What are you discussing as you walk along?”, they stop, their faces downcast, distraught (v. 17). They are deeply disappointed men and express their incredulity: ““Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” (v. 18).

Of course, the Risen Lord Jesus is the very one to whom it all happened!

In their explanation, these disciples demonstrate knowing the facts. They get the action details right,  but they do not see Jesus. They are walking away from where God designed them to be.

God’s Saving Presence and Power makes possible for all those who have walked away to come home to where they belong. None of us ever can walk beyond the saving reach of the Risen Lord Jesus.

Come, Lord Jesus!