Luke was probably a Greek gentile and, as he says himself, he would not have known Jesus in his lifetime (Luke 1:2). The account of the journey to Emmaus was an excellent way of explaining God’s plan of salvation to an audience that most likely consisted of fellow gentiles.
The story begins with the disciples sadly talking to one another about the events of Good Friday, which they then retold to the stranger who joined them. They had been wandering down a cul-de-sac of unrealistic expectations. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, brought them back to the right road by expounding on the scriptures and the working-out of something much greater than they had envisioned.
When they reached the inn, Jesus waited for their invitation to stay with them. As in many of his appearances they did not recognise him until he made a specific gesture. In their case it was the breaking of bread. This brief experience, which they described as heart-burning, had a profound effect. Though it was late in the day, they hurried back the seven miles to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples. Good news must be shared.
In these times of darkness, we need to believe that Jesus walks with us every day of our lives, as he did with the two disciples. We pray that we may be aware of his presence, as he guides us along the right path.