Emmaus
Cleophas and another left Jerusalem to return to the little town of Emmaus, where they lived. They walked in silence, for there were too many spies about, secret agents of the Romans and of the temple authorities. Only when they had left the city behind did they start talking to each other about the things on their minds - those things that were so dangerous to talk about when one did not know who was listening. He was coming from the city too, could he have heard what they were saying. Like everyone else he was wearing a kerchief, half veiling his face, as a protection against heat and dust.
The scene is the roof-top of an Oriental home overlooking the valley. the sea, and in the distance the faintly outlined rim of the setting sun, for the day was far spent. It was late afternoon of the first Easter, when (these), restless with sorrow, went out by the western gate of Jerusalem, for a country walk. They took the direction to a little place called Emmaus - a lovely village set over the hills in bloom and green. Life and light throbbed in the soft wind, in the gentle scenery.
Josephus speaks of an "Emmaus" about 4 miles from Jerusalem that was chosen by Vespasian as a sight for a colony of Roman soldiers after AD 70. In Maccabean times was Amwas, 15 miles from Jerusalem on the Jaffa road, known as Emmaus later named Nicopolis. Cleopas - possibly same as in John. 19:25. Simeon the son of Clopas elected bishop of Jerusalem to succeed James. Prophecies concerning Immanuel - Christ. Emmaus means hot baths.
Jesus met two disciples on the road. The story of the disciples of Emmaus who were joined on their way by the risen Christ, but did not know him. They tell the stranger at their side the terrible tale of their master, which has disappointed all their hopes; indeed they can even tell the events of Easter morning, but only as a hopeless story, known to everyone except, apparently this stranger, until he opens his mouth and reveals to them the deep redeeming meaning of the whole story "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all the prophets have spoken. Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And so he fans the dying flame in their hearts anew, and they are aware of his presence at the evening meal. Thus they return to the circle of the brethren as witnesses, and are met with the joyful confession from their midst: "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon".
[331, 347, 295, 355, BD]
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